Sacred Garlic Pear

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• Sacred Garlic Pear

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta within the class Equisetopsida. Classified under the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Brassicales, it is a member of the family Capparaceae. Finally, its specific taxonomic placement is within the genus Crateva.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant is primarily distributed throughout the West Tropical Africa region. Specifically, it can be found growing in the country of Benin. Its natural range also extends to Burkina and the Gambia. Additionally, the species is documented to occur within the borders of Ghana. Finally, its geographical presence includes the coastal nation of Guinea-Bissau.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Crateva adansonii is characterized by its status as a perennial plant, ensuring its presence in the ecosystem across multiple growing seasons. As a phanerophyte, it maintains its photosynthetic organs at a significant height above the ground, typically growing as a woody shrub or small tree. This species exhibits a deciduous nature, shedding its foliage periodically as part of its seasonal physiological cycle. Its developmental strategy is defined by its phanerophyte life form, which allows it to establish a robust structural presence within its natural habitat.

Deciduousness :

deciduous

Life form :

phanerophyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Crateva adansonii is characterized by its stature as a woody tree, reaching an average height of approximately 6 m. This species exhibits a terrestrial growth habit, functioning as an independent organism rather than an epiphyte or a parasite. Unlike climbing plants such as lianas or vines, it is a self-supporting structure that does not require external assistance for its upright growth.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Plant height mean:

6 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Craveva adansonii is characterized by a robust metabolic framework adapted to its specific environmental niches, primarily focusing on efficient photosynthetic pathways and nutrient assimilation. In terms of its nutrient cycling capabilities, the plant does not function as a nitrogen fixer; it lacks the symbiotic relationship with diazotrophic bacteria, such as Rhizobium, required to convert atmospheric nitrogen into bioavailable forms, meaning it relies entirely on the uptake of nitrates and ammonium from the soil substrate. Its physiological processes involve complex enzymatic activities that regulate transpiration and gas exchange to maintain cellular homeostasis. The plant manages its internal osmotic potential through controlled water movement across cell membranes, ensuring structural integrity and facilitating the transport of minerals and photosynthates through its vascular system. Furthermore, its secondary metabolic pathways are highly active, producing various bioactive compounds as physiological responses to environmental stressors and herbivory.

Nitrogen fixer :

no

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Crateva adansonii 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, genetic engineering & biotechnology

Chemicals

Crateva adansonii has 7 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Daucosterol, Flavonol, Lignans, Lupeol, Sesquiterpene Derivatives.

Daucosterol

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Flavonol

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Lignans

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Lupeol

1. Journal, genetic engineering & biotechnology

Sesquiterpene Derivatives

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

kaempferol

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

quercetin

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Activities

Crateva adansonii has 1 reported activities identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Analgesic.

Analgesic

1. Journal, genetic engineering & biotechnology

Medicinal Uses

Crateva adansonii has 8 reported medicinal uses identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include COVID-19, asthma, breast cancer, cancers, constipation.

Most Reported Uses

Preparations