Ruprechtia tangarana

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Regional and Traditional Names

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, situated within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. It is further classified under the order Caryophyllales and the family Polygonaceae. Finally, its taxonomic identity is defined by the genus Ruprechtia.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific distribution pattern across several regions of the South American continent. In Northern South America, its presence is documented within the borders of Venezuela. Moving toward the western side of the continent, it can also be found in Colombia and Peru. Additionally, the species extends into the northern territories of Brazil. Together, these locations highlight its regional footprint across the northern and western parts of the continent.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Ruprechtia tangarana is characterized by its specific adaptation to lowland aquatic environments, thriving within the distinct ecosystems of Floresta de Igapó and Floresta de Várzea. This species is strictly limited to low-altitude regions, maintaining an elevational range that begins at 0 m AMSL and reaches a maximum of only 100 m AMSL. By inhabiting these seasonally or permanently flooded forest types, the plant occupies a specialized niche defined by high moisture availability and periodic inundation typical of riverine landscapes.

Elevational range max:

100 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

0 m AMSL

Habitat :

Floresta de Igapó, Floresta de Várzea

Morphology

The morphology of Ruprechtia tangarana is characterized by a woody growth form, specifically categorized as a tree. As a terrestrial plant, it is neither aquatic nor semiaquatic, nor does it function as an epiphyte, maintaining a strictly terrestrial existence. It is an independent organism that does not exhibit parasitic behavior. In terms of its structural development, the plant is self-supporting rather than acting as a climber, liana, or vine. The species reaches a maximum plant height of approximately 14 meters.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

14 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Ruprechtia tangarana is characterized by its reliance on the C3 photosynthetic pathway, a mechanism in which carbon dioxide is fixed directly into a three-carbon compound during the initial stages of the Calvin cycle. This metabolic strategy involves the enzyme Rubisco facilitating the carboxylation of ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate, a process that is highly efficient under temperate or moist conditions where transpiration rates can be managed. As a C3 plant, its physiological processes are optimized for environments where water availability allows for open stomata, facilitating steady gas exchange and the production of carbohydrates necessary for growth and secondary metabolite synthesis. This carbon fixation method dictates the plant's resource allocation and its specific adaptations to light intensity and moisture levels within its natural ecological niche.

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Ruprechtia tangarana 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 stem.

Stem

1. Journal of natural products

Chemicals

Ruprechtia tangarana has 5 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include 3,3',4-tri-O-methylflavellagic acid, Lichexanthone, Methyl Asterrate, Secalonic acid A, ruprechstyril.

3,3',4-tri-O-methylflavellagic acid

1. Journal of natural products

Lichexanthone

1. Journal of natural products

Methyl Asterrate

1. Journal of natural products

Secalonic acid A

1. Journal of natural products

ruprechstyril

1. Journal of natural products

Preparations

Ruprechtia tangarana has 1 reported preparations identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include extract prepared from the stem bark and twigs.

Extract prepared from the stem bark and twigs

1. Journal of natural products