Keetia leucantha

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Plectronia leucantha

Sources: Wikidata

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta within the class Equisetopsida. As a member of the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Gentianaales, it is specifically situated in the family Rubiaceae. Its taxonomic identity is finalized within the genus Keetia, where it is known as Keetia leucantha.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant, known scientifically as Keetia leucantha, exhibits a specific distribution across the West Tropical Africa region. It can be found growing within the borders of Benin and Burkina Faso. Furthermore, its natural habitat extends into the territories of Ghana and Guinea. The species is also documented to inhabit parts of the Ivory Coast. Collectively, these locations define the primary geographical range for this medicinal plant.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Keetia leucantha is characterized by its classification as a phanerophyte, a life form strategy that enables the plant to survive unfavorable seasons by maintaining its buds well above the soil surface. Specifically, its growth habit aligns with both the phanerophyte and nanophanerophyte categories, indicating a structural development that favors woody stems or elevated perennial structures. This life form allows the species to navigate its environmental niche by protecting its reproductive and vegetative meristems from surface-level disturbances and seasonal climatic shifts. Through this perennial strategy, the plant ensures long-term survival and the ability to regrow following periods of dormancy.

Life form :

phanerophyte

Morphology

The morphology of Keetia leucantha is characterized by its growth habit as a woody liana, functioning as a climbing vine that requires external support to ascend. It is classified as an obligatory climber, meaning it relies on other structures or plants for physical stability rather than being self-supporting. Despite its climbing nature, the plant is an independent organism that does not exhibit parasitic behavior, maintaining its own nutrient and water uptake systems. Furthermore, it is a terrestrial plant, establishing its root system in the soil rather than growing as an epiphyte.

Climber :

liana

Climber :

obligatory

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Parasite :

independent

Woodiness :

woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Keetia leucantha 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. Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology

Chemicals

Keetia leucantha has 6 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Geranyl acetone, OLEANOLIC ACID, Phytol, Ursolic acid, betulinic acid.

Geranyl acetone

1. Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology

OLEANOLIC ACID

1. Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology

Phytol

1. Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology

Ursolic acid

1. Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology

betulinic acid

1. Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology

triterpenoids

1. Metabolomics : Official journal of the Metabolomic Society

Activities

Keetia leucantha has 1 reported activities identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antiplasmodial.

Antiplasmodial

1. Metabolomics : Official journal of the Metabolomic Society

Medicinal Uses

Keetia leucantha has 5 reported medicinal uses identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Leishmania mexicana mexicana, malaria, Malaria, Plasmodium falciparum, parasitic infections.

Most Reported Uses

Preparations