Cymbopogon commutatus

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Cymbopogon parkeri
• Andropogon commutatus
• Gymnanthelia commutata
• Andropogon commutatus var. flavicundus
• Cymbopogon commutatus var. jammuensis
• Andropogon commutatus var. violaceus
• Cymbopogon divaricatus
• Andropogon floccosus
• Cymbopogon floccosus
• Sorghum commutatum
• Cymbopogon parkeri var. jammuensis

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 Poales and family Poaceae, it is specifically classified under the genus Cymbopogon.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a broad geographical distribution across several key regions of the African continent. In West Tropical Africa, it can be found growing in the territories of Mauritania and Senegal. Moving toward the eastern parts of the continent, its range extends into Northeast Tropical Africa. Specifically, it is documented in the countries of Chad and Djibouti. Finally, its presence is also confirmed within the borders of Eritrea.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Cymbopogon commutatus is characterized by its specific niche within montane and sub-montane landscapes, where it thrives across a defined altitudinal gradient. This species is typically found at elevations ranging from a minimum of 600 m AMSL to a maximum of 1400 m AMSL. Within this vertical range, the plant adapts to the varying climatic conditions, moisture levels, and soil compositions inherent to these mid-elevation zones. Its presence is often tied to the specific environmental stressors and resource availability found between these two thresholds, making its distribution highly dependent on the topographic and atmospheric profiles of its habitat.

Elevational range max:

1400 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

600 m AMSL

Life history

The life history of Cymbopogon commutatus is characterized by its status as a perennial plant, allowing it to persist through multiple growing seasons. It adopts a hemicryptophyte life form, meaning its perennating buds are located at the soil surface, protected by leaf litter or organic matter during unfavorable conditions. This hemicryptophytic growth habit, consistent across its morphological classifications, ensures the plant's long-term survival and ability to regenerate within its ecological niche.

Life form :

hemicryptophyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Cymbopogon commutatus is characterized by a graminoid growth form, specifically functioning as a non-woody herb. The plant is self-supporting rather than acting as a climber, liana, or vine, and it grows as an independent organism without parasitic behavior. It is a terrestrial species, lacking aquatic or epiphytic tendencies. In terms of stature, the plant reaches a height ranging from a minimum of 1.2 m to a maximum of 1.5 m.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

herb

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

1.5 m

Plant height min:

1.2 m

Woodiness :

non-woody

Physiology

The physiology of Cymbopogon commutatus is fundamentally defined by its efficient carbon fixation mechanism, specifically utilizing the C4 photosynthetic pathway. Unlike C3 plants, this species employs a specialized anatomical and biochemical arrangement known as Kranz anatomy, which allows for the spatial separation of initial carbon fixation and the subsequent Calvin cycle. This physiological adaptation enables the plant to concentrate carbon dioxide around the enzyme RuBisCO within bundle sheath cells, significantly minimizing photorespiration and increasing water-use efficiency. By utilizing PEP carboxylase to fix atmospheric CO2 into four-carbon organic acids in the mesophyll cells, Cymbopogon commutatus can maintain high rates of photosynthesis even under high temperatures and limited water availability, making it highly resilient in arid or semi-arid environments.

Photosynthetic pathway :

C4

Reproduction

The reproduction of Cymbopogon commutatus is characterized by a flowering cycle that exhibits significant temporal flexibility. The flowering period for this species is highly variable, as it does not adhere to a rigid seasonal constraint. Specifically, the flowering start and end points can occur at any time throughout the year, spanning from January through December. Because the onset and conclusion of the blooming phase are variable, the plant's reproductive window can shift depending on environmental conditions, making the specific months of flowering unpredictable across different geographical or climatic contexts.

Flowering time :

Apr

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Cymbopogon commutatus has 46 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include GERANIOL, GERANYL ACETATE, 6-METHYL-5-HEPTEN-2-ONE, BETA-SITOSTEROL, BORNYL ACETATE.

GERANIOL

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2. Chemistry & biodiversity
3. Natural product research

GERANYL ACETATE

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2. Chemistry & biodiversity

6-METHYL-5-HEPTEN-2-ONE

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BETA-SITOSTEROL

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BORNYL ACETATE

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Butyl acetate

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CAMPESTEROL

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Car-3-ene

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Cryptomeridiol

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DECANE

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Activities

Cymbopogon commutatus has 152 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include (-)-Chronotropic, (-)-Inotropic, ACE-Inhibitor, AChE-Inhibitor, Acaricide.

(-)-Chronotropic

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(-)-Inotropic

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ACE-Inhibitor

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AChE-Inhibitor

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Acaricide

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Aldose-Reductase-Inhibitor

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Allelochemic

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Allelopathic

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Allergenic

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Analgesic

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Medicinal Uses

Cymbopogon commutatus has 4 reported medicinal uses identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Staphylococcus aureus, cardiac hypertrophy, cardiac toxicity, malaria.

Most Reported Uses

Preparations