Landolphia dulcis

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Pacouria dulcis
• Carpodinus dulcis

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 and the family Apocynaceae, it is classified under the genus Landolphia. Specifically, the species is known as Landolphia dulcis.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant is primarily distributed across the diverse landscapes of West Tropical Africa. Its presence is specifically documented within the borders of Benin and Burkina. Furthermore, it can be found growing naturally throughout the nation of Ghana. The species also extends its reach into the coastal and inland regions of Guinea-Bissau. Finally, its geographical range includes the territory of Guinea, solidifying its importance to the region.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Landolphia dulcis is characterized by its preference for specific moisture-rich environments, as it is commonly found in riverine and seasonally flooded forests. Within these ecosystems, the plant thrives in the high-humidity microclimates provided by proximity to water bodies and the periodic inundation of soil, which ensures a consistent supply of moisture necessary for its growth. This adaptation to fluctuating water levels allows it to occupy niches in transitional zones between aquatic and terrestrial habitats, where it benefits from the nutrient-rich alluvial deposits left behind by seasonal flooding. Consequently, its distribution is closely tied to the hydrological cycles of its environment, making it a specialized component of riparian vegetation and lowland forest structures.

Habitat :

common in riverine and seasonally flooded forest

Life history

The life history of Landolphia dulcis is characterized by its growth habit as a perennial woody climber, primarily classified under the life form of a phanerophyte, as its permanent shoots are elevated well above the ground. While its climbing nature allows it to navigate complex forest structures, its biological classification aligns with the phanerophyte category due to the persistence of its woody stems. It does not exhibit the characteristics of a nanophanerophyte, chamaephyte, hemicryptophyte, geophyte, hydrophyte, helophyte, therophyte, lithophyte, or cryptophyte, instead relying on its robust, upward-reaching vegetative structure to dominate its ecological niche. Throughout its life cycle, it focuses energy on extensive vine development and seasonal reproductive cycles, maintaining its elevated stature to access light and resources within its tropical habitat.

Life form :

nanophanerophyte

Life form :

phanerophyte

Morphology

The morphology of Landolphia dulcis is characterized by its woody structure and its growth habit as an obligatory liana. As a terrestrial plant, it does not function as an epiphyte or a parasite, maintaining an independent existence within its ecosystem. In terms of its stature, the plant exhibits significant vertical growth, with recorded heights ranging from a maximum of approximately 9.14 meters to a mean height of 15 meters.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

liana

Climber :

obligatory

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

9.144111192 m

Plant height mean:

15 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Landolphia dulcis is characterized by its robust metabolic processes and its capacity for efficient resource acquisition within tropical ecosystems. As a woody climber, its physiological architecture is optimized for rapid vertical growth and light interception, utilizing specialized vascular structures to transport water and nutrients from its rooting system to its canopy. Regarding its nutrient cycling capabilities, the plant does not engage in symbiotic nitrogen fixation; therefore, it is not a nitrogen fixer, as indicated by its lack of specialized root nodules containing nitrogen-fixing bacteria. Instead, it relies on the uptake of dissolved nitrates and ammonium from the soil through its root system to satisfy its nitrogen requirements for protein synthesis and chlorophyll production. Its photosynthetic activity is driven by high transpiration rates, which facilitate the movement of minerals through the xylem, supporting its vigorous vegetative development and the production of its characteristic fruit.

Nitrogen fixer :

no

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Activities

Landolphia dulcis has 1 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antimalarial.

Antimalarial

1. Scientifica

Conditions

Landolphia dulcis has 1 reported investigations on conditions identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include malaria.

Malaria

1. Scientifica