African Star Apple

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• African Star Apple

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Chrysophyllum africanum
• Planchonella africana
• Chrysophyllum delevoyi
• Chrysophyllum omumu
• Gambeya kali
• Gambeya africana var. aubrevillei
• Chrysophyllum africanum var. aubrevillei
• Chrysophyllum africanum var. multinervatum

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant, Gambeya africana, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, it is classified under the order Ericales. Finally, it is a member of the family Sapotaceae within the genus Gambeya.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant is primarily distributed throughout the region of West Tropical Africa. Within this zone, it can be found growing in the country of Ghana. Its presence also extends to the coastal and inland areas of Guinea. Additionally, the species is documented to inhabit parts of Ivory Coast and Liberia. Finally, its geographical range includes the expansive territories of Nigeria.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Gambeya africana is characterized by its status as a perennial species, allowing it to persist in its ecosystem over many growing seasons. As a phanerophyte, the plant maintains its photosynthetic organs at a significant height above the ground, typically manifesting as a woody tree structure. This phanerophyte life form ensures its survival through various environmental conditions by keeping its buds protected above the soil surface.

Life form :

phanerophyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Gambeya africana is characterized by its robust, woody growth form, specifically existing as a large tree. It is a self-supporting structure that does not function as a climber or a vine, and it is classified as an independent organism rather than a parasite. Reaching a significant stature, the plant has a mean height of approximately 25 m. It is a strictly terrestrial species, lacking any aquatic or semiaquatic tendencies, and it does not exhibit epiphytic behavior, remaining firmly grounded in its terrestrial habitat.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Plant height mean:

25 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Gambeya africana is characterized by a robust metabolic framework adapted to the seasonal dynamics of African tropical forests and woodlands. As a woody perennial, its physiological processes are heavily influenced by water availability and light intensity, driving efficient photosynthetic pathways to support its significant biomass accumulation. Regarding its nutrient acquisition strategies, the species does not engage in symbiotic relationships with nitrogen-fixing bacteria within its root systems; therefore, it is classified as a non-nitrogen fixer (trait_1: Nitrogen fixer, trait_2: Nitrogen_fix_1, trait_value: no, trait_units: yes, no). Instead, it relies on the decomposition of organic matter and the uptake of available nitrates and ammonium from the soil to meet its nitrogen requirements. Its transpiration rates and stomatal conductance are regulated to balance carbon dioxide uptake with the prevention of desiccation during dry periods, ensuring survival through physiological resilience in fluctuating environmental conditions.

Nitrogen fixer :

no

Reproduction

The reproduction of Gambeya africana is characterized by the production of fleshy fruit, specifically classified as a berry, which remains indehiscent upon maturity. The seeds contained within the fruit have a consistent volume, with a measured minimum, maximum, and mean value of 480 mm³. Due to the succulent and fleshy nature of the fruit, the plant utilizes a zoochorous dispersal syndrome, relying on animals to consume the fruit and subsequently disperse the seeds throughout its habitat.

Dehiscence :

indehiscent

Dispersal syndrome :

zoochorous

Fruit dryness :

fleshy

Fruit type :

berry

Seed volume max:

480 mm³

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Gambeya africana 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 fruit.

Fruit

1. Metabolism open

Activities

Gambeya africana has 1 reported activities identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant.

Antioxidant

1. Metabolism open

Preparations

Gambeya africana has 2 reported preparations identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include hydroethanolic extracts of the pulp, pulp extracts.

Hydroethanolic extracts of the pulp

1. Metabolism open

Pulp extracts

1. Metabolism open