knobbly sweetberry

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• knobbly sweetberry
• Blue sweetberry

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta within the class Equisetopsida. It is further organized into the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Malpighiales, falling under the family Phyllanthaceae. Ultimately, it is identified by the genus Bridelia.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a broad distribution across several key regions of the African continent. In West-Central Tropical Africa, it can be found specifically within the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Its presence extends into Northeast Tropical Africa, where it inhabits Ethiopia, Somalia, and the regions of Sudan and South Sudan. Furthermore, the species is documented in the East Tropical Africa region, particularly in Kenya. Collectively, these locations highlight the plant's widespread occurrence across diverse tropical environments.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Bridelia cathartica is characterized by its preference for specific transitional environments, typically flourishing within forest margins, (secondary) bushland, and littoral thickets. This species occupies a broad altitudinal gradient, demonstrating significant adaptability to varying topographical levels. It is found at elevations ranging from a minimum of 5 m AMSL to a maximum of 915 m AMSL, allowing it to inhabit both low-lying coastal regions and higher-altitude scrublands.

Elevational range max:

915 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

5 m AMSL

Habitat :

forest margins, (secondary) bushland, littoral thicket

Life history

The life history of Bridelia cathartica is characterized by a long-term survival strategy, as it is categorized as a perennial plant. In terms of its structural growth and life form, it functions as a phanerophyte, meaning its perennial buds are located high above the ground on woody stems. Additionally, within specific ecological contexts or growth stages, it can be classified under the nanophanerophyte life form, reflecting its capacity to maintain woody structures that support its continuous developmental cycle over multiple years.

Life form :

nanophanerophyte

Life form :

phanerophyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Bridelia cathartica is characterized by its growth form as a woody tree that functions as a self-supporting, independent organism. This species typically exhibits a terrestrial lifestyle, neither acting as an epiphyte nor requiring an aquatic habitat. In terms of stature, the plant varies significantly in size, with a minimum height of 1 m, an average height of approximately 3 m, and the potential to reach a maximum height of 7 m.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

7 m

Plant height mean:

3 m

Plant height min:

1 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Bridelia catharticica is characterized by its metabolic processes as a woody perennial, primarily focusing on its photosynthetic efficiency and nutrient acquisition strategies within tropical ecosystems. As a non-nitrogen-fixing plant, it lacks the specialized symbiotic relationship with diazotrophic bacteria, such as Rhizobium, required to convert atmospheric nitrogen into bioavailable forms; therefore, its nitrogen fixation status is "no." Instead, the plant relies on the uptake of nitrates and ammonium from the soil through its extensive root system to support its structural growth and the synthesis of secondary metabolites. Its physiological activity is closely tied to its environmental moisture levels, where it manages water potential through regulated transpiration and stomatal control to maintain turgor pressure. The plant's metabolic pathways are also geared toward the production of various bioactive compounds, including tannins and alkaloids, which serve physiological roles in defense against herbivory and environmental stressors.

Nitrogen fixer :

no

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Bridelia cathartica 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. African journal of health sciences

Chemicals

Bridelia cathartica has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include IRON.

IRON

1. African journal of health sciences

Activities

Bridelia cathartica has 1 reported activities identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antimalarial.

Antimalarial

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Conditions

Bridelia cathartica has 1 reported investigations on conditions identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include Plasmodium falciparum.

Plasmodium falciparum

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Preparations

Bridelia cathartica has 5 reported preparations identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include Petroleum ether, aqueous extracts, decoctions, ethanol, rootbarks.

Petroleum ether

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Aqueous extracts

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Decoctions

1. African journal of health sciences

Ethanol

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Rootbarks

1. African journal of health sciences