capote

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• capote
• elephant ear

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Regional and Traditional Names

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant, Xanthosoma robustum, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. It is further classified under the class Equisetopsida and the subclass Magnoliidae within the order Alismatales. Finally, it is a member of the family Araceae, falling under the genus Xanthosoma.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a wide geographical distribution spanning across several distinct regions. In the Indian Subcontinent, its presence is documented within India. Its range extends across the North-Central Pacific, specifically found in Hawaii. Within Mexico, the species is distributed through Mexico Central and the Mexico Gulf regions. Additionally, the plant can be located in the Mexico Southwest area.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Xanthosoma robustum is characterized by its preference for specific moisture-rich environments and a broad altitudinal distribution. This species is primarily found in riverine habitats, where it thrives in the moist, nutrient-dense soils typically associated with riverbanks and riparian zones. Its vertical distribution spans a significant gradient, occupying ecological niches from low-lying areas at an elevation of 100 m AMSL up to high-altitude regions reaching a maximum of 2000 m AMSL. This wide elevational range suggests a high degree of adaptability to varying temperature regimes and atmospheric pressures within its riverine ecosystem.

Elevational range max:

2000 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

100 m AMSL

Habitat :

riverine

Life history

The life history of Xanthosoma robustum is characterized by its specific growth strategies and structural adaptations to its environment. It primarily functions as a phanerophyte, possessing buds located well above the ground level, which allows it to maintain a significant aerial presence. In certain ecological contexts or stages of its development, its life form can also be categorized under the nanophanerophyte classification, indicating a shorter stature while still maintaining elevated buds. This combination of life forms facilitates its survival and competitive positioning within its native habitat, utilizing its structural height to optimize light interception and reproductive success.

Life form :

nanophanerophyte

Life form :

phanerophyte

Morphology

The morphology of Xanthosoma robustum is characterized by its classification as a non-woody herb, displaying a growth form that is fundamentally herbaceous rather than shrubby or arborescent. As a terrestrial plant, it lacks epiphytic tendencies, remaining rooted in the ground rather than growing as a holoepiphyte or hemiepiphyte. The plant is an independent organism, functioning without any parasitic relationship to its host. In terms of its structural habit, it is a self-supporting species, meaning it does not require external structures to climb as a liana or vine would, nor does it exhibit obligatory climbing behaviors. While its habitat can span various moisture levels, its primary ecological positioning is terrestrial, distinguishing it from strictly aquatic or semiaquatic specialists.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

herb

Parasite :

independent

Woodiness :

non-woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Xanthosoma robustum has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Cycloartenol.

Cycloartenol

1. Phytochemistry

Activities

Xanthosoma robustum has 1 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antibacterial.

Antibacterial

1. Phytochemistry