Pouteria viridis

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Distribution

This plant exhibits a diverse range of locations throughout its natural habitat in the Americas. Within Mexico, its presence is noted in both the Gulf region and the Southeast. Its distribution extends significantly into Central America, where it can be found in Guatemala and El Salvador. Additionally, the species is documented inhabiting the tropical landscapes of Costa Rica. These specific regions highlight the plant's broad geographical footprint across these subtropical zones.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Pouteria viridis is characterized by its status as a perennial species, allowing it to persist in its environment through multiple growing seasons. As a phanerophyte, the plant maintains its photosynthetic organs on elevated woody stems, specifically categorized under the phanerophyte life form classifications which ensure its survival above the ground level. Furthermore, the plant exhibits an evergreen deciduousness pattern, meaning it retains its foliage throughout the year without undergoing a seasonal shedding period.

Deciduousness :

evergreen

Life form :

phanerophyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Pouteria viridis is characterized by a robust, woody growth form, primarily manifesting as a tree. This species exhibits significant structural development, reaching an average plant height of approximately 20 meters. As a terrestrial organism, it does not inhabit aquatic or semiaquatic environments, nor does it function as an epiphyte. The plant is an independent species, meaning it does not exhibit parasitic behavior, and while it possesses a substantial stature, its structural classification is defined by its self-supporting nature rather than as a liana or vine.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Plant height mean:

20 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Pouteria viridis is characterized by complex metabolic processes adapted to its specific ecological niche, primarily focusing on its nutrient acquisition and energy production strategies. In terms of its symbiotic capabilities, the plant is not a nitrogen fixer, meaning it lacks the specialized root nodules containing rhizobia necessary to convert atmospheric nitrogen into bioavailable forms. Consequently, its physiological dependence on soil nitrogen availability is high, requiring efficient root systems to uptake nitrates and ammonium from the surrounding substrate. Its metabolic framework involves standard photosynthetic pathways to synthesize carbohydrates, which drive its growth and the production of secondary metabolites. These biochemical processes are integral to maintaining cellular homeostasis and responding to environmental stressors, ensuring the plant's survival through regulated enzymatic activities and transpiration-driven nutrient transport.

Nitrogen fixer :

no

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Pouteria viridis has 11 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Ash, CALCIUM, FAT, IRON, PHOSPHORUS.

Ash

1. Dr. Duke

CALCIUM

1. Dr. Duke

FAT

1. Dr. Duke

IRON

1. Dr. Duke

PHOSPHORUS

1. Dr. Duke

ascorbic acid

1. Dr. Duke

beta-carotene

1. Dr. Duke

niacin

1. Dr. Duke

riboflavin

1. Dr. Duke

thiamin

1. Dr. Duke

Activities

Pouteria viridis has 207 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Acidulant, Aldose-Reductase-Inhibitor, Allergenic, Analgesic, Androgenic?.

Acidulant

1. Dr. Duke

Aldose-Reductase-Inhibitor

1. Dr. Duke

Allergenic

1. Dr. Duke

Analgesic

1. Dr. Duke

Androgenic?

1. Dr. Duke

Angiotensin-Receptor-Blocker

1. Dr. Duke

AntiAGE

1. Dr. Duke

AntiCFS

1. Dr. Duke

AntiCTS

1. Dr. Duke

AntiCrohn's

1. Dr. Duke

Medicinal Uses

Pouteria viridis has 1 reported medicinal uses identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include HIV.

Most Reported Uses

Preparations