Zanthoxylum rhoifolium

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Distribution

This plant exhibits a diverse geographical range spanning across North and Central America. In Mexico, its presence is specifically noted in both the Southwest and Southeast regions of the country. Moving southward, the species extends its reach into the Central American corridor. It can be found growing within the borders of Guatemala and El Salvador. Additionally, the distribution continues further south into the country of Costa Rica.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Xanthoxylum rhoicifolium is characterized by its broad adaptability across diverse ecosystems and a wide altitudinal distribution. It inhabits a variety of environments, ranging from anthropized areas (Área Antrópica) and the Cerrado (latu sensu) to diverse forest types, including riparian or gallery forests (Floresta Ciliar ou Galeria), terra firme forests (Floresta de Terra Firme), perennial seasonal forests (Floresta Estacional Perenifólia), and semi-deciduous seasonal forests (Floresta Estacional Semidecidual). Additionally, the species is found in ombrophilous (rainforest) environments (Floresta Ombrófila) and coastal restinga habitats. This ecological flexibility extends to its vertical distribution, as the plant can be found at elevations starting from sea level (0 m AMSL) up to a maximum altitude of 1900 m AMSL.

Elevational range max:

1900 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

0 m AMSL

Habitat :

Área Antrópica, Cerrado (lato sensu), Floresta Ciliar ou Galeria, Floresta de Terra Firme, Floresta Estacional Perenifólia, Floresta Estacional Semidecidual, Floresta Ombrófila (= Floresta Pluvial), Restinga

Life history

The life history of Zanthoxylum rhoifolium is characterized by its status as a perennial species, allowing it to persist in its environment over multiple years. As a long-lived woody plant, it follows a developmental trajectory that moves from initial seedling establishment through a sustained vegetative growth phase, eventually reaching reproductive maturity. Throughout its extended lifespan, the plant undergoes seasonal cycles of growth and dormancy, contributing to the structural complexity of its habitat. Its perennial nature ensures that it can withstand various environmental fluctuations, maintaining a consistent presence in the ecosystem as it repeatedly undergoes flowering and fruiting cycles over many successive seasons.

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Zanthoxylum rhoifolium is characterized by its growth form as a woody tree that functions as a self-supporting organism. This terrestrial plant reaches a significant stature, with an average height of approximately 10 m and a maximum potential height of up to 15 m. As an independent species, it does not exhibit parasitic behavior and is classified as a terrestrial plant rather than an epiphyte or an aquatic species. Its structure is entirely self-supporting, lacking any climbing or vine-like tendencies, and it maintains a robust, woody constitution throughout its development.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

15 m

Plant height mean:

10 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Zanthoxylum rhoifolium is characterized by a C3 photosynthetic pathway, which dictates its carbon fixation processes and metabolic efficiency. The plant exhibits a consistent leaf dry matter content (LDMC) with a mean, minimum, and maximum value of 323.7 mg/g, indicating a highly uniform structural density within its leaf tissues. Furthermore, the species does not function as a nitrogen fixer, relying instead on external soil nitrogen sources to support its physiological development and nutritional requirements.

Leaf dry matter content (LDMC) mean:

323.7 mg/g

Nitrogen fixer :

no

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Reproduction

The reproduction of Xanthoxylum rhoifolium is characterized by a biotic pollination syndrome, specifically relying on insects such as bees to facilitate the transfer of pollen. The plant exhibits an absence of self-fertilization, suggesting a reliance on cross-pollination to ensure genetic diversity. Following successful fertilization, the plant produces fleshy fruits that house the seeds. These seeds are relatively uniform in mass, with a recorded mean, minimum, and maximum mass of 0.08 g. In terms of physical dimensions, the seed volume varies between a minimum of 6.3 mm³ and a maximum of 8.2 mm³, maintaining an average volume of 7.25 mm³.

Fruit dryness :

fleshy

Pollination syndrome :

insect

Pollination syndrome :

bee

Pollination syndrome :

biotic

Seed mass mean:

0.08 g

Seed volume max:

8.2 mm³

Seed volume mean:

7.25 mm³

Seed volume min:

6.3 mm³

Self fertilization :

absent

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Zanthoxylum rhoifolium 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 root.

Root

1. Planta medica

Conditions

Zanthoxylum rhoifolium has 6 reported investigations on conditions identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus, antipyretic, colic, cutaneous leishmaniasis.

E. coli

1. Pharmacognosy magazine

Staphylococcus aureus

1. Pharmacognosy magazine

Antipyretic

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Colic

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Cutaneous leishmaniasis

1. Planta medica

Flatulence

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Preparations

Zanthoxylum rhoifolium has 5 reported preparations identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include 50% and 70% hydroalcoholic extracts, aqueous extracts, ethanolic extract, extracts, root bark.

50% and 70% hydroalcoholic extracts

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Aqueous extracts

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Ethanolic extract

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Extracts

1. Pharmacognosy magazine

Root bark

1. Planta medica