Salacia brachypoda

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Prionostemma velutina
• Salacia elliptica var. oblongifolia
• Tonsella oblongifolia
• Anthodon oblongifolius
• Tontelea corrugulata
• Tontelea brachypoda
• Salacia brachypoda
• Salacia velutina
• Salacia micrantha
• Tontelea velutina
• Tonsella micrantha
• Anthodon micranthus
• Salacia micrantha var. lancifolia
• Salacia micrantha var. obtusa

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta within the class Equisetopsida. As a member of the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Celastrales, it is positioned in the family Celastraceae. Its specific taxonomic identity is defined by the genus Tontelea, specifically the species Tontelea micrantha.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant is widely distributed across various regions of Western South America, specifically within Bolivia. In the country of Brazil, its presence is extensive and covers multiple diverse territories. It can be found throughout the West-Central region of Brazil as well as the Northeast. Furthermore, the species extends into the Southeast part of the Brazilian landscape. Finally, its geographical reach includes the vast North region of Brazil.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Tontelea micrantha is characterized by its preference for specific tropical biomes, primarily inhabiting the Cerrado (latu sensu) and the Amazonian Savanna (Savaana Amazônica). This species thrives within these distinct ecosystems, occupying an elevational gradient that ranges from a minimum of 100 m AMSL to a maximum of 300 m AMSL.

Elevational range max:

300 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

100 m AMSL

Habitat :

Cerrado (lato sensu), Savana Amazônica

Life history

The life history of Tontelea micrantha is characterized by its classification as a perennial plant, meaning it maintains its vegetative structures and continues to live through multiple growing seasons rather than completing its cycle in a single year. As a perennial species, it establishes a persistent presence in its ecosystem, allowing it to undergo repeated cycles of growth, flowering, and seed production over an extended lifespan. This long-term survival strategy enables the plant to endure seasonal fluctuations and invest energy into robust structural development, ensuring its long-term stability within its natural habitat.

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Tontelea micrantha is characterized by its woody structure and a growth form primarily classified as a shrub. The plant typically reaches an average height of approximately 1.5 m. In terms of its climbing habits, it exhibits characteristics of a liana, though it can also function as a self-supporting organism. It is a terrestrial species, functioning as an independent organism rather than a parasite, and it does not exhibit epiphytic behavior, maintaining a strictly terrestrial existence.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

liana

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

shrub

Parasite :

independent

Plant height mean:

1.5 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Tontelea micrantha is characterized by its specific metabolic processes and nutrient acquisition strategies within its native ecosystem. Regarding its nitrogen metabolism, the plant does not function as a nitrogen fixer; it lacks the symbiotic relationship with diazotrophic bacteria, such as Rhizobium, required to convert atmospheric nitrogen into bioavailable forms. Consequently, its physiological nitrogen uptake is entirely dependent on the absorption of nitrates and ammonium ions from the soil through its root system. This reliance necessitates a robust root architecture capable of efficient nutrient scavenging to support its growth and vegetative development. Furthermore, its metabolic efficiency is closely tied to its ability to manage carbon fixation and water transpiration rates, ensuring homeostasis in varying environmental conditions.

Nitrogen fixer :

no

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Tontelea micrantha 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 leaf, stem.

Leaf

1. Drug development and industrial pharmacy

Stem

1. Anais da Academia Brasileira de Ciencias

Chemicals

Tontelea micrantha has 4 reported phytochemicals identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Carotenoids, Flavonoids, Tannins, Terpenoids.

Carotenoids

1. Anais da Academia Brasileira de Ciencias

Flavonoids

1. Anais da Academia Brasileira de Ciencias

Tannins

1. Anais da Academia Brasileira de Ciencias

Terpenoids

1. Anais da Academia Brasileira de Ciencias

Activities

Tontelea micrantha has 1 reported activities identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antibacterial.

Antibacterial

1. Drug development and industrial pharmacy

Preparations