Cyphostemma adenocaule

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Distribution

This plant is primarily distributed across the region of West Tropical Africa. Specifically, its presence has been documented within the borders of Benin. It can also be found growing in the territories of Burkina and Gambia. Furthermore, the species extends its range into Guinea-Bissau. Finally, its geographical footprint includes the country of Guinea.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Cyphostemma adenocaule is characterized by its adaptability to diverse transitional environments and disturbed landscapes. It thrives within the complex structural layers of fringing forests, clearings, and dense bushland, often colonizing the edges where forest meets more open terrain. The species is frequently found in thickets and grasslands interspersed with scattered trees, demonstrating a preference for habitats that provide a balance of light and protection. Furthermore, its ability to inhabit abandoned cultivations suggests a resilient ecological niche, allowing it to persist in areas where human activity has previously altered the natural vegetation, subsequently transitioning into successional stages of regrowth.

Habitat :

fringing forest, clearings, bushland, thicket, grassland with scattered trees, abandoned cultivations

Life history

The life history of Cyphostemma adenocaule is characterized by a perennial lifecycle, allowing the plant to persist through multiple growing seasons. In terms of its morphological strategy and survival mechanisms, it is classified as a geophyte, relying on underground storage organs to endure unfavorable environmental conditions. Furthermore, its structural classification identifies it as a cryptophyte, indicating that its perennating buds are located below the soil surface, which protects the plant's vital parts from external stressors.

Life form :

geophyte

Life form :

cryptophyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Cyphostemma adenocaule is characterized by its growth form as a non-woody herb, manifesting specifically as a vine. This plant functions as an obligatory climber, utilizing a vining habit to ascend. It is a terrestrial species, existing independently rather than as a parasite or an epiphyte. In terms of stature, the plant can reach a mean height of approximately 4 m.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

vine

Climber :

obligatory

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

herb

Parasite :

independent

Plant height mean:

4 m

Woodiness :

non-woody

Physiology

The physiology of Cyphostemma adenocaule is characterized by metabolic processes adapted to its specific ecological niche, focusing on nutrient acquisition and resource management. Regarding its nutritional strategies and symbiotic capabilities, the plant does not function as a nitrogen fixer, meaning it lacks the specialized root nodules or symbiotic relationships with diazotrophic bacteria required to convert atmospheric nitrogen into bioavailable forms. Instead, it relies on the uptake of nitrates and ammonium from the soil through its root system to support protein synthesis and enzymatic functions. Its physiological framework is governed by standard photosynthetic pathways to drive carbon fixation, while its mineral absorption is dictated by the availability of nutrients within its immediate substrate, operating without the independent nitrogen-fixing mechanisms found in certain leguminous species.

Nitrogen fixer :

no

Reproduction

The reproduction of Cyphostemma adenocaule is characterized by specific seed morphological traits and specialized dispersal mechanisms. The plant produces seeds with a varying mass, ranging from a minimum of 0.01018 g to a maximum of 0.03171 g, with an average seed mass of 0.02448 g. Its dispersal strategy is primarily classified under the zoochorous syndrome, specifically employing endozoochory, where seeds are dispersed through the internal passage of animals. This reproductive method ensures the movement of progeny away from the parent plant via biotic vectors, facilitating colonization in diverse environments.

Dispersal syndrome :

zoochorous

Dispersal syndrome :

endozoochorous

Seed mass max:

0.03171 g

Seed mass mean:

0.02448 g

Seed mass min:

0.01018 g

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Cyphostemma adenocaule 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 root.

Root

1. Heliyon

Conditions

Cyphostemma adenocaule has 8 reported investigations on conditions identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include helminthiasis, malaria, snake bites, snake envenomation, snakebite.

Helminthiasis

1. Heliyon

Malaria

1. Journal of ethnobiology and ethnomedicine

Snake bites

1. Journal of ethnobiology and ethnomedicine

Snake envenomation

1. Heliyon

Snakebite

1. African health sciences

Splenomegaly

1. Heliyon

Tumors

1. Heliyon

Wounds

1. Journal of ethnobiology and ethnomedicine

Preparations

Cyphostemma adenocaule has 4 reported preparations identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include crude extract, crude root extract, n-butanol fraction, solvent fractions.

Crude extract

1. Heliyon

Crude root extract

1. Heliyon

N-butanol fraction

1. Heliyon

Solvent fractions

1. Heliyon