Ugni candollei
Ugni candollei · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (4 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Ugni candollei, scientifically known as Ugni candollei, is a versatile evergreen shrub native to South America. Renowned for its delicious edible fruits, it is also valued in traditional medicine for its antioxidant-rich properties. This hardy plant offers significant therapeutic potential, making it a subject of growing botanical interest.
- Family
- Myrtaceae
- Native range
- Southern America
- Parts used
- Fruit
- Common names
- Not available
- Scientific synonyms
- Ugni Krausei · Myrtus Krausei · 3 more
Names and Synonyms
Scientific Names
Accepted name
Ugni candolleiSynonyms
- Ugni krausei
- Myrtus krausei
- Myrtus candollei
- Ugni candollei f. litoralis
- Ugni candollei f. monticola
Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Myrtales, it is classified under the family Myrtaceae. Finally, it is identified by the genus Ugni.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Myrtales |
| Family | Myrtaceae |
| Genus | Ugni |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
This plant is native to the specific regions of Southern South America. Its natural habitat is primarily located within the central part of Chile. Furthermore, the species extends its range into the southern reaches of the country as well. This distribution highlights its specialized ecological niche within the Chilean landscape. Consequently, the geographical presence of Ugni candollei is strictly confined to these southern territories.
| Region | Area |
|---|---|
| Southern South America | Chile Central |
| Southern South America | Chile South |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Botanical Identification
Ecology
The ecology of Ugni candollei is characterized by its distribution across specific altitudinal gradients within its native habitat. This species thrives within an elevational range that begins at a minimum of 100 m AMSL and extends up to a maximum of 800 m AMSL. Within this vertical span, the plant adapts to the varying environmental conditions provided by these different altitudes, occupying niches that support its growth and medicinal properties.
- Elevational range max:
- 800 m AMSL
- Elevational range min:
- 100 m AMSL
Life history
The life history of Ugni candollei is characterized by a perennial lifecycle, meaning the plant persists through multiple growing seasons rather than completing its cycle in a single year. In terms of its structural growth habit and life form, it is classified as a chamaephyte, typically maintaining its buds at or just above the soil surface, which allows it to thrive in specific ecological niches within its natural habitat.
- Life form :
- chamaephyte
- Lifecycle :
- perennial
Morphology
The morphology of Ugni candollei is characterized by its growth form as a woody shrub, functioning as a self-supporting plant that does not require external structures for elevation. It is a terrestrial species, existing independently without parasitic or epiphytic tendencies, and maintains a stable, non-climbing habit. As a woody shrub, its structural integrity is defined by lignified tissues, and it thrives in terrestrial environments rather than aquatic or semiaquatic habitats.
- Aquatic :
- terrestrial
- Climber :
- self-supporting
- Epiphyte :
- terrestrial
- Growth form :
- shrub
- Parasite :
- independent
- Woodiness :
- woody
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Plant Parts
Ugni candollei 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 fruit.
| Plant part | Supporting sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| Fruit | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Fruit
- Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland)
Chemicals
Ugni candollei has 3 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include 3-p-coumaroylquinic acid, Ellagic acid acetyl-xyloside, Phloretin 2'-O-xylosyl-glucoside.
| Chemical | Supporting sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| 3-p-coumaroylquinic acid | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Ellagic acid acetyl-xyloside | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Phloretin 2'-O-xylosyl-glucoside | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
3-p-coumaroylquinic acid
- Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland)
Ellagic acid acetyl-xyloside
- Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland)
Phloretin 2'-O-xylosyl-glucoside
- Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland)