Corchorus depressus

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Corchorus prostratus
• Antichorus depressus
• Jussiaea edulis
• Corchorus microphyllus

Sources: Wikidata

Taxonomical Classification

This plant, known scientifically as Corchorus depressus, belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. It is further classified under the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Malvales, falling into the family Malvaceae. Ultimately, it is situated within the genus Corchorus.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific geographical distribution across several distinct regions. In Northern Africa, it can be found growing in Algeria, Egypt, and Libya. Its range also extends into the Macaronesia region. Specifically, it inhabits the Canary Islands within this area. Additionally, the species is documented to occur in Cape Verde.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Corchorus depressus is characterized by its classification as a perennial species, allowing it to persist through multiple growing seasons. In terms of its structural development and ecological positioning, the plant exhibits a chamaephyte life form, specifically categorized under both the chamaephyte and chamaephyte designations. This growth habit indicates that its perennating buds are located close to the soil surface, enabling it to maintain its presence within its specific habitat across varying environmental conditions throughout its lifecycle.

Life form :

chamaephyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Corchorus depressus is characterized by its growth form as a non-woody herb. As an independent species, it does not exhibit parasitic behavior and functions as a terrestrial plant rather than an epiphyte. While it lacks the structural complexity of climbing species, its growth habit is categorized as self-supporting, maintaining its posture without the need for external structures.

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

herb

Parasite :

independent

Woodiness :

non-woody

Physiology

The physiology of Corchorus depressus is characterized by a C3 photosynthetic pathway, which dictates its carbon fixation processes and metabolic efficiency. As a C3 plant, the initial fixation of atmospheric carbon dioxide occurs through the enzyme RuBisCO, leading to the direct production of a three-carbon compound, 3-phosphoglycerate, within the mesophyll cells. This metabolic route implies that the plant's gas exchange and energy conversion are highly dependent on environmental variables such as light intensity, temperature, and water availability. Because the C3 pathway does not utilize specialized mechanisms like bundle sheath compartmentalization found in C4 plants or nocturnal acid storage found in CAM plants, the plant's photosynthetic rate is subject to photorespiration, particularly under conditions of high temperature or moisture stress. Consequently, its physiological performance is optimized for environments where moderate temperatures allow for efficient carboxylation without the excessive energy expenditure associated with photorespiratory loss.

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Reproduction

The reproduction of Corchorus depressus is characterized by a specific seasonal flowering window and the production of minute seeds. The flowering period typically commences in March and concludes in April, though the species exhibits a variable phenology that can span across different months of the year. Following pollination, the plant produces seeds with a remarkably low mass, reflecting its small-scale reproductive output. The seed mass follows a tight distribution, with a mean value of approximately 0.000185 g. Specifically, the individual seed weight ranges from a minimum of 0.00017 g to a maximum of 0.0002 g (2e-04 g), ensuring a consistent but lightweight seed profile for dispersal.

Flowering time :

Mar

Flowering time :

Apr

Seed mass max:

2e-04 g

Seed mass mean:

0.000185 g

Seed mass min:

0.00017 g

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Corchorus depressus has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Depressoside C, Depressoside D.

Depressoside C

1. Chemical & pharmaceutical bulletin

Depressoside D

1. Chemical & pharmaceutical bulletin

Conditions

Corchorus depressus has 1 reported investigations on conditions identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include male infertility.

Male infertility

1. Andrologia

Preparations

Corchorus depressus has 1 reported preparations identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include crude extracts.

Crude extracts

1. Andrologia