Vismia macrophylla

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Caopia macrophylla
• Vismia macrophylla var. glabrescens
• Vismia latifolia var. glabrescens
• Vismia latifolia var. reticulata
• Vismia reticulata
• Vismia angusta
• Hypericum reticulatum

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 Malpighiales and the family Hypericaceae. Finally, it is categorized under the genus Vismia, specifically as the species Vismia macrophylla.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant, Vismia macrophylla, exhibits a specific geographical range within the region of Central America. Its natural habitat extends through several different countries across this land bridge. Specifically, it can be found growing in the landscapes of Belize and Guatemala. The species also maintains a presence in the territories of Honduras and Nicaragua. Furthermore, its distribution continues southward into the tropical environments of Costa Rica.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Vismia macrophylla is characterized by its adaptability across diverse forest ecosystems and a wide altitudinal gradient. This species inhabits a variety of environments, including coastal forests (Floresta Ciliar ou Galeria), terra firme forests, varzea forests, and ombrophilous (rainforest) forests. Its distribution spans from sea level up to an elevation of 1400 m AMSL, demonstrating a broad ecological amplitude that allows it to thrive in both lowland humid settings and higher montane elevations.

Elevational range max:

1400 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

0 m AMSL

Habitat :

Floresta Ciliar ou Galeria, Floresta de Terra Firme, Floresta de Várzea, Floresta Ombrófila (= Floresta Pluvial)

Life history

The life history of Vismia macrophylla is characterized by a perennial lifecycle, allowing the individual to persist in its environment over many years rather than completing its cycle within a single growing season. As a long-lived woody species, it undergoes a continuous developmental process that includes an initial establishment phase followed by sustained vegetative growth and periodic reproductive stages. This perennial nature enables the plant to accumulate significant biomass and establish a robust presence within its ecological niche, contributing to the structural complexity of its habitat through its enduring lifespan.

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Vismia macrophylla is characterized by a woody growth form, specifically classified as a tree. It is a self-supporting plant that functions independently, without behaving as a parasite or an epiphyte, maintaining a strictly terrestrial existence. In terms of stature, the species exhibits significant vertical development, with a mean plant height of approximately 8 m and the capacity to reach a maximum height of up to 20 m.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

20 m

Plant height mean:

8 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Vismia macrophylla is characterized by a C3 photosynthetic pathway, indicating a carbon fixation process typical of many tropical woody species that rely on the enzyme Rubisco under standard environmental conditions. Its leaf tissue demonstrates a consistent Leaf Dry Matter Content (LDMC) of 435.1 mg/g, a value that remains uniform across its measured range (minimum and maximum both at 435.1 mg/g), reflecting a specific structural investment in leaf density and biomass allocation. Furthermore, the plant does not function as a nitrogen fixer, meaning it relies on soil nitrogen availability rather than symbiotic diazotrophic processes to meet its nutritional requirements.

Leaf dry matter content (LDMC) mean:

435.1 mg/g

Nitrogen fixer :

no

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Reproduction

The reproduction of Vismia macrophylla is characterized by the production of specialized seeds with specific morphological and mass properties. The seeds exhibit a consistent mass, with a recorded mean, minimum, and maximum value of 6e-04 g, indicating a highly uniform seed weight during development. In terms of dimensions, the seed length shows greater variability, ranging from a minimum of 1 mm to a maximum of 6 mm. These reproductive traits define the physical parameters of the progeny, which are essential for its dispersal and establishment within its natural habitat.

Seed length max:

6 mm

Seed length min:

1 mm

Seed mass mean:

6e-04 g

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Vismia macrophylla has 1 reported plant parts identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include leaf.

Leaf

1. Natural product research

Chemicals

Vismia macrophylla has 14 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include CATECHIN, Deacetylvismione A, FERRUGININ C, Glucodistylin, Harunganin.

CATECHIN

1. Natural product research

Deacetylvismione A

1. Journal of natural products

FERRUGININ C

1. Journal of natural products

Glucodistylin

1. Natural product research

Harunganin

1. Journal of natural products

Maslinic acid

1. Natural product research

Osajaxanthone

1. Natural product research

VISMIONE B

1. Journal of natural products

Vismiaquinone

1. Journal of natural products

Vismin

1. Journal of natural products

Medicinal Uses

Vismia macrophylla has 6 reported medicinal uses identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Acinetobacter baumannii, Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus.

Most Reported Uses

Preparations