Schnella macrostachya

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Schnella macrostachya var. brachystachya
• Bauhinia verrucosa
• Bauhinia raddiana var. brachystachya
• Bauhinia radiata
• Bauhinia leiopetala
• Schnella radiata
• Binaria leiopetala
• Phanera radiata

Sources: Wikidata

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 Fabales. Finally, it is a member of the family Fabaceae and is identified by the genus Schnella.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a wide-ranging presence across various regions within the country of Brazil. Its natural habitat spans from the lush landscapes of Brazil North to the expansive territories of Brazil West-Central. Additionally, the species can be found thriving throughout the diverse ecosystems of Brazil Northeast. The distribution also extends into the prominent areas of Brazil Southeast. Together, these regions highlight the extensive geographical footprint of Schnella macrostachya within the nation.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Schnella macrostachya is defined by its preference for highly humid and shaded environments, specifically occurring within riparian forests (Floresta Ciliar), gallery forests (Floresta de Galeria), and ombrophilous forests (Floresta Ombrófila), which are characteristic of tropical rainforest ecosystems. These habitats provide the consistent moisture levels and stable microclimates necessary for its development, often situated near watercourses where the soil remains saturated or undergoes frequent hydrological fluctuations. By occupying these dense, moisture-rich forest structures, the species thrives under the filtered light and high humidity typical of these specialized forest types.

Habitat :

Floresta Ciliar ou Galeria, Floresta Ombrófila (= Floresta Pluvial)

Morphology

The morphology of Schnella macrostachya is characterized by its specialized growth habit, functioning as an obligatory climber that relies on external structures for vertical support to reach light sources. While it exhibits a terrestrial existence, its structural development allows it to navigate complex environments, though it remains distinct from true epiphytic or hemi-epiphytic life forms. Furthermore, the plant maintains an independent biological status, operating as a non-parasitic organism that does not rely on a host for nutrients, ensuring its physiological autonomy throughout its life cycle.

Climber :

obligatory

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Parasite :

independent

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Schnella macrostachya has 2 reported plant parts identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include leaf, stem.

Leaf

1. Biomedical chromatography : BMC

Stem

1. Biomedical chromatography : BMC

Chemicals

Schnella macrostachya has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Lupeol.

Lupeol

1. Biomedical chromatography : BMC

Preparations

Schnella macrostachya has 4 reported preparations identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include leaf, stem, stem petroleum ether extract, unsaponified matter leaf.

Leaf

1. Biomedical chromatography : BMC

Stem

1. Biomedical chromatography : BMC

Stem petroleum ether extract

1. Biomedical chromatography : BMC

Unsaponified matter leaf

1. Biomedical chromatography : BMC