Qualea parviflora

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Qualea parviflora var. discolor
• Qualea parviflora var. glabrata

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant, known scientifically as Qualea parviflora, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, it is categorized under the order Myrtales and the family Vochysiaecae. Finally, it is classified under the genus Qualea.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a broad geographical distribution across several distinct regions of South America. It is primarily found within the borders of Bolivia in Western South America. Within Brazil, its presence is widespread, spanning across the North, Northeast, and Southeast regions. Additionally, the species is well-established throughout the West-Central part of the Brazilian territory. Collectively, these areas represent the core habitats where the species can be located in the wild.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Qualea parviflora is characterized by its specific adaptation to low-to-mid altitude landscapes, occupying an elevational range that extends from sea level (0 m AMSL) up to a maximum of 500 m AMSL. It is specifically associated with specialized environments, found growing within the vegetation over rocky outcrops (Vegetação Sobre Afloramentos Rochosos), where it thrives in these distinct geological formations.

Elevational range max:

500 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

0 m AMSL

Habitat :

Vegetação Sobre Afloramentos Rochosos

Life history

The life history of Qualea parviflora is characterized by its status as a perennial species, meaning it maintains its existence over many years rather than completing its life cycle within a single growing season. As a long-lived woody plant, it follows a developmental trajectory that moves from initial seedling establishment through prolonged vegetative growth phases, eventually reaching maturity to support reproductive functions. Unlike annuals or biennials that have fixed, short-term lifespans, this perennial plant invests significant energy into structural permanence and long-term survival within its ecosystem. This enduring lifecycle allows it to withstand seasonal fluctuations and establish a stable presence in its habitat, contributing to the long-term stability of its biological community.

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Qualea parviflora is characterized by its growth form as a woody tree, which functions as a self-supporting structure rather than a climber or liana. It is a terrestrial species, existing independently without parasitic or epiphytic tendencies. In terms of stature, the plant reaches a height of approximately 8 meters, with both its mean and maximum recorded height settling at this measurement.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Plant height mean:

8 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Qualea parviflora is characterized by a C3 photosynthetic pathway, meaning its carbon fixation process relies on the enzyme RuBisCO to incorporate CO2 directly into a three-carbon compound during the Calvin cycle. This metabolic strategy is typical of many woody species in its ecological niche, allowing for efficient gas exchange under standard environmental conditions. Regarding its nutrient acquisition processes, the plant is not a nitrogen fixer, indicating that it does not possess a symbiotic relationship with diazotrophic bacteria to convert atmospheric nitrogen into usable forms and must instead rely on the uptake of nitrates or ammonium from the soil through its root system.

Nitrogen fixer :

no

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Qualea parviflora has 4 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include 3,3'-Di-O-methylellagic acid, 3-O-methylellagic acid 4'-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranoside, Saponins, Triterpenes.

3,3'-Di-O-methylellagic acid

1. Zeitschrift fur Naturforschung. C, Journal of biosciences

3-O-methylellagic acid 4'-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranoside

1. Zeitschrift fur Naturforschung. C, Journal of biosciences

Saponins

1. Zeitschrift fur Naturforschung. C, Journal of biosciences

Triterpenes

1. Zeitschrift fur Naturforschung. C, Journal of biosciences

Activities

Qualea parviflora has 7 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Analgesic, Antioxidant, Antispasmodic, Antiulcer, Gastroprotective.

Analgesic

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Antioxidant

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Antispasmodic

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Antiulcer

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Gastroprotective

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Inflammatory

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Mutagenic

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Medicinal Uses

Qualea parviflora has 6 reported medicinal uses identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include analgesic, antidiarrheal, diarrhea, gastritis, gastrointestinal disorders.

Most Reported Uses

Preparations