Gambeya lacourtiana

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Chrysophyllum autranianum
• Chrysophyllum lacourtianum

Sources: Wikidata

Taxonomical Classification

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

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant is primarily distributed across the West-Central Tropical Africa region. Its presence is notably documented within the borders of the Central African Republic. Furthermore, it can be found growing throughout Cameroon and the nation of Congo. The species also extends its range into the territory of Gabon. Finally, its geographical reach includes the expansive landscapes of the DR Congo.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Gambeya lacourtiana is characterized by its status as a perennial species, allowing it to persist in its environment over many years. As a phanerophyte, its reproductive buds are located on branches well above the ground, a trait that defines its structural life form. This species maintains a consistent vegetative presence due to its evergreen nature, ensuring that it retains its foliage throughout the year rather than undergoing seasonal shedding.

Deciduousness :

evergreen

Life form :

phanerophyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Gambeya lacourtiana is characterized by its significant stature and robust structural development, functioning as a large tree with a mean height of approximately 27.5 m. As a woody plant, it exhibits a sturdy, self-supporting growth form, distinguishing it from climbing or vining species. It is a terrestrial organism, existing independently of other plants without behaving as a parasite or an epiphyte.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Plant height mean:

27.5 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Gambeya lacourtiana is characterized by complex metabolic processes that support its growth in tropical forest ecosystems, though it does not function as a nitrogen fixer. Unlike many members of the Fabaceae family that form symbiotic relationships with rhizobia to convert atmospheric nitrogen into usable forms, this species lacks the physiological mechanism for biological nitrogen fixation, meaning its nitrogen uptake is strictly dependent on the availability of nitrates and ammonium in the soil. Its physiological processes are heavily oriented towards efficient photosynthesis and nutrient cycling within the canopy, utilizing specialized enzymatic pathways to manage carbon assimilation under varying light intensities. The plant's metabolic efficiency is further defined by its ability to regulate transpiration and water use, ensuring cellular homeostasis during periods of high humidity or shifting moisture levels in its native habitat.

Nitrogen fixer :

no

Reproduction

The reproduction of Gambeya lacourtiana is characterized by a flexible phenological cycle, with flowering typically beginning in October, though the duration and specific timing can be variable. The fruiting period is also highly variable, showing no fixed seasonal constraints across the months of the year. The plant produces fleshy fruits that contain seeds with a highly consistent volume, recorded at a mean, minimum, and maximum of 3100 mm³.

Flowering time :

Oct

Fruit dryness :

fleshy

Fruiting time :

variable

Seed volume max:

3100 mm³

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Gambeya lacourtiana has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Epicatechin, ceramide.

Epicatechin

1. BMC complementary medicine and therapies

ceramide

1. BMC complementary medicine and therapies