Salacia cordata

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Distribution

This plant exhibits a diverse range of locations throughout the tropical regions of North and Central America. In Mexico, its presence is noted across the Gulf coast, the Southwest, and the Southeast. Moving southward into Central America, the species can also be found within the borders of Costa Rica. Additionally, it is distributed throughout the territory of Honduras. These various regions highlight the plant's ability to thrive in different parts of the Neotropical landscape.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Salacia cordata is characterized by its presence in diverse forest environments, specifically thriving within riparian forests (Floresta Ciliar ou Galeria) as well as in terra firme forests. This species exhibits a broad altitudinal distribution, occupying ecological niches from sea level up to a maximum elevation of 1350 m AMSL.

Elevational range max:

1350 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

0 m AMSL

Habitat :

Floresta Ciliar ou Galeria, Floresta de Terra Firme

Morphology

The morphology of Salacia cordata is characterized by its woody growth form, functioning as a tree-like structure that exhibits liana climbing habits. As a facultative climber, it utilizes other structures for support rather than being strictly obligatory or self-supporting. The plant is terrestrial in nature, neither aquatic nor epiphytic, and maintains an independent existence without parasitic tendencies. In terms of dimensions, the plant reaches a maximum height of approximately 7 meters, with an observed mean height of 17.5 meters depending on environmental conditions and developmental stage.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

liana

Climber :

facultative

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

7 m

Plant height mean:

17.5 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Salacia cordata is characterized by its specialized metabolic processes as a woody climbing shrub, focusing on the efficient synthesis of secondary metabolites within its tissues. The plant engages in complex carbohydrate metabolism to support its climbing growth habit, utilizing photosynthesis to drive the production of bioactive compounds such as polyphenols and glycosides. Regarding its nutrient acquisition and soil interaction, the plant does not exhibit the physiological capacity for symbiotic nitrogen fixation; specifically, it is not a nitrogen fixer, as indicated by the trait value of "no" for nitrogen fixation capability. Instead, it relies on the uptake of mineral nitrogen, such as nitrates and ammonium, directly from the soil through its root system to support protein synthesis and cellular growth.

Nitrogen fixer :

no

Reproduction

The reproduction of Salacia cordata is characterized by the development of fleshy fruits that serve as the primary vessel for seed dispersal. These fruits exhibit a fleshy consistency, providing a nutrient-rich medium that likely facilitates interaction with various dispersal agents. Within these fruits, the seeds maintain a highly consistent size profile; the seed volume is measured at a mean of 6300 mm³, with both the minimum and maximum observed values remaining constant at 6300 mm³. This uniformity in seed volume suggests a stabilized reproductive strategy where the energy investment per offspring is precisely regulated to ensure optimal germination and survival within its natural habitat.

Fruit dryness :

fleshy

Seed volume max:

6300 mm³

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Salacia cordata has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Betulin.

Betulin

1. Dr. Duke

Activities

Salacia cordata has 12 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include AntiHIV, Anticarcinomic, Antifeedant, Antiflu, Antiinflammatory.

AntiHIV

1. Dr. Duke

Anticarcinomic

1. Dr. Duke

Antifeedant

1. Dr. Duke

Antiflu

1. Dr. Duke

Antiinflammatory

1. Dr. Duke

Antitumor

1. Dr. Duke

Antiviral

1. Dr. Duke

Aphidifuge

1. Dr. Duke

Cytotoxic

1. Dr. Duke

Hypolipemic

1. Dr. Duke