Taxonomic Classification

• Kingdom : Plantae
• Subkingdom : Tracheophyta
• Division : Angiosperms (plantes à fleurs)
• Order : Gentianales
• Family : Rubiaceae
• Gender : Psychotria
• Species : Psychotria guadeloupensis
• Common name : Not specified

Description

Psychotria guadeloupensis is a plant species endemic to Guadeloupe, belonging to the Rubiaceae family. This genus includes more than 1,500 species, but P. guadeloupensis is specifically adapted to the climatic conditions of this island region.

• Habit : This is a small shrub that typically reaches 1 to 3 meters in height.
• Leaves : Simple, opposite, with an entire margin. The leaves are generally leathery, oval to elliptical in shape, measuring 7 to 15 cm in length, and glossy dark green in color.
• Inflorescence : It consists of small white to greenish flowers. The flowers are arranged in terminal panicles, each flower having five petals.
• Fruits : The fruits are small globose drupes about 0.5 cm in diameter, red in color when ripe, containing two flattened seeds.

Habitat and Ecology

Psychotria guadeloupensis is a species that thrives in the humid areas of the Guadeloupean rainforest, at medium and high altitudes (around 500 to 1,000 meters). It is generally found in shaded environments with soil rich in organic matter.

• Soil type : It prefers well-drained, humus-rich soils and often grows in undergrowth.
• Ecology : The species plays a role in the ecosystem as a food source for various species of frugivorous birds that disperse its seeds.

Geographical distribution

• Endemic to Guadeloupe : This species is confined to certain areas of the island where climatic conditions favorable to its development persist.

Conservation Status

According to local assessments and scientific research, Psychotria guadeloupensis may be vulnerable due to deforestation and habitat degradation. However, little information is available regarding its classification on the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) Red List.

Use and Properties

There is no specific data regarding the ethnobotanical use of Psychotria guadeloupensis. However, other species of the genus Psychotria are known for their medicinal properties, particularly in the production of alkaloid compounds, such as psychotriine, used in traditional medicines.

Additional Notes

The genus Psychotria is of great importance in tropical ecosystems. Some species also play a role in shamanic practices in the Amazon. It should be noted that further studies are needed to determine the biochemical characteristics and potential uses of Psychotria guadeloupensis.

Source

1. Taylor, C.M. (1996). The genus Psychotria (Rubiaceae) in the Greater Antilles. Annals of the Missouri Botanical Garden.
2. Schatz, G.E. (2009). Plants of the Guadeloupe Archipelago.