Norantea brasiliensis

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• grab-foot
• Norantea brasiliensis

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Norantea selloi
• Norantea brasiliensis
• Ascium selloi
• Norantea bahiensis
• Schwartzia glabra

Regional and Traditional Names

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, placing it within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. It is further classified under the order Ericales and the family Marcgraviaceae. Ultimately, its specific taxonomic designation falls under the genus Schwartzia.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant is widely distributed across several distinct regions within the country of Brazil. Specifically, its presence is well-documented throughout the West-Central part of the nation. It can also be found growing in the Northeast region, contributing to its broad ecological range. Furthermore, the species extends its reach into the Southeast territories of the country. Finally, the geographical footprint of this medicinal plant includes the Southern region of Brazil.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Schwartzia brasiliensis is characterized by its adaptability to diverse Brazilian ecosystems and a specific altitudinal distribution. This species thrives within a variety of habitats, including the semi-arid Caatinga (strictu sensu), coastal Restinga, and more humid environments such as Floresta Ciliar or Galeria (riparian forests) and Floresta Ombrófila (rainforests). Its vertical distribution is limited to low-lying areas, maintaining an elevational range that starts at sea level (0 m AMSL) and reaches a maximum of 500 m AMSL.

Elevational range max:

500 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

0 m AMSL

Habitat :

Caatinga (stricto sensu), Floresta Ciliar ou Galeria, Floresta Ombrófila (= Floresta Pluvial), Restinga

Life history

The life history of Schwartzia brasiliensis is characterized by its status as a perennial organism, meaning it persists through multiple growing seasons rather than completing its cycle in a single year. As a long-lived woody species, its development involves a multi-year establishment phase where it develops a robust root system and structural integrity to support its growth in its natural habitat. Unlike annuals or biennials, this plant maintains its vegetative presence over an extended duration, undergoing seasonal cycles of growth, flowering, and seed production that allow it to contribute to the ecosystem over many years. This perennial nature enables the species to reach significant maturity, eventually establishing a stable presence within its biological niche.

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Schwartzia brasiliensis is characterized by its growth form as a woody tree, reaching a maximum plant height of approximately 5 meters. This species is strictly terrestrial in its habitat, lacking aquatic or semiaquatic tendencies, and functions as an independent organism without parasitic behavior. While its structural nature is primarily that of a tree, it does not exhibit climbing habits such as being a vine or a liana, nor does it function as an obligatory climber. Furthermore, it is not an epiphyte, maintaining a terrestrial existence rather than growing as a holoepiphyte, hemiepiphyte, or any other epiphytic form.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

vine

Climber :

obligatory

Epiphyte :

hemiepiphyte

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

5 m

Woodiness :

woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Schwartzia brasiliensis has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include DICHLOROMETHANE, ETHYL ACETATE.

DICHLOROMETHANE

1. Intervirology

ETHYL ACETATE

1. Intervirology

Activities

Schwartzia brasiliensis has 1 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antiviral.

Antiviral

1. Intervirology