Porophyllum obscurum

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Porophyllum lineare f. latifolia
• Kleinia linifolia
• Kleinia obscura
• Porophyllum eremophilum
• Porophyllum haenkei

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Asterales, it is classified under the family Asteraceae. Finally, it is identified by the genus Porophyllum and the species name obscurum.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant is distributed across several distinct regions within Western South America and Brazil. In the western portion of the continent, it can be found specifically within Bolivia. Its presence in Brazil is quite widespread, spanning across the West-Central territories. Additionally, the species is documented in the Northeast region of Brazil. Finally, its geographical range extends into the Southeast and South regions of the country.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Porophyllum obscurum is characterized by its presence in specific Brazilian biomes, primarily inhabiting the Campo Rupestre and Cerrado (latu sensu) ecosystems. This species exhibits a broad vertical distribution across diverse landscapes, occupying an elevational range that begins at sea level (0 m AMSL) and extends up to a maximum altitude of 2000 m AMSL. Such a wide altitudinal gradient suggests an adaptability to varying thermal regimes and atmospheric pressures within its preferred habitats.

Elevational range max:

2000 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

0 m AMSL

Habitat :

Campo Rupestre, Cerrado (lato sensu)

Life history

The life history of Porophyllum obscurum is characterized by its status as a perennial species, meaning it persists through multiple growing seasons rather than completing its cycle in a single year. As a perennial, the plant establishes a robust root system that allows it to survive dormant periods and re-emerge to support continued vegetative growth and subsequent reproductive cycles. Throughout its lifespan, it undergoes various developmental stages, transitioning from seedling establishment to mature flowering, where it produces inflorescences to facilitate seed dispersal. This long-term survival strategy enables the plant to maintain a presence within its ecological niche, often fluctuating in vigor based on seasonal environmental conditions and resource availability.

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Porophyllum obscurum is characterized by its growth form as a herb, exhibiting a non-woody structure throughout its development. This plant is primarily terrestrial in its habitat, showing no aquatic or semiaquatic tendencies, and it functions as an independent organism rather than a parasite. It is a self-supporting species that does not exhibit climbing or epiphytic behavior, maintaining a terrestrial life cycle without the need for host support or specialized epiphytic adaptations.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

herb

Parasite :

independent

Woodiness :

non-woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Porophyllum obscurum has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include 5-(3-Buten-1-ynyl)-2,2'-bithiophene.

5-(3-Buten-1-ynyl)-2,2'-bithiophene

1. Photodiagnosis and photodynamic therapy

Preparations

Porophyllum obscurum has 1 reported preparations identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include hexane extract.

Hexane extract

1. Photodiagnosis and photodynamic therapy