Trichilia hirta

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Distribution

This plant exhibits a widespread presence across several distinct regions of Mexico. It can be found growing throughout the central parts of the country in Mexico Central. Additionally, its range extends into the northeastern territories of Mexico Northeast. The species is also distributed across the coastal areas of Mexico Gulf. Finally, its geographical reach includes the diverse landscapes of both Mexico Northwest and Mexico Southwest.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Trichilia hirta is characterized by its broad adaptability across diverse Brazilian biomes and varying topographic gradients. This species thrives in a wide range of habitats, including the semi-arid Caatinga (strictu sensu), riparian environments such as Floresta Ciliar or Galeria, and several forest types including Floresta Estacional Decidual, Floresta Estacional Semi-decidual, and the more humid Floresta Ombrófila (also known as Floresta Pluvial). Its distribution spans a significant altitudinal gradient, ranging from sea level (0 m AMSL) up to a maximum elevation of 1000 m AMSL, allowing it to occupy both lowland and montane ecological niches.

Elevational range max:

1000 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

0 m AMSL

Habitat :

Caatinga (stricto sensu), Floresta Ciliar ou Galeria, Floresta Estacional Decidual, Floresta Estacional Semidecidual, Floresta Ombrófila (= Floresta Pluvial)

Life history

The life history of Trichilia hirta is characterized by its long-lived nature as a perennial species, allowing it to establish a stable presence within its ecosystem over many years. As part of its seasonal physiological adaptations, the plant exhibits a deciduous growth habit, meaning it undergoes a period of leaf shedding, typically in response to specific environmental cues or seasonal changes. This cycle of growth and dormancy is central to its survival strategy, balancing nutrient conservation during leafless phases with vigorous vegetative activity during its active growing seasons.

Deciduousness :

deciduous

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Trichilia hirta is characterized by its growth form as a woody tree that functions as a self-supporting structure rather than a climber, liana, or vine. As a terrestrial organism, it does not exhibit aquatic or semiaquatic tendencies, nor does it function as an epiphyte or a parasite, maintaining an independent existence. The plant reaches a significant stature, with a mean height of approximately 9.8 meters and a maximum potential height of up to 12 meters.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

12 m

Plant height mean:

9.8 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Trichilia hirta is characterized by its metabolic processes and nutrient acquisition strategies, which are central to its growth and survival in its natural habitat. As a woody angiosperm, its physiological functions are driven by efficient photosynthetic pathways that convert solar energy into chemical energy, facilitating the synthesis of complex organic compounds. Regarding its nitrogen metabolism, the plant does not exhibit the physiological capacity for symbiotic nitrogen fixation; it is not a nitrogen fixer, meaning it relies entirely on the uptake of available inorganic nitrogen, such as nitrates and ammonium, from the soil through its root system to fulfill its nutritional requirements. This reliance on external nitrogen sources dictates its distribution patterns and its interaction with soil microbiology. Furthermore, its physiological regulation involves complex hormonal signaling and transpiration control to maintain water potential and osmotic balance, ensuring structural integrity and metabolic continuity across varying environmental conditions.

Nitrogen fixer :

no

Reproduction

The reproduction of Trichilia hirta is characterized by a biotic pollination syndrome, primarily driven by interactions with insects, specifically bees. Following successful fertilization, the plant produces seeds that exhibit highly consistent morphological dimensions, with a mean seed length of 4.246 mm (ranging from a minimum to a maximum of 4.246 mm). The seed mass shows a specific profile, with a recorded mean of 0.04848 g, although the data indicates a maximum and minimum value of 0.07822 g. For the subsequent stage of the life cycle, the species utilizes a zoochorous dispersal syndrome, relying on animals to transport its seeds to new locations, which facilitates the colonization of its natural habitat.

Dispersal syndrome :

zoochorous

Pollination syndrome :

insect

Pollination syndrome :

bee

Pollination syndrome :

biotic

Seed length mean:

4.246 mm

Seed mass max:

0.07822 g

Seed mass mean:

0.04848 g

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Trichilia hirta has 3 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Saponins, Terpenoids, polyphenols.

Saponins

1. Dr. Duke

Terpenoids

1. Dr. Duke

polyphenols

1. Dr. Duke

Activities

Trichilia hirta has 34 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Anthelmintic, AntiHIV, Antiangiogenic, Antibacterial, Anticariogenic.

Anthelmintic

1. Dr. Duke

AntiHIV

1. Dr. Duke

Antiangiogenic

1. Dr. Duke

Antibacterial

1. Dr. Duke

Anticariogenic

1. Dr. Duke

Antidiarrheic

1. Dr. Duke

Antidysenteric

1. Dr. Duke

Antihepatomic

1. Dr. Duke

Antihepatotoxic

1. Dr. Duke

Antihypertensive

1. Dr. Duke