Trichilia havanensis

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Distribution

This plant exhibits a broad presence across various regions within the country of Mexico. It can be found inhabiting the diverse landscapes of Mexico Central. Additionally, the species is distributed throughout the Mexico Northeast and the Mexico Gulf areas. Its range also extends into the Mexico Northwest, demonstrating significant ecological adaptability. Finally, the plant is documented growing within the Mexico Southwest region.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Trichilia havaenensis is characterized by its residence within forest ecosystems, where it plays a functional role in the local biodiversity. This species demonstrates a broad altitudinal adaptability, spanning a significant vertical gradient from sea level (0 m AMSL) up to high-altitude environments reaching a maximum elevation of 2130 m AMSL. This wide elevational range suggests that the plant is capable of thriving across diverse climatic zones and varying topographical conditions within its forest habitats.

Elevational range max:

2130 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

0 m AMSL

Habitat :

forest

Life history

The life history of Trichilia hayasenensis is characterized by a perennial lifecycle, meaning the individual plant persists through many growing seasons rather than completing its cycle in a single year. As a long-lived woody species, it undergoes an initial establishment phase where it develops a robust root system and structural framework, followed by a prolonged period of vegetative growth. Once mature, the plant enters a reproductive phase, periodically producing flowers and seeds to ensure the continuation of its lineage within its ecosystem. Because it follows a perennial strategy, it can withstand seasonal fluctuations and invest significant energy into long-term survival and repeated reproductive efforts over many years.

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Trichilia havaenensis is characterized by its stature as a woody tree, typically reaching a mean height of approximately 10 meters. As a self-supporting organism, it possesses a robust growth form that does not require climbing structures, such as lianas or vines, to maintain its verticality. The plant is strictly terrestrial in its habitat, lacking any aquatic or semiaquatic tendencies, and it does not function as an epiphyte, remaining grounded rather than growing upon other vegetation. Furthermore, it is an independent species that does not exhibit parasitic behavior, relying on its own biological processes for sustenance and growth.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Plant height mean:

10 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Trichilia hayasensis is characterized by its complex metabolic processes and specific nutrient acquisition strategies. As a woody perennial, its physiological functions are centered around robust photosynthetic efficiency and a highly developed vascular system designed for long-term structural maintenance. Regarding its relationship with soil nutrients, the plant does not engage in symbiotic nitrogen fixation; it is not a nitrogen fixer, meaning it lacks the specialized root nodules required to host nitrogen-fixing bacteria to convert atmospheric nitrogen into usable forms. Consequently, its physiological survival and growth rates are heavily dependent on the availability of nitrates and ammonium within the soil matrix, necessitating an efficient root system capable of active nutrient uptake to support its metabolic demands. Its physiological regulation of water and minerals is tightly integrated with its seasonal growth patterns, ensuring cellular homeostasis through controlled transpiration and osmotic adjustment.

Nitrogen fixer :

no

Reproduction

The reproduction of Trichilia havanensis is characterized by a complex biological process involving specific mechanisms for seed movement and distribution. The plant primarily exhibits a zoochorous dispersal syndrome, meaning its seeds are distributed by animals that consume the fruit and transport the seeds to new locations. While the species is fundamentally classified as zoochorous, its reproductive strategy can be considered unspecialized, potentially interacting with a variety of fauna to ensure its propagation. This dispersal method is a critical component of its life cycle, facilitating the colonization of new habitats and maintaining genetic diversity within its ecological niche.

Dispersal syndrome :

zoochorous

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Trichilia havanensis 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 seed.

Seed

1. Journal of natural products

Preparations

Trichilia havanensis has 2 reported preparations identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include acetone extract of seeds, methanolic extracts.

Acetone extract of seeds

1. Journal of natural products

Methanolic extracts

1. Journal of natural medicines