Urtica circularis

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Urtica chamaedryoides var. circularis
• Urtica spatulata var. circularis

Sources: Wikidata

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta within the class Equisetopsida. Following its lineage through the subclass Magnoliidae and order Rosales, it is placed in the family Urticaceae. Finally, its taxonomic identity is defined by the genus Urtica.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a widespread presence across several regions of South America. In Western South America, its range includes the territory of Bolivia. Its distribution extends into Brazil, specifically within the southern portion of the country. Moving into Southern South America, it can be found throughout Paraguay. Additionally, the species inhabits the northeast and northwest regions of Argentina.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Urtica circularis is characterized by its presence within specific environmental niches, primarily thriving in the Floresta Ombrófila Mista and within vegetation found on rocky outcrops (Vegetação Sobre Afloramentos Rochosos). This species exhibits a broad altitudinal distribution, occupying an elevational range that begins at sea level (0 m AMSL) and extends up to a maximum of 1000 m AMSL.

Elevational range max:

1000 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

0 m AMSL

Habitat :

Floresta Ombrófila Mista, Vegetação Sobre Afloramentos Rochosos

Life history

The life history of Urtica circularis is characterized by an annual lifecycle, meaning the plant completes its entire biological progression—from seed germination to flowering and seed production—within a single growing season. As an annual species, it relies on a rapid developmental strategy to exploit favorable environmental conditions before the onset of unfavorable seasonal changes. The cycle begins with the germination of seeds in moist, nutrient-rich soil, followed by a vegetative growth phase where the plant establishes its structural framework. Once sufficient biomass is achieved, the plant transitions into its reproductive stage, producing flowers that facilitate pollination. After successful fertilization, the plant allocates its remaining energy toward the maturation of seeds, ensuring the continuity of the next generation before the parent individual senesces at the end of the year.

Lifecycle :

annual

Morphology

The morphology of Urtica circularis is characterized by its growth form as a non-woody herb, exhibiting a soft, succulent structure typical of many herbaceous species. It functions as an independent organism, showing no parasitic tendencies, and maintains a self-supporting habit without the need for climbing mechanisms. While its ecological niche can span across aquatic, semiaquatic, and terrestrial environments, it primarily manifests as a terrestrial plant rather than an epiphyte. This combination of traits defines a plant that relies on its own structural integrity to remain upright within its various moisture-rich habitats.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

herb

Parasite :

independent

Woodiness :

non-woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Urtica circularis 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. Pharmaceutical biology

Stem

1. Pharmaceutical biology

Chemicals

Urtica circularis has 9 reported phytochemicals identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include CHLOROGENIC ACID, Vitexin, caffeic acid, Isovitexin, Vanillic acid.

CHLOROGENIC ACID

1. Pharmaceutical biology
2. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Vitexin

1. Pharmaceutical biology
2. Journal of ethnopharmacology

caffeic acid

1. Pharmaceutical biology
2. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Isovitexin

1. Pharmaceutical biology

Vanillic acid

1. Pharmaceutical biology

Vicenin 2

1. Pharmaceutical biology

apigenin

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

ferulic acid

1. Pharmaceutical biology

p-Cumaric acid

1. Pharmaceutical biology

Preparations