Keetia multiflora

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Canthium multiflorum
• Canthium kitsoni
• Psychotria multiflora
• Pavetta smeathmanni

Sources: Wikidata

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Gentianales, it is classified under the family Rubiaceae. Specifically, it is identified by the genus Keetia, with the species name Keetia multiflora.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant, Keetia multiflora, is found across several distinct regions within West Tropical Africa. Its geographical range specifically includes the nation of Benin. Additionally, it can be located within the borders of Ghana. The species also extends its distribution to include Guinea and the Ivory Coast. Finally, its presence is documented within the territory of Liberia.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Keetia multiflora is characterized by its growth strategy and structural classification within its ecosystem. As a woody species, it primarily exhibits the life form of a phanerophyte, meaning its perennating buds are elevated above the ground on stems, allowing it to persist through varying seasonal conditions. Depending on the specific environmental pressures and the height of its permanent shoots, its developmental habit may also be categorized under the nanophanerophyte classification, representing a transitional form between low-growing shrubs and taller woody plants. This structural framework supports its long-term survival and reproductive cycle within its natural habitat.

Life form :

nanophanerophyte

Life form :

phanerophyte

Morphology

The morphology of Keetia multiflora is characterized by a woody structure that functions as a liana or vine, exhibiting a climbing habit. While it possesses the capacity for growth, its climbing nature is categorized as facultative rather than obligatory, allowing for a degree of flexibility in its structural support. Although it can exhibit characteristics associated with a shrub growth form, its primary development is that of a woody liana. The plant is an independent organism, meaning it does not function as a parasite, and it maintains a terrestrial existence rather than growing as an epiphyte.

Climber :

liana

Climber :

facultative

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

shrub

Parasite :

independent

Woodiness :

woody

Reproduction

The reproduction of Keetia multiflora is characterized by the production of a specific fruit type classified as a drupe. These fruits are indehiscent, meaning they do not split open at maturity to release their contents, but instead rely on the integrity of the fruit wall to protect the internal components. The seeds produced within this fruit are highly consistent in size, possessing a uniform seed mass where both the mean, minimum, and maximum values are recorded at 0.5234 g.

Dehiscence :

indehiscent

Fruit type :

drupe

Seed mass mean:

0.5234 g

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Keetia multiflora 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 root.

Root

1. Planta medica

Chemicals

Keetia multiflora has 6 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include 10-O-Acetylgeniposidic acid, 5,6,7-Trimethoxycoumarin, 6,7-DIMETHOXYCOUMARIN, Hymexelsin, Tannins.

10-O-Acetylgeniposidic acid

1. Planta medica

5,6,7-Trimethoxycoumarin

1. Planta medica

6,7-DIMETHOXYCOUMARIN

1. Planta medica

Hymexelsin

1. Planta medica

Tannins

1. Pakistan journal of biological sciences : PJBS

scopoletin

1. Planta medica

Activities

Keetia multiflora has 2 reported activities identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antibacterial, Antiplasmodial.

Antibacterial

1. Pakistan journal of biological sciences : PJBS

Antiplasmodial

1. Pakistan journal of biological sciences : PJBS

Preparations