Zanthoxylum rigidum

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Fagara rigida

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

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

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific distribution across the tropical regions of Western South America. It can be found growing within the borders of Colombia and Ecuador. The species is also native to the territories of Peru and Bolivia. Additionally, its presence extends into the West-Central region of Brazil. These locations define the primary geographical range for Zanthoxylum rigidum.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Zanthoxylum rigidum is characterized by its adaptability to diverse South American landscapes, primarily occupying habitats within the Cerrado (latu sensu) and the Floresta Estacional Decidual. This species exhibits a broad altitudinal distribution, thriving across a significant vertical gradient that begins at sea level (0 m AMSL) and extends to a maximum elevation of 1600 m AMSL. Such a wide elevational range suggests a high degree of ecological plasticity, allowing the plant to persist in both lowland seasonal forests and higher-altitude scrublands or transitional environments.

Elevational range max:

1600 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

0 m AMSL

Habitat :

Cerrado (lato sensu), Floresta Estacional Decidual

Life history

The life history of Zanthoxylum rigidum is characterized by its status as a perennial plant, ensuring its presence in the ecosystem over multiple growing seasons. As a phanerophyte, its regenerative buds are located high above the ground on woody stems, a trait that defines its structural life form. The species exhibits a deciduous nature, shedding its foliage seasonally as part of its biological cycle.

Deciduousness :

deciduous

Life form :

phanerophyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Zanthoxylum rigidum is characterized by a woody growth form, specifically classified as a tree. It is a self-supporting plant that does not exhibit climbing behavior and functions as an independent organism, rather than acting as a parasite or an epiphyte. As a terrestrial species, it thrives in non-aquatic environments. In terms of stature, the plant typically reaches an average height of approximately 6 meters, though it has the potential to achieve a maximum height of up to 10 meters.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

10 m

Plant height mean:

6 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Zanthoxylum rigidum is characterized by a standard C3 photosynthetic pathway, utilizing the Calvin cycle to fix atmospheric carbon dioxide through the enzyme RuBisCO. As a non-nitrogen-fixing species, the plant does not possess a symbiotic relationship with diazotrophic bacteria to convert atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia; instead, it relies on the uptake of inorganic nitrogen sources, such as nitrates and ammonium, directly from the soil through its root system.

Nitrogen fixer :

no

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Reproduction

The reproduction of Zanthoxylum rigidum is characterized by a biotic pollination syndrome, primarily facilitated by insects, with bees playing a significant role in the transfer of pollen. Following successful fertilization, the plant produces fleshy fruits that serve to protect and eventually disperse the seeds. The seeds themselves are uniform in size, maintaining a consistent seed volume with a minimum, maximum, and mean value of 29 mm³.

Fruit dryness :

fleshy

Pollination syndrome :

insect

Pollination syndrome :

bee

Pollination syndrome :

biotic

Seed volume max:

29 mm³

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Zanthoxylum rigidum 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. Bioorganic chemistry

Chemicals

Zanthoxylum rigidum has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Avicine, Nitidine.

Avicine

1. Bioorganic chemistry

Nitidine

1. Bioorganic chemistry

Conditions

Zanthoxylum rigidum has 2 reported investigations on conditions identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include Alzheimer's disease, neurodegenerative disorders.

Alzheimer's disease

1. Bioorganic chemistry

Neurodegenerative disorders

1. Bioorganic chemistry

Preparations

Zanthoxylum rigidum has 1 reported preparations identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include root extract.

Root extract

1. Bioorganic chemistry