Diospyros rotundifolia

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Distribution

This plant is found within specific regions of the African continent. Its presence is documented in South Tropical Africa, particularly in the country of Mozambique. Furthermore, its range extends into the southern portion of the continent. Specifically, it can be located within the KwaZulu-Natal province of Southern Africa. These two distinct areas define its known geographical distribution.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Diospyros rotundifolia is characterized by its specific distribution within low-lying coastal or lowland environments, occupying a narrow altitudinal niche. This species is strictly confined to a low elevational range, thriving at altitudes starting from a minimum of 15 m AMSL and extending to a maximum of 35 m AMSL. This restricted vertical distribution suggests that the plant is highly specialized to the unique environmental conditions found in near-sea-level habitats, likely influenced by specific soil compositions, humidity levels, or maritime climatic influences typical of such low elevations.

Elevational range max:

35 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

15 m AMSL

Life history

The life history of Diospyros rotundifolia is characterized by its long-term survival as a perennial organism, allowing it to persist in its ecosystem through multiple growing seasons. In terms of its structural development and growth habit, the species exhibits a dual classification of life forms; it is primarily categorized as a phanerophyte, indicating that its buds are borne on conspicuous branches well above the ground, yet it also possesses nanophanerophyte characteristics, reflecting a growth structure where the shoots are relatively short. This combination of life forms and its perennial nature enables the plant to maintain a stable presence within its ecological niche over extended periods.

Life form :

nanophanerophyte

Life form :

phanerophyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Diospyros rotundifolia is characterized by a woody growth form that manifests as both a shrub and a tree. It is a self-supporting plant that functions independently, lacking any parasitic or epiphytic tendencies, and maintains a terrestrial existence rather than being aquatic or semiaquatic. In terms of stature, the plant reaches a minimum height of 4 m and can grow to a maximum height of 9 m.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

shrub

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

9 m

Plant height min:

4 m

Woodiness :

woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Diospyros rotundifolia has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Betulin.

Betulin

1. Dr. Duke

Activities

Diospyros rotundifolia has 12 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include AntiHIV, Anticarcinomic, Antifeedant, Antiflu, Antiinflammatory.

AntiHIV

1. Dr. Duke

Anticarcinomic

1. Dr. Duke

Antifeedant

1. Dr. Duke

Antiflu

1. Dr. Duke

Antiinflammatory

1. Dr. Duke

Antitumor

1. Dr. Duke

Antiviral

1. Dr. Duke

Aphidifuge

1. Dr. Duke

Cytotoxic

1. Dr. Duke

Hypolipemic

1. Dr. Duke