Talisia esculenta

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Meleagrinex pernambucana
• Sapindus esculentus

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. It is further classified within the order Sapindales and the family Sapindaceae. Finally, it is identified by the genus Talisia.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant is widely distributed across several distinct regions of the South American continent. In Northern South America, its presence is noted within the borders of Guyana. Moving toward the western part of the continent, it can also be found in Bolivia. Within Brazil, the species occupies a broad range that includes the West-Central region. Furthermore, its geographical reach extends to both the Northeast and Southeast regions of Brazil.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Talisia esculenta is characterized by its broad adaptability across diverse environmental landscapes, spanning an elevational range from sea level (0 m AMSL) up to a maximum of 1000 m AMSL. This species exhibits significant ecological plasticity, thriving in a variety of distinct ecosystems including the Caatinga (strictu sensu), coastal forests (Floresta Ciliar ou Galeria), and various forest types such as Terra Firme, Várzea, and Ombrophilous (pluvial) forests. Furthermore, its ability to colonize anthropic areas (Área Antrópica) demonstrates its resilience and capacity to persist in disturbed or human-modified environments alongside its natural habitats.

Elevational range max:

1000 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

0 m AMSL

Habitat :

Área Antrópica, Caatinga (stricto sensu), Floresta Ciliar ou Galeria, Floresta de Terra Firme, Floresta de Várzea, Floresta Ombrófila (= Floresta Pluvial)

Life history

The life history of Talisia esculenta is characterized by its status as a perennial species, allowing it to maintain a long-term presence within its tropical ecosystem. As a woody climber or shrub, it undergoes a multi-year developmental cycle that begins with seed germination, followed by a period of vigorous vegetative growth where it establishes a robust root system and climbing structures. Throughout its extended lifespan, the plant undergoes seasonal cycles of maturation, producing complex reproductive structures that facilitate long-term survival and dispersal. Unlike annuals or biennials, its perennial nature ensures that it can withstand environmental fluctuations over several years, continually investing energy into both structural stability and periodic reproductive phases.

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Talisia esculenta is characterized by its robust, woody growth form, primarily manifesting as a tree. This species reaches significant dimensions, with a mean plant height of approximately 10 m and a maximum potential height of up to 20 m. As a terrestrial plant, it does not exhibit aquatic, semiaquatic, or epiphytic lifestyles, growing independently in its environment rather than as a holoepiphyte, hemiepiphyte, or any other parasitic or climbing form. Although it possesses a sturdy, woody structure, it is categorized as self-supporting rather than acting as a liana, vine, or obligatory climber. Furthermore, the plant is an independent organism, lacking any obligatory or facultative parasitic relationships.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

20 m

Plant height mean:

10 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Talisia esculenta is characterized by a C3 photosynthetic pathway, utilizing the standard Calvin cycle to fix atmospheric carbon dioxide through the enzyme Rubisco. This metabolic strategy dictates its resource requirements and environmental adaptations, as it lacks the specialized carbon-concentrating mechanisms found in C4 or CAM plants. Furthermore, this species is not a nitrogen fixer, meaning it does not possess a symbiotic relationship with nitrogen-fixing bacteria to convert atmospheric nitrogen into bioavailable forms, and it relies instead on the uptake of nitrates and ammonium present in the soil substrate to meet its nutritional requirements for growth and development.

Nitrogen fixer :

no

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Talisia esculenta has 2 reported plant parts identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include fruit, leaf.

Fruit

1. Nutrients

Leaf

1. Nutrients

Chemicals

Talisia esculenta has 3 reported phytochemicals identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Gallic acid, RUTIN, quercitrin.

Gallic acid

1. Nutrients

RUTIN

1. Nutrients

quercitrin

1. Nutrients

Activities

Talisia esculenta has 3 reported activities identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant, Diuretic, Hypotensive.

Antioxidant

1. Nutrients

Diuretic

1. Journal of medicinal food

Hypotensive

1. Journal of medicinal food

Medicinal Uses

Talisia esculenta has 3 reported medicinal uses identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include antihypertensive, diuretic, oxidative and nitrosative stress.

Most Reported Uses

Preparations