Kielmeyera coriacea

Kielmeyera coriacea

Kielmeyera coriacea is a species of flowering plant in the family Calophyllaceae. It is native to the Cerrado biome in Brazil. This plant is known for its medicinal properties and is commonly referred to as "pau-santo" in Portuguese.

Description

Kielmeyera coriacea is a small to medium-sized tree that can reach up to 10 meters in height. The leaves are coriaceous (leathery), which is reflected in its species name "coriacea." The flowers are typically white or pink and are known for their pleasant fragrance. The fruit is a capsule that contains several seeds.

Habitat

This species is predominantly found in the Cerrado biome, which is characterized by its savanna-like vegetation. The Cerrado is known for its rich biodiversity and is one of the most important ecosystems in Brazil.

Uses

Kielmeyera coriacea has been traditionally used in folk medicine for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Extracts from the plant have been studied for their potential medicinal benefits, including the treatment of skin conditions and infections.

Conservation Status

The conservation status of Kielmeyera coriacea is not well-documented, but like many species in the Cerrado, it may be threatened by habitat loss due to agricultural expansion and deforestation.

Related Species

Kielmeyera coriacea is part of the genus Kielmeyera, which includes several other species known for their medicinal properties.

See Also

• Cerrado
• Calophyllaceae
• Folk medicine
• Biodiversity