Anthocleista schweinfurthii

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Distribution

This plant exhibits a diverse presence across several distinct regions of the African continent. Within West Tropical Africa, its distribution includes the nations of Benin and Nigeria. Moving into West-Central Tropical Africa, the species can also be found in Cameroon and the Central African Republic. Additionally, its range extends to the eastern reaches of the West-Central zone in Burundi. Overall, these locations highlight the specific tropical environments where the species thrives.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Anthocleissta schweinfurtii is specifically characterized by its preference for old secondary well-drained forest environments. In these established ecosystems, the plant thrives within the complex structural layers of the forest, benefiting from the stable microclimate and nutrient cycling provided by aging vegetation and decomposing organic matter. The well-drained nature of the soil in these habitats is a critical ecological requirement, ensuring that the root systems are not subject to waterlogging while still accessing the moisture levels typical of a forested understory or mid-canopy niche. This specific habitat selection suggests that the species plays a role in the successional dynamics of secondary forests, relying on the shade and soil stability found in mature, regenerating woodland patches.

Habitat :

old secondary well-drained forest

Life history

The life history of Anthoclistha schweinfurtii is characterized by a perennial lifecycle, allowing the plant to persist through multiple growing seasons. Structurally, it is classified as a phanerophyte, a life form defined by having its perennating buds located high above the ground on woody stems or branches. This phanerophytic growth habit is consistently observed in its developmental strategy, ensuring its survival and reproductive capacity across its extended lifespan.

Life form :

phanerophyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Anthocl Eishta schweinfurthii is characterized by a robust, woody growth form, specifically classified as a tree. This species exhibits a significant stature, reaching an average plant height of approximately 23.32 meters. As a terrestrial organism, it does not inhabit aquatic or semiaquatic environments, nor does it function as an epiphyte. The plant is self-supporting in its structure, rather than acting as a liana or vine, and maintains an independent lifestyle without exhibiting parasitic tendencies.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Plant height mean:

23.322055595 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Anthoclesta schweinfurthii is characterized by complex metabolic processes adapted to its specific ecological niche, particularly regarding its nutrient acquisition strategies. In terms of its interaction with soil chemistry and nutrient cycling, the plant does not function as a nitrogen fixer; it lacks the symbiotic relationship with diazotrophic bacteria, such as Rhizobium, necessary to convert atmospheric nitrogen into bioavailable forms. Consequently, its physiological nitrogen economy relies entirely on the uptake of nitrates or ammonium present in the soil through its root system. This reliance dictates its growth patterns and metabolic demands, as the plant must optimize its root architecture and enzymatic activity to efficiently scavenge available nitrogen from its environment to support protein synthesis and cellular development.

Nitrogen fixer :

no

Reproduction

The reproductive cycle of Anthoclistha schweinfurtii is characterized by a highly concentrated phenological window, with both flowering and fruiting processes commencing in May and concluding within the same month. This synchronized timing suggests a rapid developmental transition from blossom to seed production. Regarding its reproductive strategy, the plant utilizes a zoochorous dispersal syndrome, specifically employing endozoochory to facilitate the spread of its seeds. This mechanism implies that the seeds are ingested by animals and subsequently dispersed through their digestive tracts, playing a crucial role in the plant's colonization and genetic distribution within its habitat.

Dispersal syndrome :

zoochorous

Dispersal syndrome :

endozoochorous

Flowering time :

May

Fruiting time :

May

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Anthocleista schweinfurthii 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 fruit.

Fruit

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Conditions

Anthocleista schweinfurthii has 8 reported investigations on conditions identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include Gram-negative bacterial infections, cancers, diarrhea, dysentery, hypertension.

Gram-negative bacterial infections

1. BMC complementary and alternative medicine

Cancers

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Diarrhea

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Dysentery

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Hypertension

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Malaria

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Obesity

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Typhoid fever

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Preparations

Anthocleista schweinfurthii has 2 reported preparations identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include fruits, methanol extracts.

Fruits

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Methanol extracts

1. BMC complementary and alternative medicine