Lannea velutina

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Calesiam velutinum
• Odina velutina
• Tapirira velutina

Sources: Wikidata

Taxonomical Classification

This plant, known as Lannea velutina, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. It is classified under the class Equisetopsida and the subclass Magnoliidae, falling within the order Sapindales. Ultimately, it is a member of the family Anacardiaceae and the genus Lannea.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant, known as Lannea velutinina, exhibits a specific geographical distribution across the West Tropical Africa region. Its presence is documented in several distinct countries within this part of the continent. Specifically, it can be found growing in the nation of Burkina. The species also extends its range into Gambia and Ghana. Furthermore, its habitat includes the territories of Guinea-Bissau and Guinea.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Lannea velutinina is characterized by its perennial lifecycle, allowing the plant to persist across multiple growing seasons. In terms of its structural growth strategy, it is classified as a phanerophyte, specifically exhibiting the characteristics of a phanerophyte which indicates that its perennating buds are located well above the ground level. This life form ensures its survival and ability to regenerate through successive years within its natural habitat.

Life form :

phanerophyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Lannea velutina is characterized by a woody growth form that exhibits a dual structural nature, manifesting as both a tree and a shrub. It is a terrestrial species that grows independently, functioning neither as a parasite nor as an epiphyte. The plant is self-supporting rather than acting as a climber, and it reaches a significant stature in its environment, with a recorded maximum plant height of approximately 6.10 meters and a mean height of 7 meters.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Growth form :

shrub

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

6.096074128 m

Plant height mean:

7 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Lannea velutinina is characterized by a standard C3 photosynthetic pathway, a metabolic strategy typical of many woody species in its taxonomic group that involves the direct fixation of carbon dioxide through the Calvin cycle. In terms of nutrient cycling and soil interaction, the plant does not function as a nitrogen fixer, meaning it lacks the symbiotic relationship with nitrogen-fixing bacteria required to convert atmospheric nitrogen into usable forms and instead relies on the uptake of nitrates and ammonium from the soil.

Nitrogen fixer :

no

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Reproduction

The reproduction of Lannea velutina is driven by biotic pollination syndromes, relying on living organisms rather than abiotic factors to facilitate genetic exchange. Specifically, the plant exhibits an insect pollination syndrome, utilizing various insect vectors to ensure the transfer of pollen. The reproductive strategy is characterized by the absence of self-fertilization, which necessitates cross-pollination to maintain genetic diversity. Through these specialized interactions with insect pollinators, the species successfully manages its reproductive cycle.

Pollination syndrome :

insect

Pollination syndrome :

biotic

Self fertilization :

absent

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Lannea velutina has 3 reported plant parts identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include leaf, root, stem.

Leaf

1. Plants (Basel, Switzerland)

Root

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Stem

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Chemicals

Lannea velutina has 5 reported phytochemicals identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include ANACARDIC ACID, CATECHIN, Gallic acid, Myricetin 3-O-glucuronide, quercetin 3-O-glucuronide.

ANACARDIC ACID

1. Plants (Basel, Switzerland)

CATECHIN

1. Plants (Basel, Switzerland)

Gallic acid

1. Plants (Basel, Switzerland)

Myricetin 3-O-glucuronide

1. Plants (Basel, Switzerland)

quercetin 3-O-glucuronide

1. Plants (Basel, Switzerland)

Activities

Lannea velutina has 1 reported activities identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antifungal.

Antifungal

1. Phytotherapy research : PTR

Medicinal Uses

Lannea velutina has 6 reported medicinal uses identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include gastrointestinal diseases, insect bites, malaria, sexually transmitted diseases, snake bites.

Most Reported Uses

Preparations