spiral dog's-tongue

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• spiral dog's-tongue

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Pseudelephantopus funckii
• Chaetospira spiralis
• Elephantopus crispus f. hirsuta
• Distreptus spiralis
• Elephantopus spiralis
• Spirochaeta funckii
• Chaetospira funckii

Regional and Traditional Names

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae, it is further organized into the order Asterales and the family Asteraceae. Finally, its specific taxonomic placement is defined by the genus Pseudelephantopus.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific geographical distribution concentrated within the tropical regions of Central America and the Caribbean. In Central America, its presence is documented in the countries of Costa Rica and Panamá. Moving into the Caribbean islands, the species can be found in Puerto Rico and Trinidad-Tobago. Additionally, its range extends to include the Windward Islands. Together, these locations define the natural habitat where this medicinal species thrives.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Pseudelephantopus spiralis is characterized by its presence in diverse forest environments, specifically thriving within Floresta de Terra Firme and Floresta Estacional Semidecidual. This species exhibits a broad altitudinal distribution, spanning from sea level up to a maximum elevation of 2700 m AMSL. Throughout its various habitats, it maintains a mean elevation of approximately 600 m AMSL, reflecting its ability to adapt to both lowland tropical settings and higher montane elevations.

Elevational range max:

2700 m AMSL

Elevational range mean:

600 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

0 m AMSL

Habitat :

Floresta de Terra Firme, Floresta Estacional Semidecidual

Life history

The life history of Pseudelephantopus spiralis is characterized by its nature as a perennial plant, allowing it to persist through multiple growing seasons rather than completing its cycle in a single year. As a perennial species, it maintains a continuous presence in its habitat, often developing robust structures that support long-term survival and repeated reproductive efforts. This lifecycle enables the plant to establish a stable foothold in its ecological niche, contributing to its longevity and ability to withstand environmental fluctuations over time.

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Pseudelephantopus spiralis is characterized by a growth form defined as a non-woody herb and a forb. This plant is fundamentally terrestrial in its habitat, categorized across aquaic, semiaquatic, and terrestrial spectrums, rather than being an epiphyte or an aquatic specialist. It functions as an independent organism, exhibiting no parasitic behavior, and maintains a self-supporting structure rather than acting as a liana, vine, or any other form of climber.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

herb

Growth form :

forb

Parasite :

independent

Woodiness :

non-woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Activities

Pseudelephantopus spiralis has 2 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant, Cytoprotective.

Antioxidant

1. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM

Cytoprotective

1. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM

Conditions

Pseudelephantopus spiralis has 1 reported investigations on conditions identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include inflammation.

Inflammation

1. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM

Preparations

Pseudelephantopus spiralis has 1 reported preparations identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include botanical extract.

Botanical extract

1. Rapid communications in mass spectrometry : RCM