Spiranthera odoratissima

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Terpnanthus jasminoides
• Spiranthera odoratissima var. grandiflora
• Spiranthera leopoldiana

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. It is further classified under the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Sapindales. Finally, it is a member of the family Rutaceae and is identified by the genus Spiranthera.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a broad geographical range across several distinct regions of South America. In the western part of the continent, its presence is documented within the borders of Bolivia. Within Brazil, the species is widely distributed across multiple diverse territories. Specifically, it can be found throughout the North, Northeast, and Southeast regions of the country. Additionally, the plant's distribution extends into the West-Central area of Brazil.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Spiranthera odoratissima is intrinsically linked to the open vegetation structures of the Brazilian tropical savanna, specifically occurring within the Campo Limpo formations of the Cerrado (latu sensu). In these environments, the plant thrives in sun-exposed, herbaceous landscapes characterized by low-growing vegetation and significant seasonal variations in moisture. This habitat provides the specific light intensity and soil conditions necessary for its development, as the Campo Limpo offers a relatively open canopy that allows for direct solar radiation to reach the ground layer. As a component of this complex biome, its presence is dictated by the seasonal cycles of fire and rainfall typical of the Cerrado, which shape the nutrient cycling and competitive dynamics of the herbaceous stratum in which it resides.

Habitat :

Campo Limpo, Cerrado (lato sensu)

Morphology

The morphology of Spiranthera odoratisima is characterized by a growth form that presents as a shrub and a woody structure. This plant is primarily terrestrial in its ecological habit, ranging from aquatic to semiaquatic environments, rather than functioning as an epiphyte. It is an independent organism, meaning it does not exhibit parasitic behavior, and it maintains a self-supporting stature rather than acting as an obligatory or facultative climber, liana, or vine.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

shrub

Parasite :

independent

Woodiness :

woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Spiranthera odoratissima has 1 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.

Leaf

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology
2. Planta medica

Activities

Spiranthera odoratissima has 1 reported activities identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antinociceptive.

Antinociceptive

1. Natural product research

Conditions

Spiranthera odoratissima has 5 reported investigations on conditions identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include Plasmodium falciparum, headaches, inflammation, pain, rheumatism.

Plasmodium falciparum

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Headaches

1. Progress in neuro-psychopharmacology & biological psychiatry

Inflammation

1. Natural product research

Pain

1. Natural product research

Rheumatism

1. Progress in neuro-psychopharmacology & biological psychiatry

Preparations

Spiranthera odoratissima has 1 reported preparations identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include EtOAc extract of the leaves.

Etoac extract of the leaves

1. Planta medica