Canthium glaucum

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Plectronia glauca

Sources: Wikidata

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae, it is ordered under Gentianaales and belongs to the family Rubiaceae. Finally, it is identified by the genus Canthium.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a wide geographical distribution across several regions of the African continent. In Northeast Tropical Africa, its presence is recorded in Somalia. Moving toward East Tropical Africa, the species can also be found within the borders of Kenya. The plant further extends into South Tropical Africa, where it inhabits the nation of Malawi. Additionally, its range continues through the southern territories of Mozambique and Zambia.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Canthium glaucum is characterized by its specific distribution across mid-to-high altitude montane environments, where it occupies a distinct niche within its habitat. This species thrives within a defined vertical gradient, maintaining a presence across an elevational range that begins at a minimum of 700 m AMSL and extends to a maximum of 1700 m AMSL. This altitudinal positioning suggests an adaptation to the specific temperature regimes, moisture levels, and atmospheric pressures found in these sub-montane and montane zones. Its ability to colonize these varying elevations allows it to interact with diverse microclimates, influencing the local biodiversity and soil composition within these specific topographical strata.

Elevational range max:

1700 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

700 m AMSL

Life history

The life history of Cantheium glaucum is characterized by its status as a perennial plant, allowing it to persist through multiple growing seasons. In terms of its structural growth and ecological positioning, the species exhibits a complex life form profile, functioning as both a phanerophyte and a nanophanerophyte. This dual classification suggests a growth habit where the plant maintains visible stem structures that allow it to occupy different vertical niches within its habitat over its lifespan.

Life form :

nanophanerophyte

Life form :

phanerophyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Cantium glaucum is characterized by its growth form as a woody shrub. It is a terrestrial plant that functions as an independent organism, rather than acting as a parasite or an epiphyte. In terms of its structural habit, the plant is self-supporting, lacking the climbing mechanisms of a vine or liana. The plant height varies significantly depending on environmental conditions, with recorded dimensions ranging from a minimum of 1 meter to a maximum of 3.5 meters, though it reaches a mean height of approximately 3.75 meters.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

shrub

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

3.5 m

Plant height mean:

3.75 m

Plant height min:

1 m

Woodiness :

woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Canthium glaucum has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Flavonoids.

Flavonoids

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Conditions

Canthium glaucum has 1 reported investigations on conditions identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include malaria.

Malaria

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Preparations

Canthium glaucum has 2 reported preparations identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include aqueous extracts, organic extracts.

Aqueous extracts

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Organic extracts

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology