Diospyros longiflora

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Distribution

This plant, known scientifically as Diospyros longiflora, exhibits a specific geographical range within the West-Central Tropical Africa region. Its natural habitat is primarily concentrated in the lush ecosystems of Cameroon. Additionally, the species can be found growing within the borders of the Congo. The distribution further extends into the forested territories of Gabon. Consequently, these three countries represent the core areas where this medicinal plant is located.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Diospyros longiflora is characterized by its classification as a phanerophyte, indicating a growth strategy where the majority of its photosynthetic biomass is held on woody branches well above the ground level. Within the spectrum of plant life forms, it functions primarily as a phanerophyte, establishing a robust and perennial structure that allows it to dominate its ecological niche. While its primary existence is defined by this elevated growth habit, the species exists within a complex botanical framework that distinguishes it from smaller life forms such as nanophanerophytes, chamaephytes, hemicryptophytes, or therophytes. By maintaining its reproductive and vegetative organs on elevated woody stems, Diospyros longiflora ensures survival through seasonal variations, relying on its perennial stature to navigate its specific environmental requirements.

Life form :

nanophanerophyte

Life form :

phanerophyte

Morphology

The morphology of Diospyros longiflora is characterized by its growth form as a woody tree, displaying a robust and perennial structure. It functions as an independent organism, meaning it is not a parasite and relies on its own physiological processes for nutrient acquisition. As a terrestrial plant, it grows directly in the soil rather than as an epiphyte. Regarding its climbing habits, the species exhibits characteristics of a self-supporting liana or vine, possessing the structural integrity to maintain its position without being an obligatory or facultative climber.

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Woodiness :

woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Diospyros longiflora has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Betulin, betulinic acid.

Betulin

1. Dr. Duke

betulinic acid

1. Dr. Duke

Activities

Diospyros longiflora has 23 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Anthelmintic, AntiHIV, Antibacterial, Anticancer, Anticarcinomic.

Anthelmintic

1. Dr. Duke

AntiHIV

1. Dr. Duke

Antibacterial

1. Dr. Duke

Anticancer

1. Dr. Duke

Anticarcinomic

1. Dr. Duke

Antiedemic

1. Dr. Duke

Antifeedant

1. Dr. Duke

Antiflu

1. Dr. Duke

Antiinflammatory

1. Dr. Duke

Antileukemic

1. Dr. Duke