Cynanchum viminale

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Sarcostemma viminale
• Euphorbia viminalis

Sources: Wikidata

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Gentianales, it is classified under the family Apocynaceae and the genus Cynanchum.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant, known as Cynanchum viminale, is found across several regions within West Tropical Africa. Its geographical range specifically includes the nation of Benin. Furthermore, it can be located within the borders of Burkina Faso. The species is also documented to grow in Ghana and Mali. Finally, its distribution extends to include the country of Nigeria.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Cynanchum viminale is characterized by its ability to thrive across a diverse altitudinal gradient, spanning from lowlands starting at 50 m AMSL to higher elevations reaching a maximum of 1800 m AMSL. This species is primarily found inhabiting dry forest environments and maquis, which are distinct types of tropical scrublands. These habitats provide the specific environmental conditions necessary for its growth, typically involving seasonal moisture availability and open or semi-open vegetation structures typical of these ecological zones.

Elevational range max:

1800 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

50 m AMSL

Habitat :

dry forest, maquis (scrubland)

Life history

The life history of Cynanchum viminale is characterized by its status as a perennial plant, allowing it to persist through multiple growing seasons and maintain a continuous presence within its ecological niche. In terms of its structural growth habit, the species is classified as a phanerophyte, meaning its regenerative buds are located well above the ground level, typically on woody stems or climbing structures. This life form enables the plant to develop an extensive climbing framework that facilitates its survival and expansion across various terrains.

Life form :

phanerophyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Cynanchum viminale is characterized by a woody, shrub-like growth form that functions as an obligatory climber, specifically taking the form of a climbing vine or liana. As an independent organism, it does not function as a parasite or an epiphyte, maintaining a terrestrial habit rather than an aquatic, semiaquatic, or aquatic lifestyle. The plant exhibits significant structural variation in its stature, with a minimum height of approximately 0.2 m and the potential to reach a maximum height of up to 10 m as it climbs.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

vine

Climber :

obligatory

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

shrub

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

10 m

Plant height min:

0.2 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Cynanchum viminale is characterized by a C3 photosynthetic pathway, which dictates its carbon fixation processes and metabolic efficiency in its natural habitat. The morphological aspects of its foliage involve relatively small leaf dimensions, with leaf lengths typically ranging from a minimum of 0.3 cm to a maximum of 0.6 cm.

Leaf length max:

0.6 cm

Leaf length min:

0.3 cm

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Reproduction

Reproduction in Cynanchum viminale occurs through the production of specialized fruit structures known as follicles. These follicles develop from the ovary after successful pollination and are characteristic of the Apocynaceae family. Each follicle typically contains numerous small, lightweight seeds that are often equipped with a tuft of silky hairs, an adaptation designed to facilitate anemochory, or wind dispersal. As the fruit matures and dries, the follicle splits along a single longitudinal suture to release the seeds into the air currents, allowing the plant to colonize new territories.

Fruit type :

follicle

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Cynanchum viminale has 3 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Pregnane, berberine, protopine.

Pregnane

1. Chemical & pharmaceutical bulletin

berberine

1. Die Naturwissenschaften

protopine

1. Die Naturwissenschaften

Preparations

Cynanchum viminale has 1 reported preparations identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include methanolic extracts.

Methanolic extracts

1. Die Naturwissenschaften