Psychotria bahiensis

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Psychotria cuspidata var. bahiensis
• Uragoga bahiensis
• Psychotria cuspidata var. freireisiana
• Psychotria bahiensis var. staminea
• Uragoga diplosphaerica
• Psychotria bahiensis var. stylosa
• Psychotria cuspidata var. compacta
• Psychotria diplosphaerica

Sources: Wikidata

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Gentianaales, it is classified under the family Rubiaceae. It is specifically identified by the genus Psychotria, with its species designation being Psychotria bahiensis.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant is primarily found within specific regions of Brazil. Its geographical range extends across the diverse landscapes of the Brazil Northeast. Additionally, the species can be located within the Brazil Southeast area. These two distinct regions represent the core of its known natural habitat. Consequently, its distribution is closely tied to the environmental conditions of these Brazilian territories.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Psychotria bahiensis is characterized by its ability to inhabit a diverse array of forest ecosystems and specialized coastal environments. It is commonly found in Riparian Forests (Floresta Ciliar ou Galeria), Terra Firme Forests, Perennial Seasonal Forests (Floresta Estacional Perenifólia), Ombrophilous Forests (Floresta Ombrófila/Pluvial), and Restinga habitats. This species demonstrates significant adaptability to varying topographic positions, occupying an elevational range that spans from as low as 100 m AMSL to a maximum of 1800 m AMSL, with a mean elevation of approximately 950 m AMSL.

Elevational range max:

1800 m AMSL

Elevational range mean:

950 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

100 m AMSL

Habitat :

Floresta Ciliar ou Galeria, Floresta de Terra Firme, Floresta Estacional Perenifólia, Floresta Ombrófila (= Floresta Pluvial), Restinga

Life history

The life history of Psychotria bahiensis is characterized by its structural classification within two distinct growth strategies depending on environmental conditions and developmental stages. It primarily functions as a phanerophyte, maintaining its conductive organs well above the ground to survive seasonal variations. However, it also exhibits characteristics of a nanophanerophyte, reflecting a growth habit where the shoots are relatively short but still elevated above the soil surface. This dual life form capability allows the species to navigate its ecological niche by balancing woody structural development with more compact, low-growing forms when necessary for survival.

Life form :

nanophanerophyte

Life form :

phanerophyte

Morphology

The morphology of Psychotria bahiensis is characterized by a woody structure that primarily manifests in two distinct growth forms: as a shrub or as a tree. As a terrestrial organism, it functions as an independent plant, meaning it does not exhibit parasitic behavior. While it can be found in various habitats, its ecological habit is strictly terrestrial rather than aquatic or semiaquatic, and it does not function as an epiphyte. In terms of its physical support and habit, it is classified as a self-supporting plant, lacking the climbing mechanisms associated with lianas or vines, as it does not require external structures for upward growth.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Growth form :

shrub

Parasite :

independent

Woodiness :

woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Psychotria bahiensis has 6 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include (Z)-Vallesiachotamine, 5alpha-Carboxystrictosidine, Angustine, Bahienoside A, Bahienoside B.

(Z)-Vallesiachotamine

1. Journal of natural products

5alpha-Carboxystrictosidine

1. Journal of natural products

Angustine

1. Journal of natural products

Bahienoside A

1. Journal of natural products

Bahienoside B

1. Journal of natural products

Strictosamide

1. Journal of natural products