Scaphyglottis livida

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Leaoa monophylla
• Leaoa reedii
• Pachystelis livida
• Ponera dubia
• Pachystele dubia
• Pachystelis dubia
• Isochilus dubius
• Isochilus lividus
• Scaphyglottis purpusii
• Hexadesmia monophylla
• Hexadesmia sessilis
• Hexadesmia reedii
• Scaphyglottis dubia
• Scaphyglottis reedii
• Scaphyglottis sessilis

Sources: Wikidata

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. As a member of the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Asparagales, it is further nested within the orchid family, Orchidaceae. Ultimately, its specific taxonomic identity is defined by the genus Scaphyglottis.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a diverse geographical range spanning several regions across North and Central America. Within Mexico, its presence is documented across the Central, Gulf, Southwest, and Southeast territories. This wide distribution highlights its adaptability to various Mexican climates and landscapes. Furthermore, its habitat extends southward into the tropical regions of Central America. Specifically, the species can be found growing within the borders of Honduras.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Scaphoglotis livida is characterized by its presence across a diverse range of South American biomes, specifically inhabiting the Cerrado (latu sensu), Ciliary or Gallery Forests, Seasonal Deciduous Forests, and Ombrophilous (Pluvial) Forests. This distribution indicates a high degree of adaptability to varying moisture levels and seasonal vegetation structures, from more open savanna-like environments to dense, humid rainforests. Furthermore, the species is typically found at a mean elevation of approximately 500 m AMSL, positioning it within lowland to mid-elevation ecological zones.

Elevational range mean:

500 m AMSL

Habitat :

Cerrado (lato sensu), Floresta Ciliar ou Galeria, Floresta Estacional Decidual, Floresta Ombrófila (= Floresta Pluvial)

Life history

The life history of Scaphoglotis livida is characterized by a perennial lifecycle, allowing the plant to persist in its environment over multiple growing seasons. As a perennial species, it does not complete its life cycle within a single year or two but instead establishes a long-term presence, often developing complex underground structures or specialized vegetative organs to survive periods of dormancy or unfavorable environmental conditions. This continuous life cycle supports its ability to accumulate resources over time, facilitating repeated flowering and reproductive efforts across successive years.

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Scaphoglotis livida is characterized by its specialized growth habit and structural composition. As a non-woody herb, the plant exhibits a soft, succulent texture rather than a lignified stem. It functions as a holoepiphyte, meaning it is an obligatory epiphyte that relies on host structures for support throughout its life cycle. While its ecological niche is rooted in epiphytic living, its physiological classification spans various moisture-related habitats, ranging from terrestrial and semiaquatic to aquatic environments. Despite its climbing tendency, it is described as a self-supporting liana or vine, maintaining its structure without being an obligatory climber. Furthermore, the species is an independent organism, lacking any parasitic relationship with its host.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

holoepiphyte

Epiphyte :

obligatory

Growth form :

herb

Parasite :

independent

Woodiness :

non-woody

Reproduction

The reproduction of Scaphyglotis livida involves a complex set of mechanisms facilitated by various dispersal syndromes to ensure the spread of its offspring. The plant utilizes an anemochorous strategy, relying on wind currents to transport its seeds or reproductive units across different terrains. Additionally, its reproductive success is bolstered by zoochorous dispersal, where animals play a critical role in moving seeds to new locations, as well as autochorous methods involving self-dispersal mechanisms. The plant may also employ hydrochorous dispersal, utilizing water bodies to facilitate seed movement, and exhibits an unspecialized approach to dispersal that allows it to adapt to diverse environmental conditions and various vectors for colonizing new habitats.

Dispersal syndrome :

anemochorous

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Scaphyglottis livida has 4 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include 3,7-dihydroxy-2,4,8-trimethoxyphenanthrene, 3,7-dihydroxy-2,4-dimethoxyphenanthrene, batatasin III, coelonin.

3,7-dihydroxy-2,4,8-trimethoxyphenanthrene

1. Planta medica

3,7-dihydroxy-2,4-dimethoxyphenanthrene

1. Planta medica

batatasin III

1. Planta medica

coelonin

1. Planta medica

Activities

Scaphyglottis livida has 1 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Spasmolytic.

Spasmolytic

1. Planta medica

Preparations

Scaphyglottis livida has 1 reported preparations identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include Methanol-chloroform extract.

Methanol-chloroform extract

1. Proceedings of the Western Pharmacology Society