Macaranga occidentalis

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Macaranga preussii
• Tanarius occidentalis
• Mappa occidentalis

Sources: Wikidata

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae, it is placed in the order Malpighiales and the family Euphorbiaceae. Finally, it is identified by the genus Macaranga, specifically as the species Macaranga occidentalis.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific range across the African continent within tropical regions. In West Tropical Africa, its presence is documented in Nigeria. Moving into West-Central Tropical Africa, the species can be found in Cameroon. Furthermore, its distribution extends to the islands located within the Gulf of Guinea. Together, these locations define its primary geographical footprint in the tropics.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Macaranga occidentalis is characterized by its classification as a phanerophyte, a life form where the perennating buds are located high above the ground on woody stems. Within this category, it specifically functions as a phanerophyte, ensuring its survival through seasonal variations by protecting its regenerative tissues at an elevated height. This growth strategy allows the plant to establish a persistent woody structure, facilitating long-term development and structural stability within its ecological niche.

Life form :

phanerophyte

Morphology

The morphology of Macaranga occidentalis is characterized by its substantial growth form, primarily manifesting as a woody tree. As a terrestrial organism, it functions as an independent species rather than a parasite or epiphyte. The plant exhibits a significant vertical dimension, with a height ranging from a minimum of approximately 9.14 meters to a maximum of 18.29 meters. Although it possesses characteristics of a self-supporting structure, its growth habit can be described through various climbing classifications, including liana, vine, and self-supporting traits, indicating a robust and sturdy physical development.

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

18.28822238 m

Plant height min:

9.144111192 m

Woodiness :

woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Macaranga occidentalis 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 leaf.

Leaf

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

Chemicals

Macaranga occidentalis has 6 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Coumarine, Flavonoids, Isomacarangin, Schweinfurthin B, Steroids.

Coumarine

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

Flavonoids

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

Isomacarangin

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

Schweinfurthin B

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

Steroids

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

triterpene

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

Preparations

Macaranga occidentalis has 4 reported preparations identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include crude extract, ethyl acetate and n-butanol fractions, fractions, n-butanol (n-BuOH) fraction.

Crude extract

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

Ethyl acetate and n-butanol fractions

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

Fractions

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

N-butanol (n-buoh) fraction

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)