Anthonotha macrophylla

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Macrolobium macrophyllum
• Vouapa macrophylla

Sources: Wikidata

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 classified under the family Fabaceae. Specifically, its taxonomic identity is defined by the genus Anthonotha, with the species name macrophylla.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant is primarily distributed across the lush landscapes of West Tropical Africa. Its presence is documented within the borders of Benin, where it thrives in specific ecological niches. Furthermore, it can be found growing throughout various regions of Ghana. The species also extends its range into the tropical environments of Guinea and Ivory Coast. Finally, its geographical reach includes the forested areas of Liberia.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Anthonotha macrophylla is characterized by its preference for stable, undisturbed environments, as it is commonly found in primary well-drained forest ecosystems. These habitats provide the specific structural complexity and nutrient cycling necessary for its growth, offering a shaded understory or sub-canopy niche where soil moisture is consistent but not waterlogged. By thriving in well-drained forest soils, the species occupies a specialized ecological role within these climax communities, relying on the established microclimates and organic matter layers typical of mature, primary forest structures.

Habitat :

common in primary well-drained forest

Life history

The life history of Anthonotha macrophylla is characterized by its status as a perennial organism, allowing it to persist through multiple growing seasons. In terms of its structural development and survival strategy, the plant is classified as a phanerophyte, specifically exhibiting characteristics consistent with both phanerophyte and nanophanerophyte life forms, which indicates that its perennating buds are elevated above the ground level.

Life form :

phanerophyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Anthonotha macrophylla is characterized by its stature as a large, woody tree that can reach a significant mean height of approximately 15 meters. As a terrestrial species, it grows independently within its ecosystem, functioning as an independent organism rather than a parasite or an epiphyte. The plant exhibits a self-supporting growth habit, distinguishing it from climbing vines or lianas, as it maintains its own structural integrity without the need for external support.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Plant height mean:

15 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Anthonotha macrophylla is characterized by a specific metabolic framework and nutrient acquisition strategy. The plant utilizes the C3 photosynthetic pathway, a method where carbon fixation occurs directly through the Calvin cycle within the mesophyll cells, making it dependent on efficient stomatal conductance for gas exchange. Furthermore, regarding its symbiotic capabilities, the species is not a nitrogen fixer, meaning it does not possess the biological mechanism to convert atmospheric nitrogen into usable forms through specialized root nodules.

Nitrogen fixer :

no

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Reproduction

The reproduction of Anthonotha macrophylla is characterized by a seasonal flowering cycle and a flexible fruiting period. The flowering process typically begins in April and concludes in May, though the species exhibits a wide range of potential activity across the year, spanning from January through December. The fruiting stage follows the pollination period, but unlike the flowering cycle, the timing for fruit development is highly variable, with no fixed start or end months, allowing it to occur at various points throughout the annual cycle.

Flowering time :

Apr

Flowering time :

May

Fruiting time :

variable

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Anthonotha macrophylla 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 leaf.

Leaf

1. Advances in pharmacological and pharmaceutical sciences

Activities

Anthonotha macrophylla has 2 reported activities identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antiplasmodial, Cytotoxic.

Antiplasmodial

1. Advances in pharmacological and pharmaceutical sciences

Cytotoxic

1. Advances in pharmacological and pharmaceutical sciences

Conditions

Anthonotha macrophylla has 2 reported investigations on conditions identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include malaria, trypanosomiasis.

Malaria

1. Advances in pharmacological and pharmaceutical sciences

Trypanosomiasis

1. Advances in pharmacological and pharmaceutical sciences

Preparations

Anthonotha macrophylla has 1 reported preparations identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include leaf (AML).

Leaf (aml)

1. Advances in pharmacological and pharmaceutical sciences