Praxelis

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• Praxelis
• pussyfoot

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Eupatorium urticifolium f. congestum
• Eupatorium urticifolium var. clematideum
• Eupatorium catarium
• Chrysocoma pauciflora

Regional and Traditional Names

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, placing it within the class Equisetopsida and the subclass Magnoliidae. As a member of the order Asterales, it is further classified under the family Asteraceae. Specifically, it is categorized within the genus Praxelis.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a wide-ranging geographical distribution across several distinct regions. In West Tropical Africa, its presence is specifically noted within the borders of Guinea. Moving toward East Asia, it can be found growing in Taiwan. Its reach extends significantly into China, where it inhabits the South-Central and Southeast territories. Furthermore, the species is also documented as occurring on the island of Hainan.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Praxelis clematidea is characterized by a broad altitudinal distribution and a preference for diverse environmental settings. This species thrives across an elevational range starting from sea level (0 m AMSL) up to a maximum altitude of 1800 m AMSL. Its habitat is notably varied, occurring within anthropic areas (Área Antrópica), the semi-arid Caatinga (strictu sensu) biome, and the more expansive Cerrado (lato sensu) formations, demonstrating a significant capacity to adapt to different vegetation structures and human-modified landscapes.

Elevational range max:

1800 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

0 m AMSL

Habitat :

Área Antrópica, Caatinga (stricto sensu), Cerrado (lato sensu)

Life history

The life history of Praxelis clematidea is characterized by its status as a perennial plant, allowing it to persist through multiple growing seasons. In terms of its structural development and survival strategy, it is classified as a chamaephyte, a life form where the majority of the plant's photosynthetic organs are located close to the soil surface, often protected by leaf litter or minimal substrate cover. This chamaephyte growth habit enables the species to withstand specific environmental pressures while maintaining its perennial cycle throughout its habitat.

Life form :

chamaephyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Praxelis clematidea is characterized by its growth form as a non-woody herb, exhibiting a structure that is primarily terrestrial in nature. It does not function as an epiphyte, maintaining a terrestrial existence rather than growing upon other plants as a holoepiphyte or hemiepiphyte. In terms of its climbing habit, the plant is classified as a self-supporting entity, lacking the characteristics of an obligatory or facultative vine or liana. Furthermore, it operates as an independent organism, showing no parasitic tendencies, and its physical constitution is defined by its non-woody, herbaceous tissue.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

herb

Parasite :

independent

Woodiness :

non-woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Praxelis clematidea has 4 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include CHLOROFORM, Caryophyllene oxide, ETHYL ACETATE, Isolongifolene.

CHLOROFORM

1. Journal of natural medicines

Caryophyllene oxide

1. Pesticide biochemistry and physiology

ETHYL ACETATE

1. Journal of natural medicines

Isolongifolene

1. Pesticide biochemistry and physiology

Activities

Praxelis clematidea has 1 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Repellent.

Repellent

1. Pesticide biochemistry and physiology

Conditions

Praxelis clematidea has 1 reported investigations on conditions identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include gastric ulcer.

Gastric ulcer

1. Journal of natural medicines

Preparations

Praxelis clematidea has 1 reported preparations identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include oils.

Oils

1. Pesticide biochemistry and physiology