Carpolobia alba

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Distribution

This plant, Carpolobia alba, is primarily distributed across the West Tropical Africa region. Its natural habitat extends through the coastal and inland areas of Guinea-Bissau. It is also commonly found growing within the tropical landscapes of Guinea and Liberia. Furthermore, the species has a documented presence throughout the Ivory Coast. Finally, the geographical range of this medicinal plant includes the vast territories of Nigeria.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Carpolobia alba is characterized by its distinct growth strategies and structural classifications within its ecosystem. Primarily, the plant functions as a phanerophyte, maintaining its photosynthetic organs on elevated branches above the soil surface to maximize light interception. In certain environmental conditions or developmental stages, its life form may also be categorized as a nanophanerophyte, representing a transitional or specific structural state where the height of the woody stems remains relatively low compared to larger phanerophytes. This combination of life forms dictates its survival strategy, allowing it to persist through seasonal variations by utilizing its woody structure to navigate its specific ecological niche.

Life form :

nanophanerophyte

Life form :

phanerophyte

Morphology

The morphology of Carpolobia alba is characterized by a woody growth form, primarily manifesting as a shrub. It is a terrestrial plant that functions independently, neither acting as a parasite nor an epiphyte. In terms of stature, the species is self-supporting rather than being a climber, reaching a mean height of approximately 3.35 meters, with the potential to reach a maximum height of up to 4.57 meters.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

shrub

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

4.572055596 m

Plant height mean:

3.349345688 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Carpoloia alba is characterized by its utilization of the C3 photosynthetic pathway, a mechanism where carbon dioxide is fixed directly into a three-carbon compound during the initial stage of the Calvin cycle. This metabolic process involves the enzyme RuBisCO facilitating the carboxylation of ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate, which is typical for many woody species under moderate environmental conditions. Consequently, its physiological efficiency is highly dependent on stomatal conductance to balance carbon assimilation with transpiration rates, particularly in regulating water use efficiency relative to its habitat.

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Reproduction

The reproduction of Carpolobia alba is characterized by a specific phenological cycle involving both flowering and fruiting stages. The flowering period typically commences in February, with the flowering end also centered around February, suggesting a relatively concentrated or brief blooming window. In contrast, the fruiting phase of the plant is highly variable, with both the start and end of the fruiting season occurring at unpredictable times throughout the year rather than following a fixed seasonal pattern.

Flowering time :

Feb

Fruiting time :

variable

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Carpolobia alba 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

Carpolobia alba has 1 reported preparations identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include roots.

Roots

1. Journal of natural products