Beilschmiedia mannii

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Distribution

This plant is primarily found within the lush landscapes of West Tropical Africa. Specifically, its natural habitat includes the forested regions of Ghana and Guinea. It also thrives across the diverse ecosystems of the Ivory Coast and Liberia. Furthermore, the species maintains a significant presence within the borders of Nigeria. Consequently, its geographical distribution is concentrated throughout these specific West African nations.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Beilschmiedia mannii is characterized by a perennial lifecycle, allowing the plant to establish long-term presence within its ecosystem. As a phanerophyte, it maintains its photosynthetic organs on elevated structures, specifically functioning as both a phanerophyte and a nanophanerophyte depending on its developmental stage and environmental context. Throughout its existence, the plant exhibits an evergreen deciduousness, retaining its foliage consistently across seasons rather than shedding it annually.

Deciduousness :

evergreen

Life form :

phanerophyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Beilschmiedia mannii is characterized by a robust, woody growth form, primarily manifesting as a tree. It is a terrestrial species that exhibits significant vertical development, reaching an average plant height of approximately 15 m, though it can attain a maximum height of up to 30.48 m. In its structural habit, the plant can function as a self-supporting liana or vine, demonstrating a versatile climbing capability that ranges from facultative to self-supporting growth patterns.

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Plant height max:

30.48037064 m

Plant height mean:

15 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Beilschmiedia mannii is characterized by complex metabolic processes adapted to its tropical rainforest habitat, particularly concerning its nutrient acquisition and carbon cycling. Regarding its nitrogen metabolism, the plant is not a nitrogen fixer, meaning it lacks the symbiotic relationship with nitrogen-fixing bacteria (such as Rhizobium or Frankia) required to convert atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia; instead, it relies entirely on the uptake of nitrates and ammonium ions from the soil through its root system. Its photosynthetic physiology involves C3 carbon fixation, utilizing the enzyme Rubisco to incorporate carbon dioxide into organic compounds, a process that drives the growth of its woody biomass. The plant's transpiration and water regulation are managed through sophisticated stomatal control, balancing gas exchange for photosynthesis against the risk of desiccation in fluctuating humidity. Additionally, its secondary metabolism involves the synthesis of various bioactive compounds, which serve physiological functions such as defense against herbivory and pathogens, contributing to its overall survival in competitive ecological niches.

Nitrogen fixer :

no

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Beilschmiedia mannii 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. Planta medica

Conditions

Beilschmiedia mannii has 1 reported investigations on conditions identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include cancer.

Cancer

1. Planta medica

Preparations

Beilschmiedia mannii has 1 reported preparations identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include dichloromethane extract.

Dichloromethane extract

1. Planta medica