southern elder

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• southern elder

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Sambucus pentagynia

Regional and Traditional Names

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

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 Dipsacales and the family Viburnaceae. Finally, its taxonomic hierarchy concludes within the genus Sambucus.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a widespread distribution across several regions of Southern South America. It can be found growing throughout Paraguay and Uruguay, extending into the northeastern parts of Argentina. Within the borders of Brazil, its presence is noted in both the Southeast and the South. These specific locations highlight its ability to thrive in diverse subtropical environments across the continent. Consequently, the geographical range of Sambucus australis spans multiple countries in the southern portion of the hemisphere.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Sambucus australis is characterized by its broad adaptability across diverse environmental conditions and significant altitudinal variations. This species can be found inhabiting a variety of distinct ecosystems, ranging from the seasonal deciduous forests (Floresta Estacional Decidual) and ombrophilous forests (Floresta Ombrófila, including rain forests) to the specialized coastal ecosystems of restinga. Its vertical distribution is extensive, spanning an elevational range that begins at sea level (0 m AMSL) and extends up to a maximum altitude of 1400 m AMSL.

Elevational range max:

1400 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

0 m AMSL

Habitat :

Floresta Estacional Decidual, Floresta Ombrófila (= Floresta Pluvial), Restinga

Life history

The life history of Sambucus australis is characterized by its status as a perennial plant, meaning it lives for more than two years and undergoes repeated cycles of growth and dormancy. Throughout its lifespan, the plant establishes a robust root system that allows it to persist through varying seasonal conditions, transitioning from periods of active vegetative growth to stages of flowering and seed production. As a perennial species, it does not complete its life cycle in a single season like annuals or biennials, but instead maintains its physiological presence in the environment over many years, often expanding its footprint through successive growing seasons.

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Sambucus australis is characterized by a woody growth form, primarily developing as a shrub. It is a terrestrial species that functions as an independent organism, neither acting as a parasite nor an epiphyte. As a self-supporting plant, it does not exhibit climbing habits such as lianas or vines. In terms of stature, the plant reaches a mean height of approximately 3 m, though it has the capacity to reach a maximum height of up to 12 m.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

shrub

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

12 m

Plant height mean:

3 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Sambucus australis is characterized by complex metabolic processes tailored to its specific ecological niche, involving intricate nutrient uptake and energy conversion mechanisms. As a vascular plant, it relies on a sophisticated xylem and phloem system to facilitate the translocation of water, minerals, and photosynthates throughout its structural tissues. The plant engages in photosynthesis to convert solar energy into chemical energy, driving the synthesis of organic compounds essential for growth and secondary metabolite production. Regarding its nutrient acquisition capabilities, Sambucus australis does not function as a nitrogen fixer; it lacks the symbiotic relationship with diazotrophic bacteria, such as Rhizobium, necessary to convert atmospheric nitrogen into bioavailable forms. Consequently, its physiological nitrogen economy is entirely dependent on the uptake of nitrates or ammonium ions from the soil through its root system. This reliance on soil nitrogen availability dictates its metabolic rate and the overall vigor of its physiological development.

Nitrogen fixer :

no

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Sambucus australis has 5 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include CHLOROGENIC ACID, IL 10, RUTIN, Ursolic acid, nitric oxide.

CHLOROGENIC ACID

1. Pharmaceutical biology

IL 10

1. Anais da Academia Brasileira de Ciencias

RUTIN

1. Pharmaceutical biology

Ursolic acid

1. Journal of medicinal food

nitric oxide

1. Anais da Academia Brasileira de Ciencias

Activities

Sambucus australis has 2 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antimicrobial, Antioxidant.

Antimicrobial

1. Pharmaceutical biology

Antioxidant

1. Pharmaceutical biology

Medicinal Uses

Sambucus australis has 5 reported medicinal uses identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include blood glucose, cardiovascular disease, lipids, metabolic syndrome, obesity.

Most Reported Uses