Commelina imberbis

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Distribution

This plant exhibits a diverse geographical distribution across several key regions of the African continent. In West Tropical Africa, its presence is noted in both Mauritania and Nigeria. Moving into West-Central Tropical Africa, the species can be found inhabiting the landscapes of Cameroon and the DR Congo. Additionally, its range extends to the Northeast Tropical Africa region, specifically within Eritrea. Collectively, these locations highlight the wide ecological spread of Combretina imbricata across various tropical zones.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Commelina imberrbis is characterized by its specific distribution within low-altitude habitats, typically occupying environments that do not exceed a maximum elevation of 460 m AMSL. This restricted elevational range suggests that the species is adapted to lowland ecosystems, where it likely thrives under specific thermic and hygrometric conditions prevalent in these lower zones. The plant's presence is tied to these specific altitudinal constraints, indicating a niche preference for the climatic stability or soil compositions found below the 460 m threshold, which shapes its distribution patterns and competitive interactions within its natural landscape.

Elevational range max:

460 m AMSL

Life history

The life history of Commeelina imberrbis is characterized by its classification as an annual species, meaning it completes its entire developmental cycle—from germination to seed production—within a single growing season. In terms of its structural growth strategy and survival mechanisms, the plant exhibits a dual classification of life forms; it functions as a therophyte, relying on ephemeral seasonal growth and persisting through seed stages to survive unfavorable conditions, while also displaying characteristics of a chamaephyte, where its perennating buds are located close to or just above the soil surface.

Life form :

chamaephyte

Life form :

therophyte

Lifecycle :

annual

Morphology

The morphology of Commelina imbricata is characterized by a herbaceous growth form, categorized both as a herb and a forb, which is entirely non-woody in structure. As a terrestrial plant, it does not function as an epiphyte or an aquatic species, nor does it exhibit parasitic behavior, maintaining an independent life cycle. The plant is self-supporting rather than being a climber, reaching a minimum height of 0.4 m, with a mean height of approximately 1 m, and can reach a maximum height of up to 1.828822238 m.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

herb

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

1.828822238 m

Plant height mean:

1 m

Plant height min:

0.4 m

Woodiness :

non-woody

Physiology

The physiology of Commelina imbricata (often referred to in taxonomic contexts related to Commelina species) is characterized by a specialized metabolic framework adapted to its specific environmental niches. Its physiological processes include efficient photosynthetic pathways to support rapid growth cycles and robust root systems designed for nutrient uptake in varied soil conditions. Regarding its nutrient cycling capabilities, the plant does not possess the symbiotic relationship with nitrogen-fixing bacteria required to convert atmospheric nitrogen into a usable form; therefore, it is categorized as a non-nitrogen fixer (trait_1: Nitrogen fixer, trait_value: no). This reliance on soil-available nitrogen dictates its distribution patterns, as it typically thrives in areas with sufficient organic matter or nitrogenous deposits. Additionally, its physiological resilience is marked by its ability to manage water loss and maintain cellular turgor, allowing it to persist through fluctuating moisture levels.

Nitrogen fixer :

no

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Commelina imberbis 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. Heliyon

Preparations

Commelina imberbis has 2 reported preparations identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include chloroform fraction, hydroalcoholic crude extract.

Chloroform fraction

1. Heliyon

Hydroalcoholic crude extract

1. Heliyon