Pseudobombax simplicifolium

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and is classified under the class Equisetopsida. It is further organized into the subclass Magnoliidae, the order Malvales, and the family Malvaceae. Finally, it is identified by the genus Pseudobombax.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant is distributed across specific regions within the country of Brazil. Its presence is primarily recorded in the Northeast portion of the nation. Additionally, the species can be found inhabiting the Southeast region of Brazil. These two distinct areas represent the known geographical range for this medicinal species. Consequently, its natural habitat is concentrated within these specific Brazilian territories.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Pseudobombax simplicifolium is characterized by its occurrence within the specific environmental conditions of the Carrasco and Cerrado (latu sensu) biomes. In these landscapes, the species is adapted to the complex dynamics of tropical seasonal savannas, where it must navigate a mosaic of open grasslands and woody shrublands. Its presence in the Cerrado indicates a high degree of adaptation to nutrient-poor, acidic soils and a climate defined by distinct wet and dry seasons. Within these habitats, the plant's survival and distribution are closely tied to the specific edaphic and fire regimes typical of these ecosystems, playing a role in the structural diversity and ecological stability of the Carrasco and Cerrado vegetation communities.

Habitat :

Carrasco, Cerrado (lato sensu)

Life history

The life history of Pseudobombax simplicifolium is characterized by its nature as a perennial organism, allowing it to persist through multiple growing seasons and establish a long-term presence within its ecological niche. Throughout its development, the plant exhibits a deciduous growth habit, undergoing a seasonal cycle where it sheds its foliage, typically in response to dry periods or specific climatic shifts, before regenerating new leaves. This rhythmic transition between its leaf-bearing and leafless states is a fundamental component of its biological strategy for survival and resource management.

Deciduousness :

deciduous

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Pseudobombax simplicifolium is characterized by its growth form as a woody tree, which functions as a self-supporting structure rather than a climber or liana. This plant reaches a mean height of 5.5 m, with a maximum height potential of up to 7 m. It is a terrestrial species, growing in soil rather than in aquatic or semiaquatic environments, and it does not exhibit epiphytic behavior, maintaining a purely terrestrial habit. Furthermore, the species is an independent organism, lacking any parasitic relationship with other plants.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

7 m

Plant height mean:

5.5 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Pseudobombax simplicifolium is characterized by a C3 photosynthetic pathway, which governs its carbon fixation process and metabolic efficiency under its typical environmental conditions. In terms of nutrient acquisition and symbiotic relationships, the plant does not function as a nitrogen fixer, meaning it lacks the specialized biological mechanisms or symbiotic associations required to convert atmospheric nitrogen into usable forms for growth.

Nitrogen fixer :

no

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Pseudobombax simplicifolium has 2 reported plant parts identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include leaf, stem.

Leaf

1. Chemistry & biodiversity

Stem

1. Chemistry & biodiversity

Chemicals

Pseudobombax simplicifolium has 6 reported phytochemicals identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Flavonoids, Lupeol, Saponins, Steroids, Tannins.

Flavonoids

1. Chemistry & biodiversity

Lupeol

1. Chemistry & biodiversity

Saponins

1. Chemistry & biodiversity

Steroids

1. Chemistry & biodiversity

Tannins

1. Chemistry & biodiversity

Terpenoids

1. Chemistry & biodiversity

Activities

Pseudobombax simplicifolium has 4 reported activities identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Anticancer, Antimicrobial, Antinociceptive, Antioxidant.

Anticancer

1. Chemistry & biodiversity

Antimicrobial

1. Chemistry & biodiversity

Antinociceptive

1. Chemistry & biodiversity

Antioxidant

1. Chemistry & biodiversity

Medicinal Uses

Pseudobombax simplicifolium has 2 reported medicinal uses identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include antioxidant, ultraviolet radiation.

Most Reported Uses

Preparations