tallow tree

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• dattocktree
• tallowtree

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Detarium heudelotianum

Regional and Traditional Names

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, specifically classified under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Fabales, it is a member of the Fabaceae family and is identified by the genus Detarium. Consequently, its full scientific designation is Detarium senegalense.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant is widely distributed across several regions within West Tropical Africa. Its presence is notably recorded in the country of Benin. It can also be found growing throughout Burkina Faso. Additionally, the species inhabits parts of the Gambia and Ghana. Finally, its geographical range extends into Guinea-Bissau.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Detarium senehalense is characterized by its status as a perennial plant, allowing it to persist in its environment over many years. As a phanerophyte, its regenerative buds are located high above the ground on woody stems or branches, a structural adaptation typical of trees and large shrubs. This species exhibits a deciduous nature, shedding its foliage periodically, which is often a strategic response to seasonal climatic shifts.

Deciduousness :

deciduous

Life form :

phanerophyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Detarium senegalense is characterized by its stature as a large, woody tree with a robust growth form. As a self-supporting species, it does not exhibit climbing or liana-like behaviors, nor does it function as a parasite or an epiphyte, maintaining an independent terrestrial existence. The plant's height varies significantly depending on environmental conditions, with recorded minimum heights of approximately 9.14 m, a mean height of 25 m, and a maximum height reaching up to 36.58 m.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

36.57644477 m

Plant height mean:

25 m

Plant height min:

9.144111192 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Detarium senegalense is characterized by a C3 photosynthetic pathway, which involves the direct fixation of atmospheric carbon dioxide through the Calvin cycle within the mesophyll cells. This metabolic process is typical of many woody tropical species, allowing the plant to function efficiently under the varying light intensities of its native forest and savanna habitats. Furthermore, the plant functions as a nitrogen fixer, a vital physiological trait that enables it to engage in symbiotic relationships with diazotrophic microorganisms. This ability to convert atmospheric nitrogen into bioavailable forms enhances its nutrient uptake capabilities, supporting robust growth and contributing to the enrichment of the surrounding soil ecosystem.

Nitrogen fixer :

yes

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Reproduction

The reproduction of Detarium senehalense is characterized by the production of distinctive fleshy fruits that serve as the primary vehicle for seed dispersal. The seeds contained within these fruits are substantial in size and weight, exhibiting a consistent seed mass of approximately 14.2857 g, with both the minimum and maximum recorded values remaining at this level. This uniformity in mass is accompanied by a highly stable seed volume, which is measured at a mean, maximum, and minimum of 56,000 mm³. The fleshy nature of the fruit suggests a reproductive strategy aimed at attracting dispersal agents, ensuring that these large, heavy-set seeds are effectively distributed to facilitate the next generation of the species.

Fruit dryness :

fleshy

Seed mass mean:

14.2857 g

Seed volume max:

56000 mm³

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Detarium senegalense has 3 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include galactose, glucose, xylose.

galactose

1. Carbohydrate research

glucose

1. Carbohydrate research

xylose

1. Carbohydrate research

Preparations

Detarium senegalense has 1 reported preparations identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include ethanolic plant extracts.

Ethanolic plant extracts

1. Biomedicine & pharmacotherapy = Biomedecine & pharmacotherapie