Clerodendrum formicarum

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Clerodendrum triplinerve
• Clerodendrum triplinerve var. grandiflorum
• Siphonanthus formicarus
• Clerodendrum oreadum
• Clerodendrum formicarum var. sulcatum
• Clerodendrum lujae
• Clerodendrum triplinerve var. sulcatum
• Clerodendrum yaundense

Sources: Wikidata

Taxonomical Classification

This plant, known scientifically as Clerodendrum formicarum, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, it is classified under the order Lamiales and the family Lamiaceae. It is further identified by its specific genus, Clerodendrum.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific geographical distribution spanning across several regions of the African continent. In Northern Africa, its presence is recorded in Egypt. Moving southward, it is found within various countries of West Tropical Africa. Specifically, it can be located in Ghana, Guinea, and the Ivory Coast. Additionally, its range extends into Liberia within the West Tropical African zone.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Clerodendrum formicarum is characterized by its status as a perennial plant, allowing it to persist through multiple growing seasons. In terms of its structural growth patterns and life forms, it is classified as a phanerophyte, maintaining its buds well above the ground level, while also exhibiting characteristics of a nanophanerophyte within its specific ecological niche.

Life form :

nanophanerophyte

Life form :

phanerophyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Clerodendrum formicarum is characterized by a woody growth form that typically manifests as a shrub. As a terrestrial plant, it functions as an independent organism rather than a parasite or epiphyte. The species exhibits a versatile climbing habit, acting as a facultative liana, which allows it to utilize surrounding structures for support. In terms of dimensions, the plant's height is variable, with recorded measurements ranging from a minimum of 1.5 m to a mean height of approximately 6 m.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

liana

Climber :

facultative

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

shrub

Parasite :

independent

Plant height mean:

6 m

Plant height min:

1.5 m

Woodiness :

woody

Reproduction

The reproduction of Clerodendrum formicarum is characterized by a specific phenological cycle and specialized seed dispersal mechanisms. The flowering period typically begins in May and concludes in June, followed by a corresponding fruiting season that also spans from May through June. The dispersal of its seeds follows a zoochorous syndrome, specifically utilizing endozoochory, where seeds are dispersed after being ingested by animals. This process ensures the movement of the plant's progeny through the digestive tracts of various fauna, facilitating its spread within its natural habitat.

Dispersal syndrome :

zoochorous

Dispersal syndrome :

endozoochorous

Flowering time :

May

Flowering time :

Jun

Fruiting time :

May

Fruiting time :

Jun

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Clerodendrum formicarum has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include 5,7-Dihydroxy-4'-methoxyflavone, 5-Hydroxy-7,4'-dimethoxyflavone.

5,7-Dihydroxy-4'-methoxyflavone

1. Natural product research

5-Hydroxy-7,4'-dimethoxyflavone

1. Natural product research