Urera aurantiaca

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Urera scandens
• Urera aurantiaca var. scandens

Regional and Traditional Names

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae, it is organized under the order Rosales and the family Urticaceae. Finally, its specific taxonomic identity is defined by the genus Urera.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant is primarily distributed across several key regions in Western South America. Specifically, its presence has been documented within the territories of Bolivia and Colombia. In addition to these western nations, it is widely found throughout various parts of Brazil. Its range extends into the West-Central and Northeast regions of the Brazilian landscape. Furthermore, the species can also be located within the Southeast portion of Brazil.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Urera bicaudata (syn. Urera aurantiaca) is characterized by its presence in diverse forest ecosystems, including Floresta de Terra Firme, Floresta Estacional Semi-decidual, Floresta Ombrófila (pluvial), and Floresta Ombrófila Mista. This species typically occupies low-lying areas, with an elevational range that begins at 0 m AMSL and reaches a maximum altitude of 500 m AMSL, maintaining a mean elevation of 0 m AMSL.

Elevational range max:

500 m AMSL

Elevational range mean:

0 m AMSL

Habitat :

Floresta de Terra Firme, Floresta Estacional Semidecidual, Floresta Ombrófila (= Floresta Pluvial), Floresta Ombrófila Mista

Life history

The life history of Urera auriculatiaca is characterized by its status as a perennial organism, allowing it to persist in its environment through multiple growing seasons. In terms of its structural growth strategy, the species is classified as a phanerophyte, specifically exhibiting the traits of a phanerophyte in its overall life form. This indicates that its perennially renewing buds are elevated above the ground level, protected by its stem structure, which is a defining characteristic of its development and survival within its ecological niche.

Life form :

phanerophyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Urera aurantiaca is characterized by a woody growth form, primarily manifesting as a shrub. This plant reaches a significant size, with a mean height of approximately 3 m and a maximum potential height of up to 6 m. It is a terrestrial species, existing independently without parasitic tendencies, and it does not function as an epiphyte. In terms of its structural habit, the plant is classified as self-supporting, lacking the climbing tendencies of vines or lianas.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

shrub

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

6 m

Plant height mean:

3 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Urera aurantiaca is characterized by complex metabolic processes driven by its role as a perennial shrub within tropical ecosystems. Its vegetative growth and nutrient acquisition strategies are closely tied to its photosynthetic efficiency and its ability to interact with the soil microbiome. Regarding its nutrient cycling capabilities, the plant does not function as a nitrogen fixer, as it lacks the symbiotic relationship with nitrogen-fixing bacteria (such as Rhizobium or Frankia) typically found in leguminous or actinorhizal species; therefore, its nitrogen status is dependent on the assimilation of nitrates and ammonium present in the soil. The plant's physiological defense mechanisms are notable, often involving the production of specialized stinging hairs or trichomes that secrete chemical irritants, a process regulated by complex biochemical pathways to deter herbivory. Furthermore, its transpiration rates and water use efficiency are adapted to maintain turgor pressure and metabolic stability within humid, high-temperature environments.

Nitrogen fixer :

no

Reproduction

Reproduction in Urera aurantiaca is characterized by a sexual process that relies on the interaction of specialized reproductive structures. In this species, the mechanism of self-fertilization is notably absent, meaning the plant does not possess the biological capacity to fertilize its own ovules using its own pollen. Instead, the species necessitates cross-pollination to ensure genetic diversity and successful seed production. This absence of self-fertilization implies a dependence on external agents, such as wind or specific insect vectors, to transfer pollen between distinct individuals. Consequently, the reproductive cycle is driven by the movement of pollen from the anthers of one plant to the stigma of another, facilitating an outcrossing strategy that is essential for the evolutionary fitness and population dynamics of the species.

Self fertilization :

absent

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Urera aurantiaca has 3 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Flavonoids, Tannins, polyphenols.

Flavonoids

1. Phytotherapy research : PTR

Tannins

1. Phytotherapy research : PTR

polyphenols

1. Phytotherapy research : PTR

Activities

Urera aurantiaca has 4 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antiinflammatory, Antinociceptive, Antioxidant, Antiproliferative.

Antiinflammatory

1. Phytotherapy research : PTR

Antinociceptive

1. Phytotherapy research : PTR

Antioxidant

1. Phytotherapy research : PTR

Antiproliferative

1. Phytotherapy research : PTR

Medicinal Uses

Urera aurantiaca has 2 reported medicinal uses identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include inflammation, nociception.

Most Reported Uses