Virola calophylla

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Distribution

This plant exhibits a diverse presence across several regions of the South American continent. In northern South America, its distribution includes the nations of Guyana, Suriname, and Venezuela. Moving toward the western part of the continent, the species can also be found in Colombia. Additionally, its range extends further south into the western territory of Bolivia. Together, these locations highlight the wide geographical spread of Virola calophyllas throughout the tropics.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Virola calophyllosa is characterized by its preference for specific tropical forest structures and a distinct altitudinal distribution. This species is typically found inhabiting both Floresta de Terra Firme and Floresta de Várzea, allowing it to occupy both stable, non-flooded upland terrains and seasonally flooded lowland areas. Its vertical distribution within the landscape is relatively constrained, occupying an elevational range that begins at 50 m AMSL and reaches a maximum altitude of 750 m AMSL.

Elevational range max:

750 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

50 m AMSL

Habitat :

Floresta de Terra Firme, Floresta de Várzea

Life history

The life history of Virola calophylla is characterized by its status as a perennial species, meaning it maintains its biological functions and structural integrity over many years rather than completing its cycle within a single season. As a long-lived woody plant, it undergoes a continuous developmental process that extends well beyond the initial growth phases typical of annual or biennial organisms. This perennial nature allows the plant to establish a robust presence within its ecosystem, investing significant energy into sustained structural growth and long-term reproductive capabilities.

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Virola calophyllosa is characterized by its stature as a woody tree, reaching a mean height of approximately 15 meters, with some specimens attaining a maximum height of up to 22 meters. As a terrestrial species, it maintains an independent lifestyle, functioning as a non-parasitic organism rather than an obligatory or facultative parasite. In terms of its structural habit, the plant is categorized as self-supporting, lacking the climbing or vine-like tendencies of lianas. It does not exhibit epiphytic behavior, such as being a hemi-epiphyte or holoepiphyte, but instead remains strictly terrestrial in its growth form.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

22 m

Plant height mean:

15 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Virola calophylla is characterized by a C3 photosynthetic pathway, which governs its carbon fixation processes and metabolic efficiency within its tropical habitat. Unlike plants that utilize C4 or CAM mechanisms to conserve water or optimize carbon uptake in arid conditions, this species relies on the direct fixation of atmospheric carbon dioxide via the enzyme RuBisCO. Furthermore, the plant does not function as a nitrogen fixer, meaning it lacks the symbiotic relationship with nitrogen-fixing bacteria required to convert atmospheric nitrogen into bioavailable forms, and instead depends on the uptake of nitrates and ammonium from the surrounding soil matrix to support its protein synthesis and overall growth.

Nitrogen fixer :

no

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Reproduction

The reproduction of Virola calophylla is characterized by the production of fleshy fruits, a trait that plays a critical role in its reproductive strategy. The seeds of this species exhibit a consistent seed mass of 1.31 g, with both the minimum and maximum recorded values reaching this same measurement. These seeds vary in volume, ranging from a minimum of 490 mm³ to a maximum of 1900 mm³, with an average seed volume of 1195 mm³. Regarding the dispersal of its offspring, the plant utilizes a zoochorous syndrome, relying on animals to aid in the movement and distribution of its seeds, although its dispersal mechanisms can also be categorized as anemochorous, autochorous, hydrochorous, or unspecialized depending on the environmental context.

Dispersal syndrome :

zoochorous

Fruit dryness :

fleshy

Seed mass mean:

1.31 g

Seed volume max:

1900 mm³

Seed volume mean:

1195 mm³

Seed volume min:

490 mm³

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Virola calophylla has 3 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include 5-Methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine, N,N-DIMETHYLTRYPTAMINE, N-Monomethyltryptamine.

5-Methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine

1. Dr. Duke

N,N-DIMETHYLTRYPTAMINE

1. Dr. Duke

N-Monomethyltryptamine

1. Dr. Duke

Activities

Virola calophylla has 7 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antifeedant, Bronchospasmogenic, Hallucinogenic, Hyperkinetic, Hypotensive.

Antifeedant

1. Dr. Duke

Bronchospasmogenic

1. Dr. Duke

Hallucinogenic

1. Dr. Duke

Hyperkinetic

1. Dr. Duke

Hypotensive

1. Dr. Duke

Pesticide

1. Dr. Duke

Respiradepressant

1. Dr. Duke