Solanum cernuum

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Solanum sisleyanum
• Solanum paleatum

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae, it is organized under the order Solanales and the family Solanaceae. Finally, it is identified by the genus Solanum, specifically as the species Solanum cernuum.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific presence across several key regions within Brazil. Its natural range includes the West-Central territory of the country. Additionally, the species can be found growing throughout the Northeast region. It also extends its distribution into the Southeast portion of Brazil. Together, these areas define the primary geographical footprint of Solanum cernuum.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Solanum cernuum is characterized by its presence across diverse and varied environmental settings, ranging from natural wilderness to human-altered landscapes. It is found within the complex ecosystems of the Seasonal Semi-deciduous Forest (Floresta Estacional Semidecidual), where it must adapt to distinct seasonal shifts in moisture and foliage density. Furthermore, its distribution extends into high-moisture environments, including the Ombrophilous Forest (Floresta Ombrófila), which encompasses both the true Rainforest (Floresta Pluvial) and the Mixed Ombrophilous Forest (Floresta Ombrófila Mista). In addition to these specialized forest biomes, the species demonstrates significant ecological plasticity by inhabiting Anthropic Areas (Área Antrópica), indicating an ability to persist in habitats modified by human activity and land use.

Habitat :

Área Antrópica, Floresta Estacional Semidecidual, Floresta Ombrófila (= Floresta Pluvial), Floresta Ombrófila Mista

Life history

The life history of Solanum cernuum is characterized by its specific growth habit and survival strategy, classified under the life form categories of both phanerophyte and phanerophyte. As a phanerophyte, the plant maintains its perennating buds well above the soil surface, protected by its aerial structures, which allows it to endure seasonal environmental shifts. This growth strategy ensures that its vital organs remain elevated, contributing to its establishment within its specific ecological niche.

Life form :

phanerophyte

Morphology

The morphology of Solanum cernuum is characterized by a woody growth form, manifesting structurally as a tree. It is a terrestrial species that does not exhibit aquatic or semiaquatic tendencies, nor does it function as an epiphyte, maintaining a strictly terrestrial existence. As an independent organism, it does not act as a parasite, relying on its own metabolic processes rather than a host. The plant is self-supporting in its structure, lacking the climbing habits of obligatory or facultative climbers. In terms of physical dimensions, it reaches a maximum plant height of approximately 5 meters.

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)

Plant Parts

Solanum cernuum has 1 reported plant parts identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include leaf.

Leaf

1. Natural product research

Chemicals

Solanum cernuum has 7 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Afzelin, Astragalin, Cernumidine, Isoferulic acid, Trans-Tiliroside.

Afzelin

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology
2. Natural product research

Astragalin

1. Natural product research

Cernumidine

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Isoferulic acid

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Trans-Tiliroside

1. Natural product research

cis-Tiliroside

1. Natural product research

quercitrin

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Conditions

Solanum cernuum has 3 reported investigations on conditions identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include gastric ulcer, gastric ulcers, ulcers.

Gastric ulcer

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Gastric ulcers

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Ulcers

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology