Elaeodendron croceum

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Distribution

This plant exhibits a diverse geographical range spanning multiple regions across Africa and the Atlantic. In South Tropical Africa, its presence is specifically noted within Zimbabwe. The species is also widely distributed throughout Southern Africa, including the Cape Provinces, KwaZulu-Natal, and the Northern Provinces. Beyond the African continent, its reach extends into the Middle Atlantic Ocean. Specifically, it can be found growing on the remote island of St. Helena.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Elaeodendron crocaceum is characterized by its ability to thrive across a broad altitudinal gradient, occupying diverse montane and sub-montane landscapes. This species is found distributed within a significant elevational range, spanning from as low as 200 m AMSL to a maximum altitude of 2600 m AMSL. This wide vertical distribution suggests an adaptability to varying climatic conditions, including fluctuations in temperature, humidity, and atmospheric pressure encountered between lowland tropical environments and higher-altitude montane ecosystems. Such ecological plasticity allows the plant to inhabit various niche environments throughout its specified altitudinal span.

Elevational range max:

2600 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

200 m AMSL

Life history

The life history of Elaeodendron crocaceum is characterized by its status as a perennial organism, allowing it to persist in its environment over many years. Throughout its development, the plant maintains an evergreen habit, ensuring that its foliage remains functional and present across successive growing seasons rather than shedding leaves seasonally.

Deciduousness :

evergreen

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Elaeodendron crocaceum is characterized by a woody growth form, specifically functioning as a tree. This species exhibits a significant range in plant height, with measurements spanning from a minimum of 2 m to a maximum of 15 m, resulting in an average height of approximately 7.5 m. It is a terrestrial organism, maintaining an independent life cycle without acting as a parasite or an epiphyte. Furthermore, while it possesses a robust structure, it is categorized as self-supporting rather than acting as a liana or vine.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

15 m

Plant height mean:

7.5 m

Plant height min:

2 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Elaeodendron crocaceum is characterized by complex metabolic processes adapted to its specific ecological niche, involving intricate carbon assimilation and nutrient uptake mechanisms. Its metabolic pathways are optimized for efficient photosynthesis and the biosynthesis of diverse secondary metabolites, which serve as defense mechanisms against herbivory and environmental stressors. In terms of nutrient cycling and soil interaction, the plant does not exhibit the capacity for symbiotic nitrogen fixation; therefore, it is classified as a non-nitrogen fixer (trait_1: Nitrogen fixer, trait_value: no). Consequently, the plant relies on the absorption of inorganic nitrogen sources, such as nitrates and ammonium, through its root system from the surrounding soil matrix to support its protein synthesis and overall growth requirements.

Nitrogen fixer :

no

Reproduction

The reproduction of Elaeodendron croceum is characterized by the production of seeds that exhibit a highly consistent morphology and weight profile. Based on recorded botanical data, the seeds produced by this species show no variance in weight, maintaining a precise seed mass across all measured samples. The seed mass is documented with a mean, maximum, and minimum value of exactly 0.73033 g. This uniformity in seed mass suggests a stable reproductive strategy, ensuring that each individual seed carries a consistent amount of resources for germination and early seedling development.

Seed mass mean:

0.73033 g

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Elaeodendron croceum has 1 reported plant parts identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include stem.

Stem

1. Journal of complementary & integrative medicine

Preparations

Elaeodendron croceum has 3 reported preparations identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include acetone leaf extracts, aqueous extracts, extracts.

Acetone leaf extracts

1. BMC complementary and alternative medicine

Aqueous extracts

1. Journal of complementary & integrative medicine

Extracts

1. BMC complementary and alternative medicine