Caudanthera edulis

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Cryptolluma edulis
• Caralluma edulis
• Boucerosia stocksiana
• Spiralluma longidens
• Stapelia ango
• Caralluma vittata
• Tenaris subaphylla
• Caralluma longidens
• Lasiostelma subaphyllum
• Caralluma ango
• Brachystelma subaphyllum
• Boucerosia edulis

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant, Caudanthera edulis, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, it is classified under the order Gentianaales. It is further identified as a member of the family Apocynaceae within the genus Caudanthera.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific geographical distribution across several distinct regions of the African continent. In West Tropical Africa, its presence is noted within the borders of Niger. Moving toward the eastern side of the continent, it is found throughout Northeast Tropical Africa. Specifically, this region includes the nations of Eritrea, Ethiopia, and Somalia. Finally, the plant also extends its reach across the Sudan and South Sudan territories.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Caudanthera edulis is characterized by its specific distribution within mid-elevation montane environments, where it thrives within a precise altitudinal belt. This species is typically found at elevations ranging from a minimum of 600 m AMSL to a maximum of 800 m AMSL. This specialized elevational range suggests that the plant is adapted to the particular microclimates, temperature gradients, and moisture levels found in these subtropical or transitional forest zones, playing a distinct role in the ecological structure of its habitat.

Elevational range max:

800 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

600 m AMSL

Life history

The life history of Caudanthera edulis is characterized by a perennial lifecycle, allowing the plant to persist across multiple growing seasons rather than completing its cycle within a single year. In terms of its structural life form, it is classified as a chamaephyte, a growth habit where the permanent buds are located near or just above the soil surface, providing a specific strategy for survival and regrowth. This botanical classification is consistently identified through its chamaephyte life form traits, which dictate its physiological approach to seasonal changes and environmental stability.

Life form :

chamaephyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Caudanthera edulis is characterized by its growth form as a herb with a non-woody structure. It functions as a self-supporting climber, reaching an average plant height of approximately 0.4 m. The plant is independent in its nutritional requirements, neither acting as a parasite nor an epiphyte, as it maintains a terrestrial lifestyle.

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

herb

Parasite :

independent

Plant height mean:

0.4 m

Woodiness :

non-woody

Physiology

The physiology of Caudanterha edulis is characterized by distinct metabolic processes and nutrient acquisition strategies tailored to its specific ecological niche. Regarding its ability to influence soil chemistry through biological nitrogen fixation, the plant is not a nitrogen fixer; it does not possess the symbiotic relationship with diazotrophic bacteria, such as Rhizobium, required to convert atmospheric nitrogen into bioavailable forms. Instead, it relies on the uptake of nitrates and ammonium present in the soil substrate to support its growth and developmental cycles. Its physiological processes are driven by efficient photosynthetic pathways that facilitate carbon assimilation, supporting the structural integrity and biochemical requirements necessary for its medicinal properties. The regulation of water potential and nutrient transport within its vascular system ensures the distribution of essential minerals, though it remains dependent on external nitrogen availability rather than internal fixation mechanisms.

Nitrogen fixer :

no

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Caudanthera edulis has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include FE, vitamin C.

FE

1. Pakistan journal of pharmaceutical sciences

vitamin C

1. Pakistan journal of pharmaceutical sciences

Activities

Caudanthera edulis has 1 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant.

Antioxidant

1. Phytotherapy research : PTR