Homalium le-testui

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• African Homalium

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Homalium skirlii
• Homalium dolichophyllum

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. It is further classified under the subclass Magnoliidae in the order Malpighiales, falling within the family Salicaceae. Finally, its taxonomic placement is completed by its designation under the genus Homalium.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant, Homalium leteustui, is primarily located within the West Tropical Africa region. Its specific geographical distribution includes several distinct countries across this part of the continent. Specifically, it can be found growing in Benin and Ghana. Furthermore, the species is present in Guinea-Bissau as well as Guinea. Finally, its range extends into the Ivory Coast, marking its presence in these diverse West African territories.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Homalium leteustui is characterized by its specialized preference for dense primary well-drained forest environments. Within these stable and complex ecosystems, the species thrives in habitats where the soil structure allows for efficient moisture percolation, preventing waterlogging while maintaining the necessary subterranean humidity levels required for its development. By occupying these undisturbed primary forest zones, the plant benefits from the established microclimates, nutrient-rich organic matter, and the structural complexity provided by a mature canopy. This reliance on well-drained, old-growth forest settings suggests that the species is highly adapted to specific niche conditions that prioritize stable soil drainage and the ecological integrity of undisturbed woodland systems.

Habitat :

dense primary well-drained forest

Life history

The life history of Homalium luteus is characterized by its classification as a perennial species, meaning it maintains its biological functions and presence over multiple years. As a phanerophyte, its regenerative buds are located high above the ground on woody stems, a structural trait that defines its growth form. This plant exhibits an evergreen deciduousness pattern, ensuring that it retains its foliage throughout the seasons rather than shedding all leaves annually. Its structural development is further categorized under the phanerophyte life form, reflecting a robust growth habit consistent with woody vegetation.

Deciduousness :

evergreen

Life form :

phanerophyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Homalia luteus is characterized by a robust growth form, primarily manifesting as a woody tree. It functions as an independent organism rather than a parasite or an epiphyte, maintaining a terrestrial existence. As a self-supporting species, it does not exhibit the climbing habits of lianas or vines, instead developing a sturdy structure capable of reaching significant dimensions. The plant's stature is substantial, with a mean height of approximately 23.5 m and the potential to reach a maximum height of up to 30.48 m.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

30.48037064 m

Plant height mean:

23.5 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Homalium luteus is characterized by a complex metabolic framework designed to support its growth in diverse tropical environments. Its primary physiological processes involve efficient photosynthetic pathways that drive carbon assimilation, facilitating the development of its characteristic woody structure and aromatic foliage. Regarding its nutrient acquisition strategy, the plant does not engage in symbiotic nitrogen fixation; therefore, it is classified as a non-nitrogen fixer (trait_1: Nitrogen fixer, trait_2: Nitrogen_fix_1, trait_value: no, trait_units: yes, no). Instead, it relies on the uptake of available nitrates and ammonium ions from the soil through its extensive root system to satisfy its nitrogen requirements for protein synthesis and enzymatic functions. The plant also demonstrates specific secondary metabolite production, synthesizing various bioactive compounds as part of its physiological defense mechanisms against herbivory and environmental stressors.

Nitrogen fixer :

no

Reproduction

The reproduction of Homalium luteusii is characterized by a specific seasonal flowering cycle that dictates its reproductive window. The flowering process typically begins in February, marking the onset of its reproductive phase. This period continues through the early spring, with the flowering cycle reaching its conclusion in March. While the broader seasonal context allows for variability, the primary window for flower production is concentrated within these months, facilitating the plant's pollination and subsequent seed development.

Flowering time :

Feb

Flowering time :

Mar

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Homalium letestui 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 stem.

Stem

1. Pharmaceutical biology

Activities

Homalium letestui has 3 reported activities identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Analgesic, Antinociceptive, Aphrodisiac.

Analgesic

1. Pharmaceutical biology

Antinociceptive

1. Pharmaceutical biology

Aphrodisiac

1. Pharmaceutical biology

Medicinal Uses

Homalium letestui has 2 reported medicinal uses identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include malaria, stomach ulcer.

Most Reported Uses