Pink Cedar

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• Kenya coffeeshade
• pink-cedar
• red-cedar
• shingletree
• Pink Cedar

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Acrocarpus grandis
• Acrocarpus combretiflorus
• Acrocarpus fraxinifolius var. guangxiensis

Regional and Traditional Names

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Fabales, it is a member of the Fabaceae family. It is specifically classified under the genus Acrocarpus.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a diverse geographical range spanning across two major continents. In East Tropical Africa, it can be found growing within the borders of Kenya. Its distribution continues through the region to include Tanzania and Uganda. Moving to Asia, the species is also present in the South-Central regions of China. Finally, it is documented to inhabit the Southeast parts of China as well.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Acrocarpus fraxinifolius is defined by its ability to thrive across a diverse altitudinal gradient, typically inhabiting montane forest ecosystems. This species is distributed across a significant elevational range, occurring from a minimum altitude of 200 m AMSL to a maximum altitude of 1500 m AMSL. Within these zones, it often plays a structural role in the forest canopy, adapting to varying moisture levels and temperature fluctuations characteristic of mid-elevation tropical or subtropical montane environments. Its presence is often indicative of stable forest ecosystems where it can compete for light and nutrients within the complex vertical stratification of the woodland.

Elevational range max:

1500 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

200 m AMSL

Life history

The life history of Acrocarpus fraxinifolius is characterized by its status as a perennial species, allowing it to establish long-term presence within its ecosystem. As a deciduous plant, it undergoes seasonal changes where it sheds its foliage, a physiological adaptation often linked to managing moisture levels or responding to specific climatic cycles. This cyclical pattern of leaf senescence and regrowth defines its vegetative phase throughout its extended lifespan.

Deciduousness :

deciduous

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Acrocarpus fraxinifolius is characterized by its growth form as a large, woody tree that can reach a significant mean height of approximately 45 m. As a terrestrial species, it does not exhibit aquatic or epiphytic lifestyles, functioning instead as an independent organism rather than a parasite or a climber. The plant is strictly self-supporting in its structure, possessing a robust and woody constitution that allows it to maintain its stature within its natural habitat.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Plant height mean:

45 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Acrocarpus fraxinifolius is characterized by several key metabolic and structural adaptations. The plant utilizes a C3 photosynthetic pathway, which governs its carbon fixation processes and energy production. In terms of its structural composition, the species exhibits a mean stem specific density (SSD) of 582 mg/cm³, reflecting its wood density and overall mechanical strength. Furthermore, the plant possesses the capacity for biological nitrogen fixation, acting as a nitrogen fixer to enhance nutrient availability within its environment.

Nitrogen fixer :

yes

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Stem specific density (SSD) mean:

582 mg/cm³

Reproduction

The reproduction of Acrocarpus fraxinifolius is characterized by a biotic pollination syndrome, indicating a reliance on living organisms to facilitate the transfer of pollen. This reproductive process is driven by complex interactions with various pollinators, primarily functioning through insect-mediated mechanisms. Specifically, the plant utilizes a diverse array of insect vectors, with a significant emphasis on bee pollination to ensure successful fertilization. By employing these biotic strategies, the plant leverages the movement of bees and other insects to achieve effective cross-pollination, which is essential for its genetic diversity and reproductive success.

Pollination syndrome :

insect

Pollination syndrome :

bee

Pollination syndrome :

biotic

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Acrocarpus fraxinifolius has 3 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Lupeol, Phytol, squalene.

Lupeol

1. Pharmaceutical biology

Phytol

1. Pharmaceutical biology

squalene

1. Pharmaceutical biology