Ronabea emetica

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Cephaelis emetica
• Evea emetica
• Uragoga emetica
• Psychotria emetica

Regional and Traditional Names

Sources: Wikidata

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, it is classified under the order Gentianaales and the family Rubiaceae. Finally, it is identified by its specific genus, Ronabea, and its species name, emetica.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific distribution across several regions in the tropical Americas. Within Central America, its presence is documented in Costa Rica and Honduras. It is also found throughout the neighboring countries of Nicaragua and Panamá. Moving toward the continent of South America, its range extends into the northern territory of Venezuela. Consequently, the geographical footprint of Ronabernea emetica spans both Central and Northern South America.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Ronabea emetica is characterized by its preference for specific tropical forest environments, specifically thriving within Floresta de Terra Firme and Floresta Ombrófila (also known as Floresta Pluvial). These habitats provide the necessary moisture and stable conditions typical of rainforest ecosystems. In terms of altitudinal distribution, the species occupies a broad vertical gradient, ranging from sea level (0 m AMSL) up to a maximum elevation of 1000 m AMSL.

Elevational range max:

1000 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

0 m AMSL

Habitat :

Floresta de Terra Firme, Floresta Ombrófila (= Floresta Pluvial)

Life history

The life history of Rauvolfia emetica is characterized by its status as a perennial plant, allowing it to persist in its environment over multiple growing seasons. It exhibits a chamaephyte life form, typically maintaining its reproductive structures close to the ground level or slightly above it. Additionally, the plant is evergreen, retaining its foliage throughout the year rather than undergoing a seasonal shedding process.

Deciduousness :

evergreen

Life form :

chamaephyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Ronabea emeetica is characterized by a woody structure, manifesting primarily as a subshrub or shrub growth form. This plant typically reaches an average height of 0.5 m and is categorized as a self-supporting organism, lacking the climbing mechanisms of vines or lianas. It is a terrestrial species, neither aquatic nor epiphytic, functioning as an independent organism without parasitic tendencies.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

shrub

Growth form :

subshrub

Parasite :

independent

Plant height mean:

0.5 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Rauvolfia emetica is characterized by complex metabolic pathways primarily focused on the biosynthesis of indole alkaloids within its specialized cellular structures. The plant utilizes a sophisticated secondary metabolism to produce bioactive compounds, such as ajmaline and reserpine, which are synthesized through the decarboxylation of tryptophan followed by a series of enzymatic transformations. These metabolic processes are supported by robust photosynthetic mechanisms and efficient nutrient uptake systems to sustain the energetic costs of alkaloid production. Regarding its nutrient cycling capabilities, the species is not a nitrogen fixer; it lacks the specialized symbiotic relationships with diazotrophic bacteria, such as Rhizobium, required to convert atmospheric nitrogen into usable forms. Consequently, its physiological nitrogen acquisition is entirely dependent on the uptake of nitrates and ammonium from the soil via its root system.

Nitrogen fixer :

no

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Ronabea emetica 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, rhizome.

Leaf

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Rhizome

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Chemicals

Ronabea emetica has 3 reported phytochemicals identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Asperuloside, Asperulosidic acid, Deacetylasperulosidic acid.

Asperuloside

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Asperulosidic acid

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Deacetylasperulosidic acid

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Activities

Ronabea emetica has 1 reported activities identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Emetic.

Emetic

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Conditions

Ronabea emetica has 1 reported investigations on conditions identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include emetic.

Emetic

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Preparations

Ronabea emetica has 2 reported preparations identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include leaves, rhizomes.

Leaves

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Rhizomes

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology