Big-Teeth Spurflower

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• Big-Teeth Spurflower
• Wolf Hullwort
• Wolf Spurflower

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Plectranthus grandidentatus

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta within the class Equisetopsida. As a member of the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Lamiales, it falls under the family Lamiaceae. Finally, its taxonomic identity is defined by the genus Coleus.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant is primarily distributed throughout various regions of Southern Africa. It can be found growing in the Cape Provinces and the Northern Provinces. Its presence is also noted within the KwaZulu-Natal region. Additionally, the species extends into Esватини. Finally, the geographical range includes the nation of Zimbabwe within South Tropical Africa.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Coleus grandidentatus is defined by its ability to inhabit a diverse vertical gradient within its natural landscape, thriving across a broad altitudinal spectrum. This species is found at elevations ranging from a minimum of 335 m AMSL to a maximum of 1775 m AMSL, allowing it to occupy various ecological niches from lowland environments to mid-elevation montane zones. This wide elevational range suggests an adaptability to fluctuating environmental variables, including changes in temperature, atmospheric pressure, and moisture availability that occur as one ascends from lower tropical or subtropical foothills toward higher mountainous terrains.

Elevational range max:

1775 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

335 m AMSL

Life history

The life history of Coleus grandidentatus is characterized by its status as a perennial plant, allowing it to persist through multiple growing seasons. In terms of its growth habit and structural classification, the species is categorized as a chamaephyte, a life form defined by having its perennating buds located close to the soil surface. This specific morphological strategy enables the plant to survive various environmental conditions by protecting its regenerative parts near the ground level.

Life form :

chamaephyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Coleus grandidentatus is characterized by a growth form classified as a herb, specifically functioning as a forb. It is a non-woody plant that maintains a self-supporting structure rather than acting as a climber. Regarding its ecological habitat and growth habit, the species is terrestrial in nature, functioning as an independent organism that does not exhibit parasitic or epiphytic behaviors.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

herb

Parasite :

independent

Woodiness :

non-woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Coleus grandidentatus has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Cryptotanshinone.

Cryptotanshinone

1. Journal of natural products

Preparations

Coleus grandidentatus has 1 reported preparations identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include acetone extract.

Acetone extract

1. Journal of natural products