Jackal Berries

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• African Ebony
• Bush Matome
• Hill Matome
• Red Teak
• Ebony Diospyros
• Ebony Jackalberry
• Jackal Berry
• Monkey Guava
• Monkey-Guava
• Rhodesian Ebony
• Transvaal Ebony
• Wild Ebony

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Diospyros corylicarpa
• Diospyros holtzii
• Diospyros kilimandscharica
• Diospyros senegalensis
• Diospyros sabiensis

Regional and Traditional Names

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Ericales, it is classified under the family Ebenaceae. Finally, it is categorized within the genus Diospyros.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant, Diospyros mespiliformis, is primarily distributed throughout the West Tropical Africa region. Its presence is well-documented in the nation of Benin, where it plays a role in the local ecosystem. The species also extends its range into Burkina, contributing to the diverse flora of the area. Furthermore, it can be found growing within the borders of Gambia. Finally, the geographical footprint of this medicinal plant includes the territory of Ghana and parts of Guinea.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Diospyros mespiliformis is characterized by its adaptability to diverse moisture regimes and varied topographical settings. It thrives in riverine or groundwater forests, though it is also frequently found in coastal regions and within inland forests situated away from direct water sources. The species occupies a broad altitudinal gradient, ranging from elevations as low as 210 m AMSL to a maximum of 1300 m AMSL.

Elevational range max:

1300 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

210 m AMSL

Habitat :

riverine or groundwater forest, on coast also in forest away from water

Life history

The life history of Diospyros mespiliformis is characterized by its status as a perennial species, ensuring its long-term presence within its ecosystem. As a phanerophyte, the plant maintains its photosynthetic organs on elevated woody structures, a trait consistent with its classification as both a phanerophyte and a nanophanerophyte depending on its specific growth stage and environmental context. Throughout its life cycle, the species exhibits an evergreen deciduousness, retaining its foliage to support continuous metabolic processes and structural stability across varying seasons.

Deciduousness :

evergreen

Life form :

phanerophyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Diospyros mespiliformis is characterized by its robust, woody growth form, primarily manifesting as a self-supporting tree. As an independent organism, it does not function as a parasite or an epiphyte, maintaining a strictly terrestrial existence. The plant exhibits significant variation in stature, with heights ranging from a minimum of 2 m to a maximum of approximately 27.43 m, though it reaches a mean height of 22.5 m. Because it is a self-supporting tree, it does not exhibit climbing habits such as lianas or vines.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

27.43233358 m

Plant height mean:

22.5 m

Plant height min:

2 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Diospyros mespiliformis is characterized by a C3 photosynthetic pathway, a common metabolic strategy among woody tropical species that involves the direct fixation of atmospheric carbon dioxide via the enzyme Rubisco. In terms of nutrient acquisition and symbiotic relationships, the plant does not function as a nitrogen fixer, meaning it lacks the specialized root nodules or symbiotic associations with diazotrophic bacteria required to convert atmospheric nitrogen into biologically available forms. Consequently, its physiological growth and nitrogen assimilation are dependent on the uptake of nitrates or ammonium ions present within the soil matrix.

Nitrogen fixer :

no

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Reproduction

The reproduction of Diospyros mespiliformis is characterized by a biotic pollination syndrome, primarily facilitated by insects, with bees playing a significant role in the process. The plant exhibits a reproductive strategy where self-fertilization is absent, necessitating cross-pollination to ensure genetic diversity. Following successful pollination, the plant produces fleshy, indehiscent fruits categorized as berries. These fruits typically measure an average of 2.25 cm in both length and width. The dispersal of the seeds is zoochorous, meaning they are dispersed by animals, which is aided by the fleshy nature of the fruit. The seeds themselves vary in mass, with a minimum of 0.22583 g, a mean of 0.350846 g, and a maximum of 0.5 g. Furthermore, the seed volume is consistent at a mean, minimum, and maximum of 570 mm³.

Dehiscence :

indehiscent

Dispersal syndrome :

zoochorous

Fruit dryness :

fleshy

Fruit length mean:

2.25 cm

Fruit type :

berry

Fruit width mean:

2.25 cm

Pollination syndrome :

insect

Pollination syndrome :

bee

Pollination syndrome :

biotic

Seed mass max:

0.5 g

Seed mass mean:

0.350846 g

Seed mass min:

0.22583 g

Seed volume max:

570 mm³

Self fertilization :

absent

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Diospyros mespiliformis has 1 reported plant parts identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include leaf.

Leaf

1. Journal of Zhejiang University. Science. B
2. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

Chemicals

Diospyros mespiliformis has 12 reported phytochemicals identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Betulin, Coumarins, DICHLOROMETHANE, ETHYL ACETATE, Lupeol.

Betulin

1. Dr. Duke

Coumarins

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

DICHLOROMETHANE

1. Scientific reports

ETHYL ACETATE

1. Scientific reports

Lupeol

1. Scientific reports

Naphthoquinones

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

Stigmastan-3,5-diene

1. Scientific reports

Terpenoids

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

betulinic acid

1. Dr. Duke

caffeine

1. Journal of Zhejiang University. Science. B

Activities

Diospyros mespiliformis has 29 reported activities identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antiviral, Anthelmintic, AntiHIV, Antibacterial, Anticancer.

Antiviral

1. Dr. Duke
2. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

Anthelmintic

1. Dr. Duke

AntiHIV

1. Dr. Duke

Antibacterial

1. Dr. Duke

Anticancer

1. Dr. Duke

Anticarcinomic

1. Dr. Duke

Antidiabetic

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

Antiedemic

1. Dr. Duke

Antifeedant

1. Dr. Duke

Antiflu

1. Dr. Duke

Medicinal Uses

Diospyros mespiliformis has 6 reported medicinal uses identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include malaria, antihypertensive, diabetes mellitus, fevers, ringworm.

Most Reported Uses

Preparations