Stevia salicifolia

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Regional and Traditional Names

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 categorized under the order Asterales and the family Asteraceae. Finally, it is identified by the genus Stevia, which includes the species Stevia salicifolia.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific geographical distribution primarily concentrated within North America. In the South-Central United States, its presence is documented in the state of New Mexico. The species is also widespread throughout various regions of Mexico. Specifically, it can be found in Mexico Central and across the Northeast territories. Additionally, its range extends into the Mexico Gulf and Mexico Northwest regions.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Stevia salicifolia is characterized by its status as a perennial plant, allowing it to persist through multiple growing seasons rather than completing its life cycle in a single year. As a perennial species, it establishes a robust presence in its natural habitat, often developing extensive root systems that facilitate long-term survival and regrowth following dormant periods. This multi-year life cycle enables the plant to accumulate significant biomass and energy reserves, which support continuous vegetative growth and periodic reproductive efforts. Throughout its lifespan, the plant undergoes seasonal cycles of development, transitioning from active vegetative stages to flowering phases, which are essential for its propagation and the continuation of its lineage within its ecological niche.

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Stevia salicifolia is characterized by its growth form as a woody shrub, displaying a robust and self-supporting structure rather than acting as a climber, liana, or vine. It functions as an independent organism, neither serving as an obligatory nor facultative parasite, and is categorized as a terrestrial species rather than an aquatic, semiaquatic, or epiphytic plant. The plant exhibits distinct woodiness in its stems, supporting its stature as a perennial shrub within its natural habitat.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

shrub

Parasite :

independent

Woodiness :

woody

Reproduction

The reproduction of Stevia salicifolia is characterized by the production of minute seeds that exhibit significant variation in individual weight. On average, the seed mass is approximately 0.000465 g, reflecting a specialized dispersal strategy typical of many small-seeded species. The range of seed size within a population is notable, with the smallest recorded seeds weighing as little as 0.0002 g (2e-04 g), while the most substantial seeds reach a maximum mass of 0.00073 g. This variability in seed mass suggests a complex reproductive output that may influence seedling establishment and survival rates in its natural habitat.

Seed mass max:

0.00073 g

Seed mass mean:

0.000465 g

Seed mass min:

2e-04 g

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Stevia salicifolia 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 root.

Root

1. Journal of natural products

Chemicals

Stevia salicifolia has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Stevisalioside A.

Stevisalioside A

1. Journal of natural products

Preparations

Stevia salicifolia has 1 reported preparations identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include roots.

Roots

1. Journal of natural products