Ugni candollei

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• 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.

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.

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.

Fruit

1. 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.

3-p-coumaroylquinic acid

1. Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland)

Ellagic acid acetyl-xyloside

1. Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland)

Phloretin 2'-O-xylosyl-glucoside

1. Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland)