Eucalyptus sideroxylon

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Distribution

This plant exhibits a diverse geographical distribution across several distinct regions. In Northern Africa, it can be found growing within the territories of Algeria, Morocco, and Tunisia. Its range also extends to the Macaronesian islands, specifically inhabiting the Canary Islands. Additionally, the species is present in West Tropical Africa, particularly in Gambia. These varied locations highlight the plant's ability to adapt to different environmental conditions.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Eucalyptus sideroxylon is characterized by its ability to thrive across a broad altitudinal gradient, spanning from sea level up to an elevation of 1500 m AMSL. This wide elevational range, from 0 to 1500 m AMSL, allows the species to inhabit diverse topographic settings and varying microclimates. It typically occupies well-drained soils and is adapted to environments that may experience seasonal moisture fluctuations, often playing a structural role in open woodlands or sclerophyll forests. Its capacity to persist from low-lying coastal or inland plains to more elevated, rugged terrain underscores its ecological resilience and adaptability to different temperature regimes and atmospheric pressures within its natural habitat.

Elevational range max:

1500 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

0 m AMSL

Genetics

The genetics of Eucalyptus sideroxylon are characterized by a specific chromosomal configuration that serves as a fundamental indicator of its cytological profile. Specifically, this species possesses a chromosome number of 22, a trait that plays a critical role in its reproductive stability and evolutionary lineage within the Myrtaceae family. This diploid number provides the genetic framework necessary for the inheritance of various phenotypic characteristics, including the complex biochemical pathways responsible for the production of essential oils and medicinal compounds. The stability of this chromosomal count is essential for maintaining the genetic integrity of the species across different environmental niches, influencing both its morphological adaptations and its capacity for genetic recombination during sexual reproduction.

Chromosome number :

22

Life history

The life history of Eucalyptus sideroxylon is characterized by its status as a perennial plant, allowing it to establish a long-lasting presence within its ecosystem. As a phanerophyte, specifically classified under both phanerophyte and nanophanerophyte growth forms, the species maintains its photosynthetic organs on elevated branches well above the ground level. This woody structure is supported by an evergreen deciduousness pattern, ensuring that the plant retains its foliage throughout the seasons rather than shedding it annually.

Deciduousness :

evergreen

Life form :

phanerophyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Eucalyptus sideroxylon is characterized by its robust growth form as a woody tree. This species is a self-supporting, terrestrial plant that grows independently, lacking any parasitic or epiphytic tendencies. In terms of stature, it is a substantial specimen, with a plant height that typically ranges from a minimum of 10 m to a maximum of 35 m, maintaining a mean height of approximately 30 m.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

35 m

Plant height mean:

30 m

Plant height min:

10 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Eucalyptus sideroxylon is characterized by a C3 photosynthetic pathway, a common metabolic strategy for many woody species that allows for efficient carbon fixation under moderate environmental conditions. The plant's vegetative morphology is defined by its leaf dimensions, which exhibit significant variability; the leaves typically range in length from a minimum of 7 cm to a maximum of 14 cm, while their width fluctuates between 1.2 cm and 1.8 cm. Furthermore, in terms of nutrient cycling and symbiotic capabilities, this species is not a nitrogen fixer, meaning it relies on soil nitrogen availability rather than symbiotic nitrogen-fixing bacteria to meet its nutritional requirements.

Leaf length max:

14 cm

Leaf length min:

7 cm

Leaf width max:

1.8 cm

Leaf width min:

1.2 cm

Nitrogen fixer :

no

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Reproduction

The reproduction of Eucalyptus sideroxylon is characterized by a biotic pollination syndrome, primarily facilitated by insects such as bees. Following successful pollination, the plant produces fruits that exhibit significant morphological variability; these fruits range in length from a minimum of 0.5 cm to a maximum of 1.4 cm, with widths varying between 0.6 cm and 1.4 cm. Within these fruits, the seeds are produced with a mean mass of approximately 0.003393 g, though individual seed masses can range from a minimum of 0.00048 g to a maximum of 0.004424 g. Once the seeds are mature, they are distributed via an anemochorous dispersal syndrome, relying on wind to transport them to new locations for germination.

Dispersal syndrome :

anemochorous

Fruit length max:

1.4 cm

Fruit length min:

0.5 cm

Fruit width max:

1.4 cm

Fruit width min:

0.6 cm

Pollination syndrome :

insect

Pollination syndrome :

bee

Pollination syndrome :

biotic

Seed mass max:

0.004424 g

Seed mass mean:

0.003393 g

Seed mass min:

0.00048 g

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Activities

Eucalyptus sideroxylon has 183 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include (-)-Chronotropic, (-)-Inotropic, ACE-Inhibitor, AChE-Inhibitor, Acaricide.

(-)-Chronotropic

1. Dr. Duke

(-)-Inotropic

1. Dr. Duke

ACE-Inhibitor

1. Dr. Duke

AChE-Inhibitor

1. Dr. Duke

Acaricide

1. Dr. Duke

Aldose-Reductase-Inhibitor

1. Dr. Duke

Allelochemic

1. Dr. Duke

Allelopathic

1. Dr. Duke

Allergenic

1. Dr. Duke

Analgesic

1. Dr. Duke

Preparations

Eucalyptus sideroxylon has 1 reported preparations identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include essential oils.

Essential oils

1. Chemistry & biodiversity