Struthanthus orbicularis

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Distribution

This plant exhibits a broad geographical distribution stretching across parts of North and Central America. In Mexico, its presence is noted in both the Southwest and Southeast regions of the country. Moving south into Central America, the species can be found within the borders of Belize. Its range further extends to include the territory of El Salvador. Additionally, the plant is documented to grow within the tropical landscapes of Costa Rica.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Strychnus orbicularis is characterized by its presence in the Floresta de Terra Firme, where it thrives within stable, non-flooded forest ecosystems. This species exhibits a broad vertical distribution across various landscapes, spanning an elevational range from 0 m to a maximum of 1800 m AMSL. This extensive altitudinal gradient allows the plant to inhabit diverse environmental conditions, ranging from lowland tropical rainforests to higher-altitude montane forest zones.

Elevational range max:

1800 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

0 m AMSL

Habitat :

Floresta de Terra Firme

Morphology

The morphology of Struchanthus orbicularis is characterized by a woody growth form, specifically functioning as a shrub. This species exhibits a self-supporting climbing habit, categorized as a self-supporting liana or vine rather than relying on obligatory climbing mechanisms. In terms of its ecological positioning and habitat, the plant is strictly terrestrial, lacking any epiphytic qualities such as holoepiphytic or hemiepiphytic tendencies. Furthermore, it is defined as an obligatory parasite, a key physiological trait that dictates its morphological development and interaction with host plants. Despite the breadth of aquatic, semiaquatic, or terrestrial classifications in general botanical contexts, this particular species remains firmly grounded in a terrestrial environment.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

shrub

Parasite :

obligatory

Woodiness :

woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Struthanthus orbicularis 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. Brazilian journal of medical and biological research = Revista brasileira de pesquisas medicas e biologicas

Preparations

Struthanthus orbicularis has 1 reported preparations identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include ethanolic extracts of the leaves and branches.

Ethanolic extracts of the leaves and branches

1. Brazilian journal of medical and biological research = Revista brasileira de pesquisas medicas e biologicas