Terminalia fagifolia

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Myrobalanus fagifolia
• Terminalia lanceolata
• Terminalia fagifolia var. parvifolia
• Terminalia fagifolia var. angustifolia

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 positioned in the order Myrtales and the family Combretaceae. Finally, it is identified by its genus, Terminalia.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a broad geographical presence across several distinct regions of South America. Within the continent, it can be found growing in the nation of Bolivia. In Brazil, its distribution is quite extensive, covering the West-Central territory. Additionally, the species is documented throughout the Northeast region of Brazil. Finally, it also inhabits the Southeast portion of the Brazilian landscape.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Terminalia fagifolia is characterized by its remarkable adaptability across several distinct Brazilian biomes, allowing it to occupy a diverse range of environmental niches. It is commonly found within the Caatinga (stricto sensu), where it must withstand semi-arid conditions, as well as in the Cerrado (lato sensu), navigating seasonal water fluctuations and specific soil compositions. Furthermore, the species thrives in more humid and sheltered environments, including Floresta Ciliar or Galeria (riparian forests), where it benefits from proximity to watercourses, and the Floresta Estacional Decidual (seasonal deciduous forest), where its phenology is closely tied to seasonal shifts in rainfall and leaf shedding patterns.

Habitat :

Caatinga (stricto sensu), Cerrado (lato sensu), Floresta Ciliar ou Galeria, Floresta Estacional Decidual

Life history

The life history of Terminalia fagifolia is characterized by its status as a perennial species, meaning it persists through many growing seasons and maintains a long-term presence in its natural habitat. As a perennial woody plant, it does not complete its life cycle within a single year or two but instead undergoes continuous developmental stages, including extended vegetative growth and periodic reproductive cycles. Its lifecycle is defined by the establishment of a robust root system and a durable woody structure that allows it to withstand seasonal environmental fluctuations over many years. Throughout its lifespan, the plant focuses on biomass accumulation and the periodic production of reproductive structures, ensuring its long-term survival and ability to contribute to the local ecosystem through successive generations.

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Terminalia fagifolia is characterized by its growth form as a woody tree, reaching a mean height of approximately 7.5 m, with a maximum height recorded up to 7 m. This species is strictly terrestrial in its habitat, functioning as an independent organism rather than an epiphyte or a parasite. Structurally, it is a self-supporting plant, lacking any climbing or vining habits such as lianas or vines, and it maintains a robust, woody constitution throughout its development.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

7 m

Plant height mean:

7.5 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Terminalia fagifolia is characterized by its specific metabolic and nutritional processes, most notably its reliance on the C3 photosynthetic pathway for carbon fixation. This pathway involves the direct fixation of atmospheric carbon dioxide through the enzyme Rubisco during the Calvin cycle, which is typical for many woody tropical species. Furthermore, the plant does not possess the specialized biological mechanisms required for atmospheric nitrogen fixation, meaning it lacks the symbiotic relationships or enzymatic capabilities to convert nitrogen gas into usable forms and instead relies on the uptake of nitrogenous compounds from the soil.

Nitrogen fixer :

no

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Terminalia fagifolia has 5 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include AQF, ESCHWEILENOL C, SAPONIN, WSF, haf.

AQF

1. Annals of clinical microbiology and antimicrobials

ESCHWEILENOL C

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

SAPONIN

1. Natural product research

WSF

1. Annals of clinical microbiology and antimicrobials

haf

1. Annals of clinical microbiology and antimicrobials

Activities

Terminalia fagifolia has 6 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antibacterial, Antifungal, Antioxidant, Antiulcerogenic, Cytotoxic.

Antibacterial

1. Annals of clinical microbiology and antimicrobials

Antifungal

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Antioxidant

1. BioMed research international

Antiulcerogenic

1. BioMed research international

Cytotoxic

1. Annals of clinical microbiology and antimicrobials

Gastroprotective

1. BioMed research international

Conditions

Terminalia fagifolia has 7 reported investigations on conditions identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include Candida albicans, diarrhea, gastrointestinal disorders, myotoxicity, paralysis.

Candida albicans

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Diarrhea

1. BioMed research international

Gastrointestinal disorders

1. Biology open

Myotoxicity

1. Natural product research

Paralysis

1. Natural product research

Peritonitis

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Yeasts

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Preparations

Terminalia fagifolia has 1 reported preparations identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include hydroalcoholic extract.

Hydroalcoholic extract

1. Natural product research