Qualea multiflora

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant, known scientifically as Qualea multiflora, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. It is classified under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, falling within the order Myrtales. Furthermore, it is a member of the family Vochysiaecae and the genus Qualea.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a broad geographical distribution across several regions of South America. In Western South America, its presence is documented within the territories of both Bolivia and Peru. Moving toward the east, the species is widely established across multiple Brazilian territories. Specifically, it can be found throughout the West-Central, Northeast, and Southeast regions of Brazil. This extensive range highlights the plant's adaptability to diverse environments within the continent.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Qualea multiflora is characterized by its presence within the Cerrado (latu sensu) habitat, where it functions as a key component of the tropical savanna landscape. This species exhibits a broad altitudinal distribution, occupying environments ranging from sea level up to a maximum elevation of 1000 m AMSL. Within these diverse topographical gradients, the plant adapts to the specific soil and climatic conditions inherent to the Brazilian savanna biome, contributing to the structural complexity and ecological stability of its native range.

Elevational range max:

1000 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

0 m AMSL

Habitat :

Cerrado (lato sensu)

Life history

The life history of Qualea multiflora is characterized by its status as a perennial species, meaning it maintains its physiological functions and structural integrity over many years rather than completing its cycle in a single season. As a long-lived woody plant, its lifecycle involves a prolonged vegetative stage where it establishes a robust root system and a significant canopy to compete for resources within its ecosystem. Following this establishment, the plant undergoes repeated reproductive cycles, producing flowers and seeds periodically throughout its lifespan to ensure population continuity. This perennial nature allows the species to endure seasonal environmental fluctuations and accumulate biomass over time, contributing to the stability of its native habitat.

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Qualea multiflora is characterized by its woody structure, functioning primarily as a self-supporting growth form that manifests as both a tree and a shrub. As a terrestrial species, it is neither aquatic nor an epiphyte, maintaining an independent lifestyle without acting as a parasite. The plant exhibits significant vertical development, with an average height of approximately 5 m, though it is capable of reaching a maximum height of up to 25 m.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Growth form :

shrub

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

25 m

Plant height mean:

5 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Qualea multiflora is characterized by a C3 photosynthetic pathway, utilizing the standard Calvin cycle for carbon fixation without the specialized adaptations found in C4 or CAM plants. In terms of nutrient acquisition and symbiotic relationships, this species is not a nitrogen fixer, meaning it relies on the uptake of mineral nitrogen from the soil through its root system rather than obtaining it through biological nitrogen fixation via symbiotic bacteria.

Nitrogen fixer :

no

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Reproduction

Reproduction in Qualea multiflora is characterized by a reliance on cross-pollination mechanisms, as the process of self-fertilization is notably absent. The reproductive cycle is driven by the production of inflorescences that attract specific pollinators, ensuring genetic diversity through the exchange of pollen between different individuals. Because the trait of self-fertilization is absent, the plant maintains a high degree of heterozygosity, preventing the potential fitness decline associated with inbreeding. This reliance on external biotic agents for pollen transfer is a fundamental aspect of its reproductive strategy, ensuring that seed set is achieved through the successful movement of pollen from one flower to another, thereby facilitating robust genetic recombination within the population.

Self fertilization :

absent

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Qualea multiflora has 3 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Phytosteroids, Terpenes, polyphenols.

Phytosteroids

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Terpenes

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

polyphenols

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Medicinal Uses

Qualea multiflora has 3 reported medicinal uses identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include gastric diseases, gastritis, ulcers.

Most Reported Uses

Preparations