Lippia scaberrima

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Lippia transvalensis
• Camara salviifolia var. transvalensis

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified within the phylum Streptophyta and class Equisetopsida. Following its placement in the subclass Magnoliidae and order Lamiales, it is categorized under the family Verbenaceae. Finally, its taxonomic identity is defined by the genus Lippia, specifically the species Lippia scaberrima.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant is native to various regions within the Southern Africa subcontinent. Its distribution includes specific populations located throughout the Cape Provinces. It can also be found growing in the Free State and the Northern Provinces. Furthermore, the species is documented to inhabit the KwaZulu-Natal area. Finally, its geographical range extends into the country of Botswana.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Lippia scaberrima is characterized by its ability to thrive within a specific altitudinal gradient, demonstrating adaptability to varying mountain climates. This species is primarily distributed across mid-to-high altitude zones, occupying an elevational range that begins at 765 m AMSL and extends up to a maximum of 1800 m AMSL. This vertical distribution suggests that the plant is adapted to the temperature fluctuations and moisture regimes typical of these tropical or subtropical montane environments, positioning it within ecological niches that support its specific physiological requirements for growth and medicinal potency.

Elevational range max:

1800 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

765 m AMSL

Life history

The life history of Lippia scaberrima is characterized by a perennial lifecycle, allowing the plant to persist through multiple growing seasons. In terms of its structural life form, it is classified as a hemicryptophyte, a growth habit where the perennating buds are located at or just below the soil surface, typically protected by leaf litter or organic matter during unfavorable conditions. This hemicryptophytic strategy enables the plant to survive seasonal fluctuations and maintain its presence within its ecological niche over an extended period.

Life form :

hemicryptophyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Lippia scaberrima is characterized by a growth form that can be described as both a shrub and a herb, presenting a non-woody structure. This plant is a self-supporting species that does not function as a climber, nor does it act as a parasite or an epiphyte, as it maintains a terrestrial habit. In terms of its physical dimensions, it is a relatively low-growing species with a plant height ranging from a minimum of 0.3 m to a maximum of 0.6 m. Its ecological classification regarding water affinity places it within the terrestrial category, distinguishing it from aquatic or semiaquatic forms.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

shrub

Growth form :

herb

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

0.6 m

Plant height min:

0.3 m

Woodiness :

non-woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Lippia scaberrima has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Verbascoside.

Verbascoside

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

Activities

Lippia scaberrima has 2 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant, Cytotoxic.

Antioxidant

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

Cytotoxic

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

Conditions

Lippia scaberrima has 1 reported investigations on conditions identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include tuberculosis.

Tuberculosis

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)