Chinese-potato

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• Chinese-potato
• Hausa-potato
• Madagascar-potato
• Salaga-potato
• Sudan-potato
• country-potato
• fra-fra-potato

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Nepeta madagascariensis
• Germanea rotundifolia
• Coleus rotundifolius var. nigra
• Plectranthus rotundifolius
• Solenostemon rotundifolius
• Coleus dysentericus
• Plectranthus ternatus
• Coleus pallidiflorus
• Calchas parviflorus
• Plectranthus coppinii
• Coleus parviflorus
• Coleus rehmannii
• Majana tuberosa
• Coleus rugosus
• Coleus salagensis
• Coleus ternatus

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 Lamiales and the family Lamiaceae, it is classified under the genus Coleus.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant, known as Coleus rotundifolius, exhibits a specific geographical distribution across the West Tropical Africa region. Its presence is documented within the borders of Benin, where it thrives in local ecosystems. The species can also be found extending through the territories of Burkina and Ghana. Furthermore, its range continues into the neighboring country of Guinea. Finally, the distribution of this medicinal plant includes the coastal landscapes of the Ivory Coast.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Coleus rotundifolius is characterized by its classification as a perennial plant, meaning it is capable of living for multiple years throughout its development. In terms of its ecological growth habit and survival strategy, the species functions as a cryptophyte, protecting its perennuating buds beneath the soil surface or leaf litter to endure unfavorable conditions. Furthermore, its specific life form is identified as a chamaephyte, indicating that its permanent buds are situated close to the ground level, which influences its structural resilience and adaptation to its environment.

Life form :

chamaephyte

Life form :

cryptophyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Coleus rotundifolius is characterized by a growth form classified as a herb and a forb, reaching an average plant height of approximately 0.5 m. This species functions as a self-supporting plant rather than a climber and is strictly terrestrial in its habitat, neither being aquatic nor acting as an epiphyte. It maintains an independent lifestyle, functioning as a non-parasitic organism, and exhibits a non-woody structure throughout its development.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

herb

Parasite :

independent

Plant height mean:

0.5 m

Woodiness :

non-woody

Physiology

The physiology of Coleus rotundifolius is characterized by a robust metabolic framework optimized for rapid growth and high photosynthetic efficiency, driven by its specialized leaf structure and pigment concentration. As a non-leguminous herbaceous species, it is not a nitrogen fixer; therefore, it lacks the symbiotic relationship with rhizobia required to convert atmospheric nitrogen into bioavailable forms, meaning it must rely entirely on the uptake of nitrates and ammonium from the soil via its root system. Its physiological processes are heavily influenced by its secondary metabolite production, particularly the synthesis of essential oils and phenolic compounds, which are regulated through complex biochemical pathways in response to environmental stressors. Water regulation is managed through a coordinated transpiration process via stomatal movement, which balances CO2 uptake for photosynthesis with the prevention of excessive desiccation. The plant's nutrient assimilation relies on efficient mineral transport mechanisms to support its dense vegetative biomass and the structural integrity of its stems and leaves.

Nitrogen fixer :

no

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Coleus rotundifolius has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Hexaconazole, TRIADIMEFON.

Hexaconazole

1. Colloids and surfaces. B, Biointerfaces

TRIADIMEFON

1. Colloids and surfaces. B, Biointerfaces