Stemodia foliosa

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Matourea guianensis
• Stemodiacra foliosa

Sources: Wikidata

Taxonomical Classification

This plant, known as Stemodia foliosa, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, it is categorized under the order Lamiales and the family Plantaginaceae. Its taxonomic classification concludes with its placement in the genus Stemodia.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant, Stemodia folioosa, exhibits a specific distribution across the tropical regions of the continent. In Northern South America, its presence is documented within the borders of Venezuela. Moving into Brazil, the species can be found spanning across the Northeast region. Additionally, the plant extends its reach into the Southeast part of Brazil. Together, these areas define the primary geographical range for this medicinal species.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Stemodia folioosa is characterized by its adaptability to diverse and often challenging environments, ranging from highly disturbed areas to specialized natural formations. It is commonly found in anthropogenic areas (Área Antrópica), where it demonstrates resilience to human-induced landscape modifications. Naturally, its distribution encompasses several distinct Brazilian ecosystems, including the semi-arid Caatinga (Caatinga stricto sensu), the high-altitude rocky outcrops of the Campo Rupestre, and the coastal sand-dune ecosystems known as Restinga. This broad ecological amplitude allows the species to inhabit habitats with varying levels of moisture, soil composition, and sunlight exposure, facilitating its presence across diverse biomes.

Habitat :

Área Antrópica, Caatinga (stricto sensu), Campo Rupestre, Restinga

Morphology

The morphology of Stemodia folioosa is characterized by its growth form as a herb, exhibiting a non-woody structure throughout its development. It functions as an independent organism, lacking any parasitic tendencies, and maintains a terrestrial existence rather than being aquatic or semiaquatic. In terms of its physical habit, the plant is self-supporting rather than acting as a climber or an epiphyte, ensuring a stable, upright, or spreading presence within its terrestrial habitat.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

herb

Parasite :

independent

Woodiness :

non-woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Stemodia foliosa has 5 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include 6alpha-malonyloxymanoyl oxide, Lupeol, STIGMASTEROL, Sitosterol, betulinic acid.

6alpha-malonyloxymanoyl oxide

1. Journal of natural products

Lupeol

1. Journal of natural products

STIGMASTEROL

1. Journal of natural products

Sitosterol

1. Journal of natural products

betulinic acid

1. Journal of natural products