Akume

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• Akume

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Copaifera tessmannii

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta within the class Equisetopsida. As a member of the subclass Magnoliidae, it is classified under the order Fabales and the family Fabaceae. Specifically, it is identified by the genus Guibourtia, which includes the species Guibourtia tessmannii.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific distribution pattern primarily concentrated within the tropical regions of Africa. In West Tropical Africa, its presence is documented in Nigeria. Moving into West-Central Tropical Africa, the species is found across several distinct nations. Specifically, it inhabits the territories of Cameroon and the Congo. Furthermore, its geographical range extends to include Equatorial Guinea and Gabon.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Guibourtia tessmannii is characterized by its specialized niche within primary forest ecosystems. As a species adapted to these stable and undisturbed environments, it relies on the complex structural integrity and nutrient cycling inherent to old-growth forest systems. The presence of this plant is closely tied to the specific microclimates found under dense forest canopies, where moisture levels, light filtration, and soil composition are regulated by mature vegetation. By occupying this specific habitat, Guibourtia tessmannii exists within a highly regulated ecological framework that demands the consistent environmental conditions provided by undisturbed primary forest landscapes.

Habitat :

in primary forest

Life history

The life history of Guibourtia tessmannii is characterized by its classification as a perennial organism, meaning it lives for more than two years and undergoes multiple reproductive cycles throughout its lifespan. Unlike annuals that complete their life cycle in a single growing season or biennials that require two years to reach maturity, this species maintains its vegetative structures over several successive years, allowing it to establish a long-term presence within its ecological niche. This perennial nature enables the plant to accumulate resources over time, contributing to its ability to withstand seasonal fluctuations and participate in sustained biological processes within its habitat.

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Guibourtia tessmannii is characterized by a woody growth form, specifically categorized as a tree. This species exhibits a significant stature, reaching a mean plant height of approximately 50 meters. In terms of its structural habit, it is classified as a self-supporting liana or vine, rather than an obligatory or facultative climber. It functions as an independent organism, meaning it does not act as a parasite, and it maintains a terrestrial existence rather than being an epiphyte.

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Plant height mean:

50 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Guibourtia tessmannii is characterized by a standard C3 photosynthetic pathway, meaning it utilizes the Calvin cycle to fix atmospheric carbon dioxide without the specialized carbon-concentrating mechanisms found in C4 or CAM plants. This metabolic approach suggests that the plant relies on the enzyme Rubisco for initial carbon fixation, which typically involves higher rates of photorespiration under high-temperature or water-stressed conditions. Furthermore, the plant is not a nitrogen fixer, indicating that it lacks the symbiotic relationship with diazotrophic bacteria (such as Rhizobium) necessary to convert atmospheric nitrogen into bioavailable forms, and thus must rely on the uptake of nitrates or ammonium directly from the soil substrate to meet its nutritional requirements.

Nitrogen fixer :

no

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Reproduction

The reproduction of Guibourtia tessmannii is governed by biotic pollination syndromes, indicating a biological dependency for successful fertilization. The plant relies primarily on biotic mechanisms rather than abiotic factors like wind or water to facilitate the transfer of pollen. Specifically, its pollination strategy is characterized by an insect-mediated syndrome, involving various insect vectors to ensure reproductive success. This insect-driven process encompasses a diverse range of potential pollinators, including bees, beetles, ants, butterflies, moths, and flies, all of which play a role in the movement of genetic material between flowers.

Pollination syndrome :

insect

Pollination syndrome :

biotic

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Guibourtia tessmannii has 3 reported plant parts identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include leaf, root, stem.

Leaf

1. Environmental toxicology and pharmacology

Root

1. Environmental toxicology and pharmacology

Stem

1. BMC complementary and alternative medicine

Chemicals

Guibourtia tessmannii has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Phenols, Terpenoids.

Phenols

1. Environmental toxicology and pharmacology

Terpenoids

1. Environmental toxicology and pharmacology

Activities

Guibourtia tessmannii has 1 reported activities identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Aphrodisiac.

Aphrodisiac

1. Pharmaceutical biology

Conditions

Guibourtia tessmannii has 2 reported investigations on conditions identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include aphrodisiac, cancer.

Aphrodisiac

1. Pharmaceutical biology

Cancer

1. Environmental toxicology and pharmacology

Preparations

Guibourtia tessmannii has 5 reported preparations identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include Aqueous and methanolic stem bark extracts, Methanol extracts from the bark, Methanol extracts from the leaves, Methanol extracts from the roots, extracts.

Aqueous and methanolic stem bark extracts

1. BMC complementary and alternative medicine

Methanol extracts from the bark

1. Environmental toxicology and pharmacology

Methanol extracts from the leaves

1. Environmental toxicology and pharmacology

Methanol extracts from the roots

1. Environmental toxicology and pharmacology

Extracts

1. Journal of biomolecular structure & dynamics