Stevia maimarensis

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Stevia satureiifolia var. maimarensis
• Stevia mercedensis var. glanditecta
• Gnaphalium saturejoides var. maimarensis

Sources: Wikidata

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 Asterales. Finally, Stevia maimarensis is a member of the family Asteraceae and falls under the genus Stevia.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a broad distribution across several regions of South America. In Western South America, it can be found growing in both Bolivia and Peru. Its range also extends into the southern part of the continent. Specifically, it is located within the northeast and northwest regions of Argentina. These diverse locations highlight the varied ecological settings where the species thrives.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Stevia maimarensis is defined by its specialized niche within high-altitude montane environments, where it thrives within a specific vertical distribution. This species is primarily found in mountainous terrains, occupying an elevational range that begins at 2400 m AMSL and extends to a maximum of 3300 m AMSL. This altitudinal belt suggests that the plant is adapted to the unique microclimates of high-elevation ecosystems, which typically involve lower atmospheric pressures, increased UV exposure, and distinct temperature fluctuations characteristic of these heights. Such a specific elevational range indicates that its survival is closely tied to the physiological conditions and soil compositions found within these upper montane zones.

Elevational range max:

3300 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

2400 m AMSL

Life history

The life history of Stevia maimarensis is characterized by its status as a perennial species, allowing the plant to persist through multiple growing seasons. As a perennial, it maintains a continuous presence in its natural habitat, often developing robust root systems that support its long-term survival and ability to regrow after periods of dormancy or environmental stress. This life cycle enables the plant to invest energy into sustained vegetative growth and repeated reproductive cycles over several years, distinguishing it from annual or biennial species that complete their life history in a single or double season.

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Stevia maimarensis is characterized by a growth form that functions as a subshrub, exhibiting a woody nature in its structural development. As a self-supporting plant, it does not possess climbing mechanisms such as lianas or vines, nor does it function as an obligate or facultative climber. The species is strictly terrestrial, lacking any epiphytic tendencies—whether as a holoepiphyte, hemiepiphyte, or facultative epiphyte—and is also characterized as being non-aquatic, occupying terrestrial rather than semiaquatic or aquatic habitats. Furthermore, the plant is an independent organism, showing no parasitic behavior, and maintains its upright, woody habit without reliance on external support.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

shrub

Growth form :

subshrub

Parasite :

independent

Woodiness :

woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Stevia maimarensis has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Eupatoriopicrin.

Eupatoriopicrin

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)