Chilean Guava

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• Chilean Guava
• Chilean-guava
• strawberry myrtle

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Eugenia ugni
• Myrtus molinae
• Myrtus ugni var. angustifolia
• Ugni bridgesii
• Myrtus ugni
• Myrtus ugni var. latifolia
• Ugni lanceolata
• Ugni philippii
• Ugni poeppigii

Regional and Traditional Names

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant, known scientifically as Ugni molinae, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, it is classified under the order Myrtales and the family Myrtaceae. Ultimately, it is categorized under the genus Ugni.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a diverse geographical distribution spanning multiple continents and regions. In the Southern Hemisphere, it is widely found throughout New Zealand North. Its presence is also heavily concentrated in Southern South America, specifically across Chile Central and Chile South. Additionally, the species can be located in the southern reaches of Argentina. Finally, its range extends as far north as Great Britain in Northern Europe.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Ugni molinae is characterized by its preference for lowland environments, where it occupies specific niche spaces within its native range. It thrives within a defined altitudinal gradient, typically establishing itself at elevations starting from 700 m AMSL and extending up to a maximum of 1500 m AMSL. This elevational range dictates the climatic conditions, such as temperature and moisture availability, to which the species must adapt for optimal growth and medicinal potency.

Elevational range max:

1500 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

700 m AMSL

Habitat :

Lowland

Life history

The life history of Ugni molinae is characterized by a long-lived perennial lifecycle, allowing the plant to persist in its native habitats through multiple growing seasons. In terms of its structural growth and ecological positioning, it exhibits diverse life forms depending on environmental conditions and developmental stages, manifesting as both a phanerophyte, where its reproductive shoots are held well above the ground, and a chamaephyte, where the buds are situated close to or just above the soil surface. This adaptability in life form contributes to its resilience and ability to maintain stable populations within its ecosystem over time.

Life form :

chamaephyte

Life form :

phanerophyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Ugni molinae is characterized by its growth form as a woody shrub, which functions as a self-supporting, independent organism. It is a terrestrial species, neither aquatic nor epiphytic, and does not exhibit parasitic behavior. In terms of stature, the plant typically reaches a height ranging from a minimum of 1 meter to a maximum of 2 meters.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

shrub

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

2 m

Plant height min:

1 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Ugni molinae is characterized by a C3 photosynthetic pathway, which dictates its metabolic processes and carbon fixation strategies. The plant's vegetative structure includes leaves that exhibit consistent morphological dimensions, with a mean, minimum, and maximum leaf width all measured at 1.7 cm. In terms of longitudinal growth, the foliage reaches a maximum leaf length of 2 cm, supporting the plant's energy production and overall physiological development.

Leaf length max:

2 cm

Leaf width mean:

1.7 cm

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Reproduction

Reproduction in Ugni molinae occurs through both sexual and asexual mechanisms. The species exhibits asexual reproduction, which is present and allows for vegetative propagation. For sexual reproduction, the plant produces fleshy fruits that serve as a primary means of seed dispersal; these fruits possess a mean width of 1.1 cm.

Fruit width mean:

1.1 cm

Reproduction asexual :

present

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Ugni molinae has 1 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 fruit.

Fruit

1. The Journal of membrane biology
2. BioMed research international

Chemicals

Ugni molinae has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Quercitin, polyphenols.

Quercitin

1. The Journal of membrane biology

polyphenols

1. BioMed research international

Activities

Ugni molinae has 1 reported activities identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antibacterial.

Antibacterial

1. BioMed research international

Conditions

Ugni molinae has 1 reported investigations on conditions identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include cancer.

Cancer

1. Cancers

Preparations

Ugni molinae has 1 reported preparations identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include fruit extract.

Fruit extract

1. The Journal of membrane biology