Dovyalis macrocalyx

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Aberia macrocalyx
• Dovyalis luckii
• Dovyalis chirindensis
• Dovyalis antunesii
• Dovyalis adolfi-friderici
• Dovyalis retusa
• Dovyalis mildbraedii
• Dovyalis salicifolia
• Dovyalis glandulosissima

Sources: Wikidata

Taxonomical Classification

This plant, Dovyalis macrocalyx, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, it is classified under the order Malpighiales and the family Salicaceae. Finally, it is situated within the genus Dovyalis.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant, Dovyalis macrocalyx, exhibits a specific distribution pattern across several regions of the African continent. In West-Central Tropical Africa, it can be found in Burundi and the Central African Republic. Its range also extends to Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo within the same central tropical zone. Additionally, the species is present in Northeast Tropical Africa, specifically covering the areas of Sudan and South Sudan. Collectively, these locations highlight its presence across diverse tropical landscapes in both central and northeastern Africa.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Dovyalis macrocalyx is characterized by its status as a perennial organism, allowing it to persist through multiple growing seasons. Unlike annuals that complete their life cycle in a single year or biennials that require two, this species maintains a long-term presence in its habitat, undergoing repeated cycles of vegetative growth and reproductive phases. This perennial nature enables the plant to establish robust root systems and accumulate energy reserves, which support its continued development and survival across varying environmental conditions over an extended lifespan.

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Dovyalis macrocalyx is characterized by a woody structure that exhibits a diverse growth form, ranging from a shrub to a tree. This plant is primarily terrestrial in its habitat and functions as an independent organism, rather than acting as a parasite or an epiphyte. In terms of its physical stature, it is a self-supporting species that does not require climbing structures, though it possesses a robust habit that can reach an average height of approximately 5.33 meters, with individual specimens measuring as short as 3 meters.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Growth form :

shrub

Parasite :

independent

Plant height mean:

5.33333333333333 m

Plant height min:

3 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Dovyalis macrocalyx is characterized by complex metabolic processes, though it lacks the specialized biological mechanisms required for symbiotic nitrogen fixation. Unlike many members of the Fabaceae family that host rhizobia in root nodules to convert atmospheric gas into usable nutrients, this species does not function as a nitrogen fixer. Consequently, its physiological reliance on nitrogen acquisition is strictly dependent on the uptake of nitrates and ammonium ions from the surrounding soil through its root system. The plant's growth and developmental cycles are governed by its ability to manage nutrient absorption and photosynthetic efficiency within its specific ecological niche, maintaining internal homeostasis through standard vegetative metabolic pathways rather than through the biological nitrogen fixation process.

Nitrogen fixer :

no

Reproduction

The reproduction of Dovyalis macrocalyx is characterized by a specific mechanism of genetic transfer where self-fertilization is absent. Because the plant does not undergo self-fertilization, it relies on cross-pollination to ensure genetic diversity and successful seed production. This absence of self-pollination suggests a reproductive strategy that favors outcrossing, likely facilitated by external agents such as insects or wind, which transport pollen between different individual plants. By avoiding self-fertilization, the species maintains a higher degree of heterozygosity within its population, which is a critical component for its evolutionary adaptability and long-term survival in its natural habitat.

Self fertilization :

absent

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Dovyalis macrocalyx has 6 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include 4-hydroxytremulacin, Dovyalicin A, Dovyalicin B, Dovyalicin C, Dovyalicin E.

4-hydroxytremulacin

1. Journal of natural products

Dovyalicin A

1. Journal of natural products

Dovyalicin B

1. Journal of natural products

Dovyalicin C

1. Journal of natural products

Dovyalicin E

1. Journal of natural products

Dovyalicin F

1. Journal of natural products