Vataireopsis araroba

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Distribution

This plant, Vataireopsis araroba, exhibits a specific distribution pattern within the South American continent. Its presence is documented across multiple regions within the country of Brazil. Specifically, the species can be found growing in the Northeast region of Brazil. Additionally, its geographical range extends into the Southeast part of the country. Consequently, these two distinct areas represent the known locations for this medicinal plant.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Vataireopsis ararobba is fundamentally defined by its occurrence within the Floresta Ombrófila, commonly known as the tropical rainforest or pluvial forest. This specialized habitat provides the high levels of moisture, consistent humidity, and dense canopy cover necessary for the species to thrive. Within these hyper-diverse ecosystems, the plant interacts with a complex web of biological processes characterized by rapid nutrient cycling and significant precipitation patterns. The environmental stability of the ombrophilous forest allows for the maintenance of the specific microclimates required for its development, placing it within a highly competitive and resource-rich ecological niche.

Habitat :

Floresta Ombrófila (= Floresta Pluvial)

Life history

The life history of Vataireopsis ararobba is characterized by its nature as a perennial species, allowing it to persist in its environment over multiple growing seasons. Its seasonal development is marked by a deciduous habit, meaning it undergoes a period of leaf shedding as part of its natural cycle, typically in response to seasonal changes or environmental stressors.

Deciduousness :

deciduous

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Vataireopsis ararobba is characterized by its substantial growth form as a woody tree, reaching significant dimensions in its natural habitat. It typically attains a mean height of 30 meters, with the potential to reach a maximum height of up to 35 meters. As a terrestrial species, it does not exhibit aquatic or semiaquatic tendencies, nor does it function as an epiphyte, remaining firmly rooted in the ground. The plant is entirely independent in its nutritional requirements, functioning as a non-parasitic organism. Structurally, it is a self-supporting tree, lacking the climbing habits of lianas or vines, and relies on its robust, woody framework to maintain its vertical stature.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

35 m

Plant height mean:

30 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Vataireopsis araroba is characterized by a metabolic framework utilizing the C3 photosynthetic pathway, where carbon fixation occurs through the direct carboxylation of ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate by the enzyme RuBisCO within the mesophyll cells. This pathway dictates its carbon assimilation efficiency and water-use strategies in its specific ecological niche. Furthermore, the plant does not function as a nitrogen fixer, meaning it lacks the symbiotic relationship with nitrogen-fixing bacteria or the intrinsic physiological mechanisms required to convert atmospheric nitrogen into bioavailable forms, necessitating the uptake of nitrogen through soil-based nutrient absorption.

Nitrogen fixer :

no

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Vataireopsis araroba has 6 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Ararobinol, CHRYSAROBIN, CHRYSOPHANIC ACID, Chrysophanol, Chrysophanol anthrone.

Ararobinol

1. Dr. Duke

CHRYSAROBIN

1. Dr. Duke

CHRYSOPHANIC ACID

1. Dr. Duke

Chrysophanol

1. Dr. Duke

Chrysophanol anthrone

1. Dr. Duke

Emodin monomethyl ether

1. Dr. Duke

Activities

Vataireopsis araroba has 22 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Allergenic, Antibacterial, Antipsoriac, Antiseptic, Antispasmodic.

Allergenic

1. Dr. Duke

Antibacterial

1. Dr. Duke

Antipsoriac

1. Dr. Duke

Antiseptic

1. Dr. Duke

Antispasmodic

1. Dr. Duke

Antitrichophytotic

1. Dr. Duke

Calcium-Antagonist

1. Dr. Duke

Candidicide

1. Dr. Duke

Cathartic

1. Dr. Duke

Cytotoxic

1. Dr. Duke