Rudgea viburnoides

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Uragoga densiflora
• Coffea viburnoides
• Rudgea viburnoides var. latifolia
• Rudgea krukovii

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta within the class Equisetopsida. As a member of the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Gentianaales, it is specifically situated in the family Rubiaceae. It is identified by the genus Rudgea, with the species name viburnoides.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific distribution pattern concentrated primarily within the Western South American region. Its presence is documented across several key nations, including Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. Beyond the Andean influence, the species also extends its reach into the South American continent through Brazil. Specifically, it can be found within the West-Central region of Brazil. Consequently, the geographical range of Rudgea viburnoides spans from the western coastal and mountain areas to parts of the Brazilian interior.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Rudgea viburnoides is characterized by its ability to inhabit a diverse array of specialized environments, ranging from the open landscapes of Campo Limpo and the expansive Cerrado (latu sensu) to the more densely vegetated structures of Floresta Ciliar, Floresta de Terra Firme, and the unique ecosystems of the Savana Amazônica. This plant demonstrates significant adaptability to varying topographical positions, thriving within a broad altitudinal gradient. Specifically, its ecological distribution spans an elevational range from a minimum of 110 m AMSL to a maximum of 1325 m AMSL, allowing it to occupy multiple niche layers across different landscape formations.

Elevational range max:

1325 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

110 m AMSL

Habitat :

Campo Limpo, Cerrado (lato sensu), Floresta Ciliar ou Galeria, Floresta de Terra Firme, Savana Amazônica

Life history

The life history of Rudgea viburnoides is characterized by its status as a perennial plant, ensuring its presence in the ecosystem over multiple growing seasons. As a phanerophyte, its regenerative buds are located high above the ground on woody stems, a structural adaptation that defines its physical life form. This species maintains an evergreen deciduousness, retaining its foliage throughout different seasonal shifts rather than shedding it entirely.

Deciduousness :

evergreen

Life form :

phanerophyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Rudgea viburnoides is characterized by its growth form as a woody tree, reaching a mean height of approximately 5 m, though it can attain a maximum height of up to 8 m. This species is a self-supporting plant that does not exhibit climbing tendencies, such as liana or vine behaviors, nor does it function as an obligatory or facultative climber. It is an independent organism, lacking any parasitic lifestyle, and is strictly terrestrial in its ecological habit rather than being aquatic, semiaquatic, or epiphytic.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

8 m

Plant height mean:

5 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Rudgea viburnoides is characterized by its metabolic processes and nutrient acquisition strategies typical of many members of the Rubiaceae family. As a woody species, its physiological functions are centered around efficient carbon fixation through photosynthesis to support structural growth and the maintenance of complex secondary metabolite profiles. Regarding its interaction with soil nutrients, the plant does not possess the physiological mechanisms required for symbiotic nitrogen fixation; therefore, it is classified as a non-nitrogen fixer. This means it relies entirely on the uptake of available nitrates and ammonium from the soil through its root system rather than converting atmospheric nitrogen into a usable form. Its nutrient cycling and growth patterns are thus heavily dependent on the nitrogen availability within its immediate substrate and the efficiency of its rhizospheric interactions.

Nitrogen fixer :

no

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Rudgea viburnoides has 1 reported plant parts identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include leaf.

Leaf

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Activities

Rudgea viburnoides has 2 reported activities identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Diuretic, Hypotensive.

Diuretic

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Hypotensive

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Medicinal Uses

Rudgea viburnoides has 1 reported medicinal uses identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include diuretic.

Most Reported Uses

Preparations