Dichapetalum filicaule

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Sources: Wikidata

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. It is classified under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, falling within the order Malpighiales. Finally, it is a member of the family Dichapetalaceae and the genus Dichapetalum.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant, known scientifically as Dichapetalum filicaudum, exhibits a specific geographical range within the West Tropical Africa region. Its distribution is primarily concentrated in several key nations across the western coastline. Specifically, it can be found growing within the borders of Ghana. Furthermore, the species is documented to inhabit the tropical landscapes of the Ivory Coast. Finally, its presence extends into the forested areas of Liberia.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Dichapetalum filicaudum is characterized by its growth habit as a woody perennial, primarily classified under the life forms of phanerophyte and nanophanerophyte. As a phanerophyte, the plant maintains its buds well above the ground level on permanent woody branches, allowing it to persist through various seasonal changes. Depending on the specific environmental conditions and the development of its stem structure, it can also exhibit characteristics of a nanophanerophyte, where the woody stems remain relatively low to the ground. This life history strategy enables the species to establish a stable presence in its habitat, utilizing its perennial woody architecture to survive and reproduce over multiple growing seasons.

Life form :

nanophanerophyte

Life form :

phanerophyte

Morphology

The morphology of Dichapetalum filicaudum is characterized by its growth habit as a woody liana, functioning as a climbing vine that often requires external support to ascend. It is classified as an obligatory climber, meaning it relies on other structures for vertical development rather than being a self-supporting shrub. In terms of its ecological positioning, the plant is terrestrial, rooting in the soil rather than growing as an epiphyte. The structural integrity of the plant is defined by its woody nature, providing the necessary rigidity for its climbing lifestyle.

Climber :

liana

Climber :

obligatory

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Woodiness :

woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Dichapetalum filicaule 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. Pharmaceutical biology

Chemicals

Dichapetalum filicaule has 5 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include D:A-Friedooleanan-3-one, Dichapetalin A, Dichapetalin X, GLYCEROL MONOSTEARATE, Pomolic acid.

D:A-Friedooleanan-3-one

1. Pharmaceutical biology

Dichapetalin A

1. Pharmaceutical biology

Dichapetalin X

1. Pharmaceutical biology

GLYCEROL MONOSTEARATE

1. Pharmaceutical biology

Pomolic acid

1. Pharmaceutical biology