Griffonia simplicifolia

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Schotia simplicifolia
• Bandeiraea simplicifolia

Regional and Traditional Names

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Fabales, it is classified under the family Fabaceae. Finally, its specific taxonomic designation is within the genus Griffonia.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant is primarily distributed across the West Tropical Africa region. Specifically, its natural habitat includes the country of Benin. It can also be found growing within the borders of Ghana. Furthermore, the species is documented in Ivory Coast and Liberia. Finally, the geographical range extends into Nigeria, completing its presence in these tropical areas.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Griffonia simplicifolia is characterized by its classification as a phanerophyte, specifically exhibiting traits consistent with both phanerophyte and nanophanerophyte life forms, which indicates that its perennating buds are located well above the ground level. This perennial woody shrub maintains a consistent presence in its natural habitat through an evergreen deciduousness pattern, ensuring that it retains its foliage throughout the year rather than shedding it seasonally. As a phanerophyte, the plant utilizes elevated stem structures to protect its vital buds from environmental stressors, contributing to its robust and long-lived life cycle in tropical ecosystems.

Deciduousness :

evergreen

Life form :

phanerophyte

Morphology

The morphology of Griffonia simplicifolia is characterized by a woody growth form that typically manifests as a shrub or a liana. As an obligatory climber, it utilizes a vine-like habit to ascend, often reaching a mean plant height of approximately 3 meters. The plant is strictly terrestrial in its ecological habit rather than being epiphytic. Its structural development is defined by its woody nature, providing the necessary rigidity for its climbing and shrubby growth patterns.

Climber :

liana

Climber :

obligatory

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

shrub

Plant height mean:

3 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Griffonia simplicifolia is characterized by its complex metabolic processes, particularly the biosynthesis of specialized alkaloids and amino acids within its seeds and tissues. As a woody shrub, its physiological functions include efficient photosynthesis and a robust vascular system capable of supporting its growth in tropical forest environments. Regarding its nutrient acquisition, the plant does not engage in symbiotic relationships with diazotrophic bacteria to convert atmospheric gases into organic forms; therefore, it is not a nitrogen fixer. This lack of nitrogen fixation capabilities means the plant relies entirely on the assimilation of nitrates and ammonium present in the soil through its root system to meet its nitrogen requirements for protein synthesis and enzymatic functions.

Nitrogen fixer :

no

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Griffonia simplicifolia has 1 reported plant parts identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include seed.

Seed

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology
2. Chinese journal of natural medicines

Chemicals

Griffonia simplicifolia has 12 reported phytochemicals identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include 5-HTP, 5-HYDROXYTRYPTAMINE, 5-hydroxy-3-(2-hydroxyethyl)-indole, 5-hydroxy-L-tryptophan, 5-hydroxyindole-3-carbaldehyde.

5-HTP

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

5-HYDROXYTRYPTAMINE

1. Chinese journal of natural medicines

5-hydroxy-3-(2-hydroxyethyl)-indole

1. Chinese journal of natural medicines

5-hydroxy-L-tryptophan

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

5-hydroxyindole-3-carbaldehyde

1. Chinese journal of natural medicines

Hyrtioerectine B

1. Chinese journal of natural medicines

Hyrtiosulawesine

1. Chinese journal of natural medicines

Trigonelline

1. Chinese journal of natural medicines

linoleic acid

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

oleic acid

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

Conditions

Griffonia simplicifolia has 1 reported investigations on conditions identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include depression.

Depression

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Preparations

Griffonia simplicifolia has 2 reported preparations identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include seeds, seeds of Griffonia simplicifolia Baill..

Seeds

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Seeds of griffonia simplicifolia baill.

1. Chinese journal of natural medicines