Baphia pubescens

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Distribution

This plant is native to the West Tropical Africa region. Specifically, its distribution can be found within the borders of Benin. It is also widely documented to grow in the country of Ghana. Furthermore, the species is present in Guinea and the Ivory Coast. Finally, its geographical range extends into Liberia.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Baphia pubescens is characterized by its status as a perennial species, ensuring its long-term presence within its natural ecosystem through multiple growing seasons. As a member of the phanerophyte life forms, it maintains its photosynthetic organs on elevated branches, a structural adaptation that allows it to thrive in various ecological niches. Specifically, its classification as both a phanerophyte and a nanophanerophyte highlights its growth habit, where the buds are situated above the soil surface, typically on woody stems that provide stability and resilience throughout its extended life cycle.

Life form :

phanerophyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Baphia pubescens is characterized by its robust growth form, as it develops into a woody tree that typically reaches a mean height of approximately 8.70 meters. This plant is strictly terrestrial in its habitat and does not exhibit aquatic or semiaquatic tendencies, nor does it function as an epiphyte. It grows as an independent organism, lacking any parasitic relationship with host plants. In terms of its structural support and climbing habit, the species is categorized as a self-supporting plant rather than a liana or a vine, maintaining its upright stature through its woody stem system.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Plant height mean:

8.698691376 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Baphia pubescens is characterized by a C3 photosynthetic pathway, which dictates its carbon fixation process through the enzyme RuBisCO during the Calvin cycle. This metabolic framework is typical of many woody species in its habitat, allowing for efficient carbon assimilation under standard environmental conditions. Furthermore, the plant functions as a nitrogen fixer, possessing the biological capability to convert atmospheric nitrogen into a usable form, which enhances its nutrient acquisition and supports growth in nitrogen-limited soils.

Nitrogen fixer :

yes

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Reproduction

The reproduction of Baphia pubescens is characterized by a flexible flowering phenology that allows for a broad reproductive window. The flowering period is highly variable, with the onset of flowering (flowering start) and the conclusion of the flowering season (flowering end) occurring across a wide spectrum of months, including January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, and December. Because the timing can be variable throughout the year, the plant exhibits a continuous or opportunistic reproductive strategy rather than being strictly confined to a single seasonal peak.

Flowering time :

Sep

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Baphia pubescens 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 root.

Root

1. Journal of natural products

Preparations

Baphia pubescens has 1 reported preparations identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include methanol extract of the roots.

Methanol extract of the roots

1. Journal of natural products