Macaranga monandra

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Tanarius monandrus
• Maesopsis stuhlmannii
• Macaranga zenkeri

Sources: Wikidata

Taxonomical Classification

This plant, Macaranga monandra, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, it is classified under the order Malpighiales. Finally, it is a member of the family Euphorbiaceae and falls under the genus Macaranga.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific geographical distribution across several regions of the African continent. In West Tropical Africa, its presence is documented within the borders of Nigeria. Moving into West-Central Tropical Africa, the species can be found in Burundi. The plant's range continues through the Central African Republic and Cameroon. Finally, its distribution extends into the Congo, completing its documented presence in these tropical zones.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Macaranga monandra is characterized by its status as a perennial species, allowing it to persist in its environment over multiple growing seasons. As a phanerophyte, the plant maintains its photosynthetic organs on elevated woody stems, specifically categorized within the phanerophyte life forms that protect the buds above the ground level. This species exhibits an evergreen deciduousness pattern, meaning it retains its foliage throughout the year rather than shedding it seasonally.

Deciduousness :

evergreen

Life form :

phanerophyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Macaranga monandra is characterized by a robust, woody growth form, specifically manifesting as a tree. This species is a terrestrial plant that functions as an independent organism, meaning it does not exhibit parasitic behavior. In terms of its physical stature, it reaches a significant height, with recorded measurements indicating a mean plant height of approximately 17.5 m, while specific maximum height values have been documented at 15.24 m. Unlike climbing vines or lianas, this plant is self-supporting in its structural development and does not function as an epiphyte, maintaining a strictly terrestrial life habit.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

15.24018532 m

Plant height mean:

17.5 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Macaranga monandra is characterized by its metabolic processes and nutrient acquisition strategies, which are essential for its growth in tropical ecosystems. Regarding its nutrient cycling capabilities, the plant does not function as a nitrogen fixer; it lacks the symbiotic relationship with nitrogen-fixing bacteria, such as Rhizobium or Frankia, required to convert atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia. Instead, it relies on the uptake of available nitrates and ammonium from the soil through its root system to support its protein synthesis and enzymatic functions. Its physiological processes are geared toward rapid biomass production, often utilizing efficient photosynthetic pathways to capitalize on light availability in disturbed or forest-edge habitats. This metabolic drive is supported by a robust water transport system and a transpiration rate that facilitates the movement of essential minerals from the rhizosphere to the foliage, ensuring sustained cellular respiration and growth.

Nitrogen fixer :

no

Reproduction

The reproduction of Macaranga monandra is characterized by a highly flexible phenological pattern and specific pollination requirements. The fruiting cycle of this species is notably variable, with the fruiting period potentially spanning across any month of the year, including January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, and December. Because the fruiting start and end times are both classified as variable, the plant does not adhere to a strict seasonal window for seed production, allowing for opportunistic reproduction throughout the year. Furthermore, the reproductive process is dependent on external agents for genetic exchange, as self-fertilization is strictly absent in this species.

Fruiting time :

variable

Self fertilization :

absent

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Macaranga monandra 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 fruit.

Fruit

1. Chemistry & biodiversity

Chemicals

Macaranga monandra has 10 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include 3,3',4-tri-o-methylellagic acid, Coumarins, Daucosterol, F2, F3.

3,3',4-tri-o-methylellagic acid

1. Chemistry & biodiversity

Coumarins

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Daucosterol

1. Chemistry & biodiversity

F2

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

F3

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Flavonoids

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Lecanoric acid

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

OLEANOLIC ACID

1. Chemistry & biodiversity

Phenols

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Terpenes

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Activities

Macaranga monandra has 1 reported activities identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antimalarial.

Antimalarial

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Medicinal Uses

Macaranga monandra has 2 reported medicinal uses identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include malaria, oxidative stress.

Most Reported Uses

Preparations