Dolichos kilimandscharicus

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Sources: Wikidata

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta within the class Equisetopsida. As a member of the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Fabales, it is further categorized into the family Fabaceae. Ultimately, it is identified by the genus Dolichos.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific distribution pattern across several key regions of the African continent. In West-Central Tropical Africa, its presence is documented in Burundi, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Moving toward the eastern part of the continent, it is also found within Northeast Tropical Africa. Specifically, this species can be located in Ethiopia. Finally, its range extends through the territories of Sudan and South Sudan.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Dolichos kilimandscharicus is characterized by its status as a perennial organism, allowing it to persist through multiple growing seasons. In terms of its structural growth strategy, the plant is classified as a chamaephyte, meaning its perennial buds are located close to the soil surface, typically just above the ground level. This life form, specifically identified within the chamaephyte category, enables the species to survive varying environmental conditions by protecting its regenerative tissues near the substrate.

Life form :

chamaephyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Dolichos kilimandscharicus is characterized by a growth form that transitions between a herb and a subshrub, exhibiting a non-woody structure throughout its development. The plant typically reaches a height of approximately 1 m, maintaining a relatively low-lying profile consistent with its non-woody, herbaceous to semi-woody habit.

Growth form :

herb

Growth form :

subshrub

Plant height mean:

1 m

Woodiness :

non-woody

Physiology

The physiology of Dolichos kilimandscharicus is primarily characterized by its utilization of the C3 photosynthetic pathway, a fundamental metabolic process wherein carbon dioxide is fixed directly into a three-carbon compound through the Calvin cycle. This C3 mechanism indicates that the plant undergoes initial carboxylation via the enzyme RuBisCO, making it highly efficient in environments where moisture is relatively consistent and temperatures are moderate, as it avoids the energetic costs associated with specialized carbon-concentrating mechanisms. In addition to its carbon fixation strategy, the plant's physiological profile involves complex enzymatic activities and metabolic regulation tailored to its specific ecological niche, influencing its transpiration rates, water-use efficiency, and overall biomass production through its standard C3 biochemical framework.

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Reproduction

The reproduction of Dolichos kilimandscharicus is characterized by specific seed morphological traits and distinct dispersal mechanisms. The species produces seeds with a relatively consistent mass, ranging from a minimum of 0.07279 g to a maximum of 0.07909 g, with a calculated mean seed mass of approximately 0.076303333 g. Regarding its dispersal strategy, the plant primarily utilizes a zoochorous syndrome, specifically employing epizoochory to facilitate the movement of its seeds. This suggests that the seeds are adapted to attach to the external surfaces of animals, allowing them to be transported to new locations through animal movement.

Dispersal syndrome :

zoochorous

Dispersal syndrome :

epizoochorous

Seed mass max:

0.07909 g

Seed mass mean:

0.076303333 g

Seed mass min:

0.07279 g

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Dolichos kilimandscharicus has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include ETHYL ACETATE.

ETHYL ACETATE

1. Veterinary medicine international

Preparations

Dolichos kilimandscharicus has 3 reported preparations identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include plant extracts, tuber ethyl acetate (DTEA), tuber pet ether (DTPE).

Plant extracts

1. Environmental and molecular mutagenesis

Tuber ethyl acetate (dtea)

1. Veterinary medicine international

Tuber pet ether (dtpe)

1. Veterinary medicine international