false yam

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• false yam

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Hirtella oliviformis

Regional and Traditional Names

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant, known scientifically as Icacina oliviformis, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. It is classified within the class Equisetopsida and the subclass Magnoliidae, falling under the order Icacinales. Finally, it is a member of the Icacinaceae family and is categorized under the genus Icacina.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a broad geographical distribution across several distinct regions. Within the Macaronesia archipelago, it can be found specifically in Cape Verde. Its presence extends significantly into West Tropical Africa, where it inhabits various coastal and inland areas. Specifically, it is documented in the nations of Benin, Gambia, and Ghana. Furthermore, its range continues through the territory of Guinea-Bissau.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Icacinina oliviformis is characterized by a perennial lifecycle, allowing the plant to persist through multiple growing seasons rather than completing its cycle in a single year. In terms of its structural growth strategy and survival mechanisms, the species exhibits a life form classified as a geophyte, indicating that it relies on underground storage organs to endure unfavorable environmental conditions. Additionally, it is categorized as a cryptophyte, a trait that signifies its ability to protect its perennating buds beneath the soil or leaf litter surface, ensuring its continued survival and regeneration throughout its long-term existence.

Life form :

geophyte

Life form :

cryptophyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Icacinina oliviformis is characterized by its growth form as a woody herb that functions as a self-supporting plant. It is a terrestrial species that exists as an independent organism, rather than as a parasite or an epiphyte. In terms of its vertical stature, the plant maintains a relatively modest height, with measurements ranging from a minimum of approximately 0.61 m to a maximum of 0.91 m, resulting in an average plant height of approximately 1 m.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

herb

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

0.914411119 m

Plant height mean:

1 m

Plant height min:

0.609607413 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Icacinina oliviformis is characterized by its metabolic processes and nutrient acquisition strategies, which are typical of many woody species within its taxonomic group. In terms of its nitrogen cycling capabilities, the plant does not function as a nitrogen fixer; it lacks the symbiotic relationship with diazotrophic bacteria, such as Rhizobium, required to convert atmospheric nitrogen into bioavailable forms. Consequently, its physiological survival and growth are strictly dependent on the uptake of nitrates and ammonium from the soil through its root system. This reliance on soil-based nitrogen necessitates a well-developed root architecture to optimize nutrient absorption in its specific ecological niche. Beyond nitrogen metabolism, its physiological framework involves standard photosynthetic pathways to convert light energy into chemical energy, supporting its structural development and the synthesis of secondary metabolites.

Nitrogen fixer :

no

Reproduction

The reproduction of Icacinina oliviformis is driven by a biotic pollination syndrome, relying on living organisms to facilitate the transfer of genetic material. The process is primarily mediated through insect pollination, which ensures the successful fertilization of its reproductive structures. Specifically, the plant exhibits a specialized relationship with bees, which serve as key pollinators in its reproductive cycle. This reliance on specific animal vectors highlights a complex biological mechanism where the plant's reproductive success is intricately linked to the activity of these insect pollinators.

Pollination syndrome :

insect

Pollination syndrome :

bee

Pollination syndrome :

biotic

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Icacina oliviformis 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 leaf.

Leaf

1. Organic letters
2. Phytochemistry

Chemicals

Icacina oliviformis has 6 reported phytochemicals identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include 12-Hydroxyicacinlactone A, Acrenol, Annonalide, Icacinlactone B, Icacinlactone H.

12-Hydroxyicacinlactone A

1. Journal of natural products

Acrenol

1. Journal of natural products

Annonalide

1. Journal of natural products

Icacinlactone B

1. Journal of natural products

Icacinlactone H

1. Journal of natural products

Icacinol

1. Journal of natural products

Preparations

Icacina oliviformis has 2 reported preparations identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include leaves, tubers.

Leaves

1. Phytochemistry

Tubers

1. Journal of natural products