Gymnanthemum glaberrimum

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Vernonia glaberrima
• Vernonia hensii
• Vernonia mashonica

Sources: Wikidata

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, situated within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. It is classified under the order Asterales and the family Asteraceae. Specifically, its taxonomic identity is defined by the genus Gymnanthemum.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant is primarily distributed across the West Tropical Africa region. Within this specific area, it can be found growing in the country of Benin. Its range also extends to the coastal and inland territories of Ghana. Additionally, the species is documented in the nation of Guinea. Finally, the geographical presence of this plant includes parts of Ivory Coast and Mali.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Gymnanthemum glaberrimum is characterized by its classification as a perennial plant, allowing it to persist through multiple growing seasons. In terms of its structural growth habit and survival strategy, it is categorized as a chamaephyte, a life form where the majority of the plant's regenerative buds are located near or just above the soil surface. This specific life form, consistent across both its nanophanerophyte and chamaephyte designations, enables the species to thrive in its specific ecological niche by protecting its vital tissues close to the substrate.

Life form :

chamaephyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Gymnanthemum glaberrimum is characterized by a shrubby growth form, presenting as a woody plant that is primarily terrestrial in its ecological habit rather than aquatic or epiphytic. As a self-supporting species, it does not function as a climber, liana, or vine, nor does it exhibit parasitic behavior, maintaining an independent existence. The plant reaches a height ranging from a minimum of approximately 0.30 meters to a maximum of about 1.83 meters. Its structural development is defined by its woody nature, contributing to its classification as a shrub.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

shrub

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

1.828822238 m

Plant height min:

0.304803706 m

Woodiness :

woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Gymnanthemum glaberrimum 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. Toxicon : official journal of the International Society on Toxinology

Chemicals

Gymnanthemum glaberrimum has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Lupeol.

Lupeol

1. Toxicon : official journal of the International Society on Toxinology