Garcinia afzelii

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Distribution

This plant is primarily distributed across the West Tropical Africa region. Within this geographical zone, it can be found growing in the country of Ghana. Its presence is also well-documented in Guinea and the Ivory Coast. Furthermore, the species extends its range into Liberia. Finally, it is widely distributed throughout Nigeria.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Garcinia afzelii is characterized by its classification as a phanerophyte, specifically manifesting as both a phanerophyte and a nanophanerophyte depending on the developmental stage and environmental conditions. As a woody perennial, its life cycle is centered around the maintenance of buds well above the ground, ensuring survival through seasonal variations. The plant progresses through a perennial growth pattern where its reproductive and vegetative structures are elevated, consistent with the phanerophyte life form. Throughout its ontogeny, it exhibits the structural complexity of a nanophanerophyte during certain growth phases, yet it remains firmly categorized under the broader phanerophyte umbrella, utilizing its perennial woody architecture to dominate its ecological niche.

Life form :

phanerophyte

Morphology

The morphology of Garcinia afzelii is characterized by its robust growth form, primarily manifesting as a woody tree. As a terrestrial organism, it does not exhibit aquatic or semiaquatic tendencies, nor does it function as an epiphyte, maintaining an independent existence rather than a parasitic one. The plant is strictly self-supporting, lacking the climbing or liana-like characteristics of vines. In terms of physical dimensions, it reaches a significant stature, with a plant height ranging from a minimum of approximately 6.10 meters to a maximum of approximately 15.24 meters.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

15.24018532 m

Plant height min:

6.096074128 m

Woodiness :

woody

Reproduction

The reproduction of Garcinia afzelii is characterized by a specific phenological cycle and distinct morphological seed traits. The fruiting period of the plant is highly variable, though it typically encompasses a seasonal window that can include months such as January through December, with specific fruiting activity often noted around May. The produced fruit is characterized by its fleshy texture, rather than being dry. Regarding the reproductive units, the seeds produced are consistent in size, maintaining a uniform seed volume with a minimum, maximum, and mean value of 150 mm³.

Fruit dryness :

fleshy

Fruiting time :

May

Seed volume max:

150 mm³

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Garcinia afzelii 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 leaf.

Leaf

1. Natural products and bioprospecting

Preparations

Garcinia afzelii has 1 reported preparations identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include ethyl acetate extract of the leaves.

Ethyl acetate extract of the leaves

1. Natural products and bioprospecting