Cussonia bancoensis

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. It is further categorized under the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Apiales. Finally, it is a member of the family Araliaceae and falls under the genus Cussonia.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant is native to several specific regions across West Tropical Africa. Its geographical distribution includes the country of Ghana, where it grows in local ecosystems. It is also found within the borders of Guinea and the Ivory Coast. Furthermore, the species extends its range into Liberia to inhabit the tropical landscape. Finally, its presence is documented within the nation of Nigeria.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Cussonia bancoensis is characterized by its status as a perennial organism, allowing it to persist in its environment over many years through successive growing seasons. As a plant, it is classified under the life form of a phanerophyte, specifically exhibiting traits of both phanerophyte and nanophanerophyte categories, which indicates that its perennating buds are located high above the ground on woody stems or branches. This structural strategy enables the species to survive seasonal variations and environmental stressors by maintaining its vital regenerative tissues in an elevated position.

Life form :

phanerophyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Cussonia bancoensis is characterized by a woody growth form, functioning as a self-supporting tree. It typically reaches an average plant height of approximately 25 meters. As an independent organism, it does not exhibit parasitic behavior and is strictly terrestrial rather than epiphytic in its growth habit.

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Plant height mean:

25 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Cussonia bancoensis is characterized by specialized metabolic processes adapted to its specific ecological niche, particularly concerning its nutrient acquisition strategies. In terms of its symbiotic capabilities, the plant does not function as a nitrogen fixer; it lacks the physiological mechanism to form symbiotic relationships with nitrogen-fixing bacteria, such as Rhizobium, meaning it cannot convert atmospheric nitrogen into a usable form for its own growth. Instead, it relies on the uptake of nitrates and ammonium from the soil through its root system. Its physiological processes include efficient water regulation and carbon fixation through photosynthesis, supported by a robust vascular system that facilitates the transport of nutrients and water throughout its woody structure. This reliance on soil-available nitrogen necessitates a well-developed root architecture to compete effectively for mineral resources within its environment.

Nitrogen fixer :

no

Reproduction

The reproduction of Cussonia bancoensis is characterized by a biotic pollination syndrome, relying on living organisms to facilitate the transfer of genetic material. This reproductive process is driven by diverse biotic vectors, specifically involving insects as a primary mechanism for pollen dispersal. Within this ecological framework, the plant utilizes flies as significant pollinators, contributing to the complexity of its reproductive cycle. By engaging these specific animal agents, the plant ensures the successful fertilization and subsequent development of its seeds through specialized biotic interactions.

Pollination syndrome :

insect

Pollination syndrome :

fly

Pollination syndrome :

biotic

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Cussonia bancoensis has 1 reported plant parts identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include stem.

Stem

1. Journal of natural products
2. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

Chemicals

Cussonia bancoensis has 5 reported phytochemicals identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include 23-Hydroxyursolic Acid, 3-O-(beta-D-Glucopyranosyl)-23-hydroxyursolic acid, 3beta-hydroxylup-20(29)-en-28-oic acid, STIGMASTEROL, Ursolic acid.

23-Hydroxyursolic Acid

1. Journal of natural products
2. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

3-O-(beta-D-Glucopyranosyl)-23-hydroxyursolic acid

1. Journal of natural products

3beta-hydroxylup-20(29)-en-28-oic acid

1. Journal of natural products

STIGMASTEROL

1. Journal of natural products

Ursolic acid

1. Journal of natural products

Preparations

Cussonia bancoensis has 2 reported preparations identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include Stem Bark, stem bark.

Stem bark

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

Stem bark

1. Journal of natural products