Simaba obovata

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific geographical range across the South American continent. In Northern South America, its presence is documented within the borders of Venezuela. Moving toward the western part of the continent, it can also be found in Colombia. Within the vast territory of Brazil, the species is localized to the northern region. Together, these locations define the primary natural habitats where the plant grows.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Simaba obovata is defined by its preference for specific humid forest ecosystems, occurring primarily within Floresta de Igapó, Floresta de Várzea, and Floresta Ombrófila (also known as Floresta Pluvial). This species inhabits low-lying tropical environments where water availability is a key factor, ranging from seasonally flooded areas to perennially moist rainforests. Its distribution is restricted to relatively low altitudes, with an elevational range situated between 60 m AMSL and a maximum of 200 m AMSL.

Elevational range max:

200 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

60 m AMSL

Habitat :

Floresta de Igapó, Floresta de Várzea, Floresta Ombrófila (= Floresta Pluvial)

Morphology

The morphology of Simaba obovata is characterized by a woody growth form, specifically manifesting as a tree. This species is a terrestrial plant, maintaining an independent lifestyle without functioning as a parasite or an epiphyte. In terms of structural support, it is self-supporting rather than acting as a climber, vine, or liana. The plant reaches a maximum height of approximately 5 m, exhibiting a robust, woody stem structure consistent with its arboreal classification.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

5 m

Woodiness :

woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Simaba obovata 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

Simaba obovata 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