Zanthoxylum limoncello

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Fagara costaricensis
• Zanthoxylum liebmannianum
• Fagara liebmanniana
• Fagara limoncello
• Zanthoxylum longipes
• Fagara foetida
• Zanthoxylum costaricense
• Fagara uhdei
• Zanthoxylum foetidum

Regional and Traditional Names

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 falls under the order Sapindales and the family Rutaceae. Finally, its taxonomic identity is defined by the genus Zanthoxylum, specifically the species Zanthoxylum limonella.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a widespread distribution across several key regions of Mexico. It can be found throughout Mexico Central and stretching across the Mexico Gulf coast. Additionally, its presence extends into the Mexico Southwest and Mexico Southeast territories. Moving further south, the species is also documented within the borders of Central America. Specifically, it has been identified growing in the country of Costa Rica.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Zanthoxylum limonella is characterized by its specific niche within montane forest ecosystems, where it thrives across a distinct altitudinal gradient. This species is primarily distributed within an elevational range that begins at 1000 m AMSL and extends up to a maximum of 2000 m AMSL. Within this vertical span, the plant adapts to varying microclimates, typically favoring the moisture-retentive soils and filtered sunlight found in mid-to-high altitude subtropical or tropical montane environments. Its presence within these specific elevational boundaries suggests a specialized adaptation to the temperature regimes and atmospheric pressures unique to these mid-elevation zones.

Elevational range max:

2000 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

1000 m AMSL

Morphology

The morphology of Xanthoxylum limonella is characterized by a robust growth form, specifically classified as a tree. It is a woody plant that maintains a self-supporting structure, distinguishing it from climbing forms such as lianas or vines. As a terrestrial species, it does not exhibit aquatic or semiaquatic tendencies, nor does it function as an epiphyte, whether in holoepiphytic or hemiepiphytic forms. Furthermore, the plant is an independent organism, lacking any parasitic tendencies, and establishes its presence firmly within terrestrial ecosystems.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Woodiness :

woody

Reproduction

The reproduction of Xanthoxylum limonella is characterized by the production of specialized seeds that exhibit a highly consistent and uniform physical profile. Quantitative analysis of the seed characteristics reveals a very narrow range of variation, indicating a stable reproductive output. The mean seed mass is recorded at 0.010805 g, with the individual seed weights fluctuating only minimally between a minimum value of 0.01077 g and a maximum value of 0.01084 g. This extreme precision in seed mass suggests a highly regulated developmental process during the maturation phase of the plant's reproductive cycle.

Seed mass max:

0.01084 g

Seed mass mean:

0.010805 g

Seed mass min:

0.01077 g

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Zanthoxylum limoncello 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. Fitoterapia

Chemicals

Zanthoxylum limoncello has 5 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Asarinin, BETA-SITOSTEROL, Hyperin, alpha-Sanshool, beta-Sitosterol glucoside.

Asarinin

1. Fitoterapia

BETA-SITOSTEROL

1. Fitoterapia

Hyperin

1. Fitoterapia

alpha-Sanshool

1. Planta medica

beta-Sitosterol glucoside

1. Fitoterapia

Activities

Zanthoxylum limoncello has 1 reported activities identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Anthelmintic.

Anthelmintic

1. Planta medica

Preparations

Zanthoxylum limoncello has 1 reported preparations identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include crude ethanol extract.

Crude ethanol extract

1. Fitoterapia