Country onion

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• Scaleleaf garlic-nut
• Country onion

Scientific Names

Accepted name

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 Oxalidales, it is classified under the family Huaceae. Finally, it is identified by its specific genus, Afrostyrax, and species name, lepidophyllus.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific distribution pattern across several regions of the African continent. In West Tropical Africa, its presence is documented within the borders of Ghana. Moving into West-Central Tropical Africa, the species can be found in the Central African Republic. Its range further extends through the lush landscapes of Cameroon and Congo. Finally, the geographical reach of this medicinal species includes the nation of Gabon.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Morphology

The morphology of Afrostyrax lepidophyllus is characterized by its robust growth form, specifically categorized as a tree. It is a woody, self-supporting plant that functions as an independent organism, neither acting as a parasite nor as an epiphyte, as it maintains a strictly terrestrial habit. In terms of stature, the species exhibits significant vertical development, with a plant height that typically reaches a mean of 20 m, though individual specimens can vary between a minimum of 15.24 m and a maximum of 21.33 m.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

21.33625945 m

Plant height mean:

20 m

Plant height min:

15.24018532 m

Woodiness :

woody

Reproduction

The reproduction of Afrostyrax lepidophyllus is characterized by a specific seasonal flowering window that dictates its reproductive cycle. The flowering process typically commences in February, marking the beginning of its reproductive activity. This period of bloom is relatively brief, as the flowering phase concludes in March. While the overall timing of these stages can be variable, the primary reproductive effort is concentrated within this early year timeframe.

Flowering time :

Feb

Flowering time :

Mar

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Afrostyrax lepidophyllus 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 seed.

Seed

1. Chemistry & biodiversity

Chemicals

Afrostyrax lepidophyllus has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include 2,4,5,7-tetrathiaoctane.

2,4,5,7-tetrathiaoctane

1. Chemistry & biodiversity

Activities

Afrostyrax lepidophyllus has 3 reported activities identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, Cytotoxic.

Antimicrobial

1. Chemistry & biodiversity

Antioxidant

1. Chemistry & biodiversity

Cytotoxic

1. Chemistry & biodiversity

Preparations