Chrysanthellum americanum

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Chrysanthellina gracilis
• Chrysanthellina swartzii
• Chrysanthellum swartzii
• Sebastiania heterophylla
• Collaea procumbens
• Verbesina mutica
• Bidens apiifolia
• Chrysanthellina fasciculata

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. It is further classified within the order Asterales and the family Asteraceae. Ultimately, it is identified by the genus Chrysanthellum and the specific species name americanum.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a broad distribution across several key regions within the African continent. In West Tropical Africa, its presence is specifically noted in the countries of Mali and Senegal. Moving toward the center of the continent, it can be found throughout West-Central Tropical Africa, including Cameroon and the Congo. The species also extends its reach into the southern regions of the continent. Specifically, its geographical range includes the nation of Mozambique located in South Tropical Africa.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Chrysanthellum americanum is characterized by a broad altitudinal distribution that allows it to inhabit diverse montane and lowland environments. This species is capable of thriving across a wide vertical gradient, ranging from sea level up to an elevation of 1900 m AMSL. This expansive elevational range suggests an adaptability to varying temperature regimes, atmospheric pressures, and moisture levels found throughout different topographical layers. By occupying habitats from 0 to 1900 m AMSL, the plant can establish itself in a variety of ecological niches, facilitating its presence in multiple landscape types within its natural range.

Elevational range max:

1900 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

0 m AMSL

Life history

The life history of Chrysanthellum americanum is characterized by its classification as an annual plant, meaning it completes its entire biological cycle—from germination and vegetative growth to flowering and seed production—within a single growing season. As an annual species, its life cycle is driven by seasonal environmental cues, typically germinating in response to favorable moisture and temperature conditions in tropical or subtropical climates. Throughout its short lifespan, the plant undergoes rapid development to establish its structure before dedicating significant energy to reproductive efforts. Following the maturation of its inflorescences, the plant produces seeds that serve as the primary mechanism for dispersal and survival. Once these seeds are released, the individual plant dies, leaving the next generation to emerge from the soil when the subsequent seasonal cycle begins.

Lifecycle :

annual

Morphology

The morphology of Chrysanthellum americanum is characterized by a growth form categorized as a herb or forb, exhibiting a non-woody structure. It functions as a terrestrial plant rather than an epiphyte, maintaining its position on the ground. In terms of its climbing habit, the species is described as self-supporting, acting as a facultative or self-supporting liana or vine rather than an obligatory climber. The plant reaches a maximum height of approximately 0.3048 meters.

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

herb

Plant height max:

0.304803706 m

Woodiness :

non-woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Chrysanthellum americanum has 3 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Flavonoid, Flavonoids, SAPONIN.

Flavonoid

1. Oxidative medicine and cellular longevity

Flavonoids

1. Foods (Basel, Switzerland)

SAPONIN

1. Oxidative medicine and cellular longevity

Activities

Chrysanthellum americanum has 3 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antihypertensive, Antioxidant, Anxiolytic.

Antihypertensive

1. Foods (Basel, Switzerland)

Antioxidant

1. Foods (Basel, Switzerland)

Anxiolytic

1. Oxidative medicine and cellular longevity

Medicinal Uses

Chrysanthellum americanum has 4 reported medicinal uses identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include anxiety, depression, irritable bowel syndrome, mood disorders.

Most Reported Uses

Preparations