Spondias venulosa

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Distribution

This plant is primarily found within the diverse landscapes of Brazil. Its natural range extends across the expansive territory of the Brazil Northeast region. Additionally, the species is distributed throughout the Brazil Southeast area. These two specific regions represent its primary geographical presence. Therefore, its habitat is concentrated within these particular parts of the country.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Spondias venulosa is defined by its ability to thrive across distinct and contrasting biomes, demonstrating significant ecological plasticity. It is primarily found within the Caatinga (strictu sensu), where it has adapted to the semi-arid conditions characterized by seasonal droughts and irregular rainfall, likely employing physiological mechanisms to endure water scarcity. Furthermore, the species extends its range into the Floresta Ombrófila (Rainforest), indicating an adaptability to environments with much higher humidity and more consistent precipitation patterns. This distribution across both xeric and mesic habitats suggests that Spondias venulosa can occupy diverse ecological niches, ranging from the drought-resistant shrublands of the dry interior to the lush, high-moisture environments of tropical forest systems.

Habitat :

Caatinga (stricto sensu), Floresta Ombrófila (= Floresta Pluvial)

Life history

The life history of Spondias venulosa is characterized by its nature as a perennial organism, allowing it to persist in its environment through multiple growing seasons. As a long-lived woody species, its life cycle does not conclude after a single reproductive event but instead involves continuous growth, structural development, and periodic flowering and fruiting stages over many years. This perennial habit enables the plant to establish a robust presence within its ecosystem, navigating seasonal variations and accumulating the necessary resources to support sustained biological functions and long-term survival.

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Spondias venulosa is characterized by its robust growth form as a woody tree, reaching a maximum plant height of approximately 15 m. It functions as a self-supporting structure, neither acting as a climber nor an epiphyte, and maintains a strictly terrestrial existence rather than being aquatic or semiaquatic. As an independent organism, it does not exhibit parasitic behavior, relying on its own physiological processes for sustenance. Its physical architecture is defined by its woody nature, supporting its stature as a substantial tree within its ecological niche.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Plant height mean:

15 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Spondias venulosa is characterized by a C3 photosynthetic pathway, which dictates its carbon fixation processes and metabolic efficiency under typical environmental conditions. As a non-nitrogen-fixing species, the plant does not possess the symbiotic relationship with diazotrophic bacteria required to convert atmospheric nitrogen into usable forms, meaning it relies entirely on the uptake of nitrogenous compounds from the soil to support its growth and biochemical functions.

Nitrogen fixer :

no

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Reproduction

The reproduction of Spondias venulosa is characterized by a biotic pollination syndrome, primarily facilitated by insects. This insect-driven pollination process ensures the fertilization necessary for the development of its reproductive structures. The resulting fruits are categorized as fleshy, providing a nutrient-rich medium that typically aids in seed dispersal. The seeds produced are consistent in size, with a minimum, maximum, and mean seed volume all measured at 3800 mm³.

Fruit dryness :

fleshy

Pollination syndrome :

insect

Pollination syndrome :

biotic

Seed volume max:

3800 mm³

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Spondias venulosa 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. Journal of ethnopharmacology