Tabernaemontana amygdalifolia

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Rauvolfia laevigata
• Ervatamia jasminoides
• Tabernaemontana amygdalifolia var. obtusiloba
• Tabernaemontana nereifolia
• Malouetia jasminoides
• Cestrum nervosum
• Tabernaemontana amygdalifolia var. glaucophylla
• Tabernaemontana acapulcensis
• Tabernaemontana deamii
• Tabernaemontana jasminoides
• Tabernaemontana occidentalis

Regional and Traditional Names

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Gentianales, it is classified under the family Apocynaceae and the genus Tabernaemontana. Specifically, its scientific identity is recognized as Tabernaemontana amygdalifolia.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a broad presence across several distinct regions within Mexico. It can be found growing in the diverse environments of Mexico Central. Its distribution also extends into the areas of Mexico Northeast and Mexico Gulf. Furthermore, the species is documented within the landscapes of Mexico Northwest. Finally, its geographical range reaches into the territory of Mexico Southwest.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Tabernaemontana amygdalifolia is characterized by its presence within the Floresta Ombrófila (also known as Floresta Pluvial), where it thrives in high-moisture environments. This species exhibits a broad vertical distribution across varying terrains, spanning an elevational range that begins at sea level (0 m AMSL) and extends up to a maximum altitude of 2600 m AMSL.

Elevational range max:

2600 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

0 m AMSL

Habitat :

Floresta Ombrófila (= Floresta Pluvial)

Life history

The life history of Tabernaemontana amygdalifolia is characterized by its classification as a perennial species, meaning it maintains its existence through multiple growing seasons rather than completing its cycle within a single year. In terms of its structural growth and survival strategy, the plant exhibits a phanerophyte life form, indicating that its buds are borne on aerial shoots well above the ground level. Additionally, its botanical profile includes characteristics of a nanophanerophyte, reflecting its specific stature and the height at which its reproductive and vegetative buds are positioned within its ecological niche.

Life form :

nanophanerophyte

Life form :

phanerophyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Tabernaemontana amygdalifolia is characterized by a woody growth form, primarily manifesting as a self-supporting tree. This species is a terrestrial plant that functions as an independent organism, lacking any parasitic tendencies. In terms of stature, it exhibits significant vertical development, typically reaching a mean plant height of 3 m, though it can attain a maximum height of up to 8 m. Unlike climbing vines or lianas, it is classified as a self-supporting structure rather than a climber or an epiphyte.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

8 m

Plant height mean:

3 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Tabernaemontana amygdalifolia is characterized by complex metabolic pathways primarily focused on the biosynthesis of diverse secondary metabolites, including indole alkaloids, which serve as chemical defense mechanisms against herbivory. Its photosynthetic processes follow a standard C3 pathway, facilitating carbon fixation through the Calvin cycle to support biomass production and structural growth. Regarding its nutrient acquisition and symbiotic relationships, the plant does not function as a nitrogen fixer; it lacks the specialized root nodules or symbiotic associations with diazotrophic bacteria, such as Rhizobium, required to convert atmospheric nitrogen into bioavailable forms. Consequently, it relies entirely on the uptake of nitrates and ammonium from the soil substrate through its root system to meet its physiological nitrogen requirements for protein synthesis and nucleic acid production.

Nitrogen fixer :

no

Reproduction

Reproduction in Tabernaemontana amygdalifolia primarily occurs through the production of seeds contained within fleshy fruits, which are typically dispersed by animals or gravity. The seeds of this species exhibit specific morphological characteristics essential for its life cycle, notably varying in size to ensure successful establishment. Specifically, the seed length is a defining metric for the species, with individual seeds measuring a minimum of 15 mm and reaching a maximum length of up0 to 30 mm. This range in seed dimensions plays a crucial role in the plant's reproductive strategy, providing the necessary nutrient reserves for seedling development following dispersal. In addition to sexual reproduction via seeds, the plant may also propagate through vegetative means, such as stem cuttings, which allows for the clonal expansion of the species in favorable environmental conditions.

Seed length max:

30 mm

Seed length min:

15 mm

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Tabernaemontana amygdalifolia has 8 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include (-)-Alstonerine, 10-Methoxyaffinisine, 10-Methoxyalstonerine, 19,20-Dehydro-10-methoxytalcarpine, Alstonal.

(-)-Alstonerine

1. Journal of natural medicines

10-Methoxyaffinisine

1. Journal of natural medicines

10-Methoxyalstonerine

1. Journal of natural medicines

19,20-Dehydro-10-methoxytalcarpine

1. Journal of natural medicines

Alstonal

1. Journal of natural medicines

Alstonisine

1. Journal of natural medicines

Cathafoline

1. Journal of natural medicines

Lochnerine

1. Journal of natural medicines

Preparations

Tabernaemontana amygdalifolia has 2 reported preparations identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include extracts, methanol extract from bark of Tabernaemontana dichotoma.

Extracts

1. Journal of natural products

Methanol extract from bark of tabernaemontana dichotoma

1. Journal of natural medicines