Diospyros villosa

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Distribution

This plant is primarily distributed across various regions of Southern Africa. Within South Tropical Africa, its presence is specifically noted in Mozambique. In the Southern African region, it can be found growing throughout the Cape Provinces. It also inhabits the coastal and inland areas of KwaZulu-Natal. Finally, the species extends its range into the Northern Provinces of the same region.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Diospyros villosa is characterized by a broad altitudinal distribution, allowing it to inhabit a diverse array of topographical environments. This species is found across a significant vertical gradient, with its presence recorded from low-lying areas starting at an elevation of 3 m AMSL up to montane regions reaching a maximum of 1400 m AMSL. This expansive elevational range suggests an adaptable ecological profile capable of thriving in varying climatic conditions, from humid lowland settings to higher-altitude ecosystems.

Elevational range max:

1400 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

3 m AMSL

Life history

The life history of Diospyros villosa is characterized by a perennial lifecycle, allowing the plant to persist through multiple growing seasons and establish a stable presence within its ecosystem. In terms of its structural growth and ecological positioning, it exhibits a life form classified as a phanerophyte, as its buds are borne on conspicuous branches well above the ground. Furthermore, it can be categorized as a nanophanerophyte, reflecting its tendency to maintain woody structures that are relatively low but still elevated above the soil surface.

Life form :

nanophanerophyte

Life form :

phanerophyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Diospyros villosa is characterized by a woody growth form, primarily manifesting as a shrub or small tree. It is a self-supporting plant that does not function as a climber, liana, or vine, and it exists as an independent organism rather than a parasite or epiphyte, typically maintaining a terrestrial habit. The plant's stature varies significantly depending on environmental conditions, with a height range spanning from a minimum of 0.5 m to a maximum of 14 m.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

shrub

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

14 m

Plant height min:

0.5 m

Woodiness :

woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Diospyros villosa has 2 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, stem.

Leaf

1. Plants (Basel, Switzerland)

Stem

1. Plants (Basel, Switzerland)