Coleus kirkii

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Distribution

This plant exhibits a diverse geographical distribution spanning across several major regions of the African continent. In West Tropical Africa, its presence is specifically noted within Nigeria. Moving into West-Central Tropical Africa, the species can also be found in Cameroon. Its range extends to East Tropical Africa, where it inhabits parts of Tanzania. Finally, the plant is distributed throughout South Tropical Africa, occurring in both Malawi and Mozambique.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Coleus kirkii is characterized by its significant adaptability across diverse altitudinal gradients, allowing it to occupy a wide range of topographical niches. This species flourishes within an expansive elevational range, spanning from low-lying areas as low as 10 m AMSL to high-altitude environments reaching a maximum of 2134 m AMSL. Such a broad vertical distribution suggests that the plant is capable of tolerating varying atmospheric pressures, temperature fluctuations, and moisture regimes associated with different mountain profiles. This ability to colonize both lowland and montane habitats indicates a versatile ecological strategy that enables it to persist in diverse microclimates throughout its native range.

Elevational range max:

2134 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

10 m AMSL

Life history

The life history of Coleus kirkii is characterized by its classification as a perennial organism, allowing it to persist through multiple growing seasons rather than completing its life cycle in a single year. Structurally, the plant exhibits a chamaephyte life form, meaning its perennating buds are located close to or just above the soil surface, a characteristic that influences its ability to survive varying environmental conditions and seasonal shifts. This combination of a long-term life cycle and a low-growing, bud-protected architecture defines its developmental strategy and spatial presence within its natural habitat.

Life form :

chamaephyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Coleus kirkii is characterized by a growth form classified as a herb, appearing specifically as a non-woody herb or forb. This plant is primarily terrestrial in its habitat, though it may exhibit semiaquatic tendencies. It is a self-supporting species rather than a climber and functions as an independent organism, lacking parasitic behavior. In terms of physical dimensions, the plant reaches a minimum height of 0.2 meters and can grow to a maximum height of up to 2 meters.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

herb

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

2 m

Plant height min:

0.2 m

Woodiness :

non-woody

Reproduction

The reproduction of Coleus kirkii is characterized by the production of minute seeds that exhibit a highly consistent mass across the population. Quantitative analysis of its seed characteristics reveals a uniform seed mass, with a mean value of 0.00082 g. This consistency is reflected in the extreme narrowness of its distribution, as both the maximum and minimum recorded seed masses are identical at 0.00082 g. Such precise uniformity in seed weight suggests a stable reproductive strategy involving highly standardized seed development within the species.

Seed mass mean:

0.00082 g

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Coleus kirkii has 1 reported plant parts identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include leaf.

Leaf

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Preparations

Coleus kirkii has 1 reported preparations identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include leaves.

Leaves

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology