Trichilia silvatica

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Trichilia luciae
• Trichilia cuspidata

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae, it is placed in the order Sapindales and the family Meliaceae. Finally, its taxonomic identity is defined by the genus Trichilia, specifically as the species Trichilia silvatica.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a wide-ranging presence across several distinct regions within the country of Brazil. Specifically, its occurrence is documented throughout the Brazil West-Central area. It can also be found distributed across the Brazil Northeast territory. Furthermore, the species is present within the Brazil Southeast region. Finally, its geographical reach extends into the Brazil South area.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Trichilia silvatica is characterized by its presence in diverse forest ecosystems, specifically inhabiting riparian forests (Floresta Ciliar ou Galeria), semi-deciduous seasonal forests (Floresta Estacional Semidecidual), and ombrophilous or rain forests (Floresta Ombrófila/Pluvial). This species thrives across a broad altitudinal gradient, ranging from sea level up to a maximum elevation of 500 meters above mean sea level (m AMSL).

Elevational range max:

500 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

0 m AMSL

Habitat :

Floresta Ciliar ou Galeria, Floresta Estacional Semidecidual, Floresta Ombrófila (= Floresta Pluvial)

Life history

The life history of Trichilia silvatica is characterized by its status as a perennial species, allowing it to persist in its ecosystem over many successive years. Throughout its developmental stages, the plant maintains an evergreen habit, retaining its foliage continuously rather than shedding it seasonally. This combination of a long-lived lifecycle and constant leaf presence enables the plant to maintain consistent photosynthetic activity and structural stability within its natural habitat.

Deciduousness :

evergreen

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Trichilia silvatica is characterized by its growth form as a woody tree, which functions as a self-supporting structure rather than a climber or vine. This plant is an independent organism, not acting as a parasite, and is strictly terrestrial in its habitat, lacking any aquatic, semiaquatic, or epiphytic tendencies. In terms of stature, the species typically reaches a mean height of 8 meters, though it is capable of attaining a maximum height of up to 18 meters.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

18 m

Plant height mean:

8 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Trichilia silvatica is characterized by its metabolic processes and nutrient acquisition strategies within tropical ecosystems. As a woody perennial, its physiological framework is centered on efficient carbon fixation through photosynthesis, utilizing specialized leaf structures to maximize light interception in canopy environments. In terms of its relationship with soil chemistry and nutrient cycling, the species does not exhibit the capacity for symbiotic nitrogen fixation; therefore, it is classified as a non-nitrogen fixer. Unlike leguminous species that host nitrogen-fixing bacteria in root nodules to convert atmospheric nitrogen into usable forms, Trichilia silvatica relies on the uptake of dissolved nitrates and ammonium from the soil through its root system to meet its nitrogenous requirements for protein synthesis and enzymatic functions. Its physiological regulation involves maintaining osmotic balance and managing transpiration rates to survive fluctuating moisture levels, ensuring the stability of its internal biochemical pathways.

Nitrogen fixer :

no

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Trichilia silvatica 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. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Stem

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Chemicals

Trichilia silvatica has 4 reported phytochemicals identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include CHLOROGENIC ACID, Condensed Tannins, Coumarins, caffeic acid.

CHLOROGENIC ACID

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Condensed Tannins

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Coumarins

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

caffeic acid

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Activities

Trichilia silvatica has 2 reported activities identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antimicrobial, Antioxidant.

Antimicrobial

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Antioxidant

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Preparations

Trichilia silvatica has 2 reported preparations identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include leaf extract, stem extract.

Leaf extract

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Stem extract

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology