Mareya micrantha

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Acalypha micrantha
• Acalypha leonensis
• Mareya spicata
• Mareya micrantha var. leonensis
• Mareya micrantha var. nitida
• Mareya spicata var. leonensis
• Mareya spicata var. micrantha
• Mareya leonensis

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Malpighiales, it is classified under the family Euphorbiaceae. Finally, it is identified by the genus name Mareya.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant is primarily found within the diverse ecosystems of West Tropical Africa. Its geographical range extends through several key nations, including Ghana and Guinea-Bissau. It is also documented to grow across the landscapes of Guinea and Ivory Coast. Furthermore, its presence is noted within the borders of Liberia. These specific locations highlight its regional importance throughout the West African tropical belt.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Mareya micrantha is fundamentally defined by its preference for moisture-rich environments, specifically thriving within both primary and secondary humid forests. By inhabiting these dense, evergreen ecosystems, the plant benefits from the consistent humidity, moderated temperatures, and dappled light conditions characteristic of tropical or subtropical forest structures. Its presence in primary forests suggests an ability to integrate into stable, undisturbed climax communities, while its establishment in secondary forests indicates a degree of resilience and capacity to colonize regenerating woodland areas where moisture levels remain high. This ecological niche allows it to exploit the complex stratified layers of the forest, utilizing the nutrient-rich organic matter and the buffered microclimate provided by the surrounding canopy.

Habitat :

primary and secondary humid forest

Life history

The life history of Mareya micrantha is characterized by its perennial lifecycle, allowing the plant to persist through multiple growing seasons. In terms of its structural growth strategies, it exhibits a dual life form classification, manifesting as both a phanerophyte, where its buds are located on aerial shoots well above the ground, and a nanophanerophyte, indicating instances where its growth remains relatively low to the substrate.

Life form :

nanophanerophyte

Life form :

phanerophyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Mareya micrantha is characterized by its growth form as a woody tree, exhibiting a sturdy and independent structure. It is a terrestrial species that does not function as an epiphyte or a parasite, maintaining an independent existence within its habitat. In terms of stature, the plant reaches significant dimensions, with a recorded maximum height of approximately 12.19 meters, while its mean height is noted at 15 meters. Furthermore, the plant is categorized as self-supporting, meaning it does not function as a climbing liana or vine, but rather maintains its own structural integrity through its woody composition.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

12.19214826 m

Plant height mean:

15 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Mareya micrantha is characterized by its metabolic processes and nutrient acquisition strategies within its specific ecological niche. A key aspect of its physiological profile involves its interaction with soil nutrients and its ability to influence nitrogen cycling; however, it is not classified as a nitrogen fixer, meaning it lacks the symbiotic relationship with diazotrophic bacteria required to convert atmospheric nitrogen into bioavailable forms. Instead, the plant relies on the uptake of nitrates and ammonium present in the soil to support its protein synthesis and vegetative growth. Its physiological functions are geared toward efficient resource management to sustain its growth patterns and secondary metabolite production, which are essential for its medicinal properties.

Nitrogen fixer :

no

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Mareya micrantha has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Cucurbitacin L.

Cucurbitacin L

1. Fitoterapia

Activities

Mareya micrantha has 2 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Laxative, Oxytocic.

Laxative

1. Fitoterapia

Oxytocic

1. Fitoterapia

Medicinal Uses

Mareya micrantha has 5 reported medicinal uses identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Liver cancer, constipation, laxative, malaria, oxytocic.

Most Reported Uses

Preparations