Dalbergiella welwitschii

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Ostryocarpus welwitschii
• Ostryocarpus racemosus

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 Fabales, it is classified under the family Fabaceae. Ultimately, its specific taxonomic identity is defined by the genus Dalbergiella.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant, known scientifically as Dalbergiella welwitschii, exhibits a specific distribution pattern across the West Tropical Africa region. Its presence is documented within the borders of Benin, where it occupies local ecological niches. Additionally, the species can be found growing in the diverse landscapes of Ghana. The geographical range also extends into Guinea, contributing to its regional availability. Finally, the distribution includes the coastal and inland areas of both Ivory Coast and Liberia.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Dalbergiella welwitschii is characterized by its classification as a phanerophyte, a life form defined by the elevation of its perennating buds well above the ground level. Within this growth habit, the species displays specific variations that can include nanophanerophyte characteristics, where the woody structure remains relatively low to the ground, as well as standard phanerophyte traits that ensure its survival through seasonal fluctuations. As a phanerophyte, the plant maintains its regenerative organs on permanent woody branches, allowing it to withstand environmental stressors and persist across multiple growing seasons. This life history strategy is essential for its ecological niche, enabling the plant to protect its vital meristematic tissues from herbivory and surface-level environmental extremes while maintaining a stable, perennial presence in its habitat.

Life form :

phanerophyte

Morphology

The morphology of Dalbergiella welwitschii is characterized by a woody structure with a growth form primarily classified as a shrub. This species reaches a significant plant height, with a mean stature of approximately 10 m. As a terrestrial plant, it does not inhabit aquatic or semiaquatic environments, nor does it function as an epiphyte. Its climbing habit is specifically identified as a liana, functioning as an obligatory climber to navigate its habitat. Furthermore, the plant is an independent organism, exhibiting no parasitic tendencies.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

liana

Climber :

obligatory

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

shrub

Parasite :

independent

Plant height mean:

10 m

Woodiness :

woody

Reproduction

The reproduction cycle of Dalbergiella welwitschii is characterized by a highly specific and relatively brief seasonal window for both flowering and fruiting. The flowering process is concentrated primarily around the month of March, serving as the critical phase for pollination. Following the reproductive stage, the plant transitions into its fruiting period, which is also notably concentrated in February. Given the data provided, the phenology of this species exhibits a variable nature across the calendar year, yet it maintains a distinct pattern where the flowering and fruiting windows are closely aligned within the early months of the year.

Flowering time :

Mar

Fruiting time :

Feb

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Dalbergiella welwitschii has 2 reported plant parts identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include leaf, stem.

Leaf

1. In silico pharmacology
2. Plants (Basel, Switzerland)

Stem

1. In silico pharmacology

Chemicals

Dalbergiella welwitschii has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include 13-Isopimaradiene, Aristolone.

13-Isopimaradiene

1. In silico pharmacology

Aristolone

1. In silico pharmacology

Activities

Dalbergiella welwitschii has 1 reported activities identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Free-Radical Scavenging.

Free-Radical Scavenging

1. Plants (Basel, Switzerland)

Conditions

Dalbergiella welwitschii has 5 reported investigations on conditions identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include diabetes mellitus, mental illness, neurodegenerative disorders, oxidative stress, type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Diabetes mellitus

1. Journal of molecular histology

Mental illness

1. Plants (Basel, Switzerland)

Neurodegenerative disorders

1. Plants (Basel, Switzerland)

Oxidative stress

1. In silico pharmacology

Type 2 diabetes mellitus

1. Journal of molecular histology

Preparations

Dalbergiella welwitschii has 2 reported preparations identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include essential oils, leaf methanol extract.

Essential oils

1. In silico pharmacology

Leaf methanol extract

1. Plants (Basel, Switzerland)