Macrotyloma axillare

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Distribution

This plant is widely distributed across several countries located within the West Tropical Africa region. Specifically, its presence is documented in the nation of Ghana. It can also be found growing throughout the territory of Guinea. Furthermore, the species is known to inhabit significant parts of Nigeria. Finally, its geographical range extends to Senegal and Sierra Leone.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Macrotyloma axillare is characterized by its ability to thrive across diverse landscapes, primarily occupying habitats such as grassland, bushland, and open forest. This species exhibits a significant vertical distribution across varying landscapes, maintaining a broad altitudinal tolerance. Its elevational range begins at a low altitude of 10 m AMSL and extends up to a maximum of 1647 m AMSL, allowing it to adapt to both lowland and montane environmental conditions.

Elevational range max:

1647 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

10 m AMSL

Habitat :

grassland, bushland, open forest

Life history

The life history of Macrotyloma axillare is characterized by its classification as a perennial species, though its growth patterns can vary depending on environmental conditions and cultivation practices. As a legume, it progresses through distinct developmental stages starting from seed germination, which leads to the establishment of a climbing or sprawling herbaceous vine. During its vegetative phase, the plant focuses on rapid biomass accumulation, developing trifoliate leaves and a robust root system capable of nitrogen fixation. As it matures, it transitions into a reproductive phase, producing inflorescences that give rise to characteristic pods containing small, nutritious seeds. The perennial nature of the plant allows for a prolonged existence, potentially facilitating multiple reproductive cycles if the growing conditions remain favorable, although in many agricultural contexts, it is managed through seasonal cycles.

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Macrotyloma axillare is characterized by its growth as a non-woody herb that functions as an obligatory liana. As a terrestrial species, it is an independent organism that does not exhibit parasitic or epiphytic behavior. The plant exhibits significant variation in stature, with a minimum height of 0.1 m and a maximum height reaching up to 3 m, resulting in a mean plant height of approximately 3 m.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

liana

Climber :

obligatory

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

herb

Parasite :

independent

Plant height mean:

3 m

Plant height min:

0.1 m

Woodiness :

non-woody

Physiology

The physiology of Macrotyloma axillare is characterized by a C3 photosynthetic pathway, which dictates its metabolic processes, carbon fixation efficiency, and water-use strategies. As a C3 plant, it utilizes the enzyme Ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (RuBisCO) to directly fix atmospheric carbon dioxide into three-carbon organic compounds during the Calvin cycle. This physiological framework implies that the plant's rate of photosynthesis is highly sensitive to ambient temperature and light intensity, as it is susceptible to photorespiration when stomata close to conserve moisture in arid conditions. The metabolic efficiency of its carbon assimilation is closely tied to its transpiration rates, as the reliance on open stomata for CO2 uptake necessitates a balanced regulation of water loss through the leaf cuticle. Consequently, its physiological performance is optimized in environments where moderate temperatures and sufficient moisture availability support the steady enzymatic activity required for the C3 cycle.

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Reproduction

Reproduction in Macrotyloma axillare is primarily centered around the production of seeds, which exhibit significant variability in their physical dimensions. The seeds produced by this species show a wide range of mass, with a minimum recorded value of 0.00704 g and a maximum value reaching up to 0.04325 g. On average, the seed mass is characterized by a mean value of 0.0194546666 g. This variation in seed mass suggests a diverse range of nutrient storage and developmental potential among the individual seeds within the plant's reproductive output.

Seed mass max:

0.04325 g

Seed mass mean:

0.0194546666 g

Seed mass min:

0.00704 g

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Macrotyloma axillare has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include genistein, hydroxygenistein.

genistein

1. Dr. Duke

hydroxygenistein

1. Dr. Duke

Activities

Macrotyloma axillare has 72 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Abortifacient, Aldose-Reductase-Inhibitor, Alpha-Reductase-Inhibitor, Antiaggregant, Antiangiogenic.

Abortifacient

1. Dr. Duke

Aldose-Reductase-Inhibitor

1. Dr. Duke

Alpha-Reductase-Inhibitor

1. Dr. Duke

Antiaggregant

1. Dr. Duke

Antiangiogenic

1. Dr. Duke

Antiatherosclerotic

1. Dr. Duke

Anticancer (Breast)

1. Dr. Duke

Anticarcinomic (Breast)

1. Dr. Duke

Anticlimacteric

1. Dr. Duke

Antiendoccytotic

1. Dr. Duke