Zanthoxylum rigidum
Zanthoxylum rigidum · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (6 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Scientifically known as Zanthoxylum rigidum, is a medicinal shrub valued in traditional practices for its therapeutic potential. Rich in bioactive alkaloids and essential oils, this plant is frequently utilized to treat inflammatory conditions, digestive ailments, and skin infections, offering a natural approach to holistic wellness and herbal healing.
- Family
- Rutaceae
- Native range
- Southern America
- Parts used
- Root
- Common names
- Not available
- Scientific synonyms
- Fagara Rigida
Names and Synonyms
Scientific Names
Accepted name
Zanthoxylum rigidumSynonyms
- 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.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Sapindales |
| Family | Rutaceae |
| 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.
| Region | Area |
|---|---|
| Western South America | Bolivia |
| Western South America | Colombia |
| Western South America | Ecuador |
| Western South America | Peru |
| Brazil | Brazil West-Central |
| Brazil | Brazil Southeast |
| Southern South America | Paraguay |
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.
| Plant part | Supporting sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| Root | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Root
- 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.
| Chemical | Supporting sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| Avicine | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Nitidine | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Avicine
- Bioorganic chemistry
Nitidine
- 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.
| Condition | Supporting sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| Alzheimer's disease | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Neurodegenerative disorders | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Alzheimer's disease
- Bioorganic chemistry
Neurodegenerative disorders
- 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.
| Preparation | Supporting sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| Root extract | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Root extract
- Bioorganic chemistry