Xiquexique gounellei

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Cephalocereus gounellei
• Cereus gounellei
• Pseudopilocereus gounellei
• Pilosocereus gounellei
• Pilocereus gounellei

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Caryophyllales, it is classified under the family Cactaceae. Finally, its specific taxonomic identity is defined by the genus Xiquexique.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant, known as Xique-xique gounellei, exhibits a specific range across the South American landscape. Its presence is officially documented within the vast territory of Brazil. Within this country, the species can be found spanning the Northeast region. Additionally, its geographical reach extends into the Southeast portion of Brazil. Consequently, its distribution covers diverse ecological zones across these two major Brazilian regions.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Xique-xique gounellei is characterized by its adaptation to highly specific and demanding environments within the Brazilian semiarid biome. This species is found predominantly in the Caatinga (strictu sensu), where it thrives under seasonal drought conditions, as well as in the Carrasco vegetation, a distinct transitional formation. Furthermore, its distribution includes specialized niches such as vegetation growing over rocky outcrops (Vegetação Sobre Afloramentos Rochosos), where it must contend with shallow soils and intense solar radiation. These habitats necessitate physiological specializations to manage water scarcity and survive the nutrient-poor, stony substrates typical of these ecosystems.

Habitat :

Caatinga (stricto sensu), Carrasco, Vegetação Sobre Afloramentos Rochosos

Morphology

The morphology of Xiquexique gounellei is characterized by a woody growth form that primarily manifests as a shrub, though it can also reach a tree-like stature. The plant exhibits a versatile habitat preference, ranging from aquatic and semiaquatic environments to terrestrial settings. In terms of structural support, it functions as a self-supporting organism rather than an obligatory or facultative climber, and it maintains an independent existence as a non-parasitic species. While it is categorized as a terrestrial species rather than an epiphyte, its physical development allows it to reach a maximum plant height of 4 meters.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Growth form :

shrub

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

4 m

Woodiness :

woody

Reproduction

The reproduction of Xiquexique gounellei is characterized by the development of a specific fruit type classified as a berry. These fruits are consistently sized, with a recorded minimum, mean, and maximum fruit length all measuring 5 cm. In terms of seed release, the fruit is indehiscent, meaning it does not split open at maturity to release its contents. The dispersal of the seeds follows a zoochorous syndrome, relying on animals to facilitate the spread of the plant throughout its habitat.

Dehiscence :

indehiscent

Dispersal syndrome :

zoochorous

Fruit length max:

5 cm

Fruit type :

berry

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Xiquexique gounellei 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 root, stem.

Root

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Stem

1. Regulatory toxicology and pharmacology : RTP

Chemicals

Xiquexique gounellei has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Flavonoids.

Flavonoids

1. Regulatory toxicology and pharmacology : RTP

Activities

Xiquexique gounellei has 1 reported activities identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antinociceptive.

Antinociceptive

1. Regulatory toxicology and pharmacology : RTP

Preparations