Cabbage Tree

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• Cabbage Tree

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Anthocleista lanceolata
• Anthocleista macrantha
• Anthocleista kalbreyeri
• Anthocleista bequaertii
• Anthocleista buchneri
• Anthocleista auriculata
• Anthocleista talbotii
• Anthocleista zenkeri

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and is classified under the class Equisetopsida. As a member of the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Gentianaales, it is further categorized into the family Gentianaceae. Specifically, its taxonomic identity is defined by its placement within the genus Anthocleista.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant, Anthocleissta vogelii, exhibits a specific distribution pattern across the West Tropical Africa region. Its presence is documented within the borders of Benin, where it occupies local ecological niches. Furthermore, the species can be found extending through the coastal and inland areas of Ghana. The geographical range also includes the territories of Guinea-Bissau and Guinea. Finally, the distribution reaches into the Ivory Coast, completing its regional footprint.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Anthocléista vogelii is characterized by a perennial lifecycle, allowing the plant to persist across multiple growing seasons. It is classified under the life form of a phanerophyte, specifically exhibiting traits consistent with a phanerophyte growth habit where the reproductive buds are elevated above the ground level. Furthermore, the plant maintains an evergreen deciduousness, ensuring that its foliage remains functional throughout various environmental shifts rather than shedding all leaves seasonally.

Deciduousness :

evergreen

Life form :

phanerophyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Anthocléista vogelii is characterized by a woody growth form, specifically categorized as a tree. It functions as an independent organism rather than a parasite and is a terrestrial plant, rather than being aquatic or epiphytic. In terms of its physical stature, the species exhibits significant height variations, with a minimum recorded height of 6 m, a mean height of 16.25 m, and a maximum height reaching approximately 18.288 m. Despite its substantial size, the plant is classified as self-supporting rather than acting as a liana or vine.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

18.28822238 m

Plant height mean:

16.25 m

Plant height min:

6 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Anthocléista vogelii is characterized by specific metabolic pathways and nutrient acquisition strategies typical of its botanical classification. Regarding its interaction with soil nutrients and symbiotic capabilities, the plant does not function as a nitrogen fixer; it lacks the physiological mechanism to engage in symbiotic nitrogen fixation with diazotrophic bacteria, meaning it relies on the uptake of available nitrates and ammonium from the substrate rather than converting atmospheric nitrogen into a usable form. Its metabolic processes are driven by standard photosynthetic activity to facilitate carbon assimilation, supporting its growth and structural development through the conversion of light energy into chemical energy. This reliance on external nitrogen sources dictates its ecological niche and its specific requirements for soil fertility and nutrient cycling within its natural habitat.

Nitrogen fixer :

no

Reproduction

The reproductive cycle of Anthocléisia vogelii is characterized by a highly concentrated phenological window, with both flowering and fruiting processes occurring primarily within a specific timeframe. The onset of the flowering period begins in June, and this phase concludes within the same month, indicating a brief and synchronized blooming period. Following the flowering stage, the plant enters its fruiting phase, which also commences in June and reaches its conclusion by the end of the month. While the reproductive activities are predominantly centered in June, the biological timing of these processes is noted to be variable, suggesting that environmental factors may influence the precise duration and occurrence of these stages within its natural habitat.

Flowering time :

Jun

Fruiting time :

Jun

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Anthocleista vogelii has 3 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Phytosterols, Secoiridoids, Triterpenes.

Phytosterols

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Secoiridoids

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Triterpenes

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Activities

Anthocleista vogelii has 2 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antibacterial, Antidiabetic.

Antibacterial

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Antidiabetic

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Conditions

Anthocleista vogelii has 6 reported investigations on conditions identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include diarrhea, dysentery, hypertension, malaria, obesity.

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