Cinnamosma madagascariensis

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Regional and Traditional Names

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. Within the order Canellales, it is classified under the family Canellaceae. Finally, it is identified by the genus Cinnamosmma, specifically as the species Cinnamosmma madagascariensis.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant is characterized by a very specific and limited geographical range. It is found exclusively within the Western Indian Ocean region. More specifically, its natural habitat is restricted to the island of Madagascar. Due to this localized presence, it is considered an endemic species to the area. Understanding this distribution is essential for the conservation of its unique ecosystem.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Cinnamosmum madagascariense is characterized by its classification as a phanerophyte, a growth form where the permanent buds are elevated well above the ground surface on woody stems. Within this category, the plant exhibits specific morphological nuances, functioning as both a phanerophyte and a nanophanerophyte, indicating that while it maintains elevated reproductive and vegetative structures, its overall stature may be relatively small or shrub-like compared to larger forest trees. This life strategy allows the species to persist through seasonal changes by protecting its vital buds on aerial branches, ensuring continuous growth and survival within its native Madagascar habitats.

Life form :

phanerophyte

Morphology

The morphology of Cinnamosma madagascariensis is characterized by a robust growth form, specifically categorized as a tree. This woody species exhibits a self-supporting structure, functioning as an independent organism rather than a parasite or an epiphyte, as it maintains a terrestrial existence. Unlike climbing forms such as lianas or vines, it does not rely on other structures for support, instead utilizing its woody tissue to maintain an upright, self-supporting habit. Its ecological niche is strictly terrestrial, distinguishing it from aquatic or semiaquatic species.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Woodiness :

woody

Reproduction

The reproduction of Cinnamosmum madagascariensis is characterized by the development of fruits that exhibit a distinct morphological state, ranging from dry to fleshy in texture. Within these fruits, the production of seeds is highly consistent, as evidenced by a uniform seed volume. Specifically, the seed volume remains constant with a minimum, maximum, and mean value of 310 mm³, indicating a highly stabilized reproductive output per seed unit.

Fruit dryness :

fleshy

Seed volume max:

310 mm³

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Cinnamosma madagascariensis has 12 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Capsicodendrin, Cinnamodial, D-mannitol, Lignoceric acid, Pereniporin B.

Capsicodendrin

1. Journal of natural products

Cinnamodial

1. Journal of natural products

D-mannitol

1. Journal of natural products

Lignoceric acid

1. Journal of natural products

Pereniporin B

1. Journal of natural products

Polygodial

1. Journal of natural products

STIGMASTEROL

1. Journal of natural products

Sitosterol

1. Journal of natural products

Ugandensolide

1. Journal of natural products

cinnamadin

1. Journal of natural products