Massularia acuminata

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Randia acuminata
• Pomatium dubium
• Randia cacaocarpa

Sources: Wikidata

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta within the class Equisetopsida. As a member of the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Gentianaales, it falls under the family Rubiaceae. Its specific taxonomic identity is defined by the genus Massularia, with the species being Massularia acuminata.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant, known as Massularia acuminata, is primarily distributed across the West Tropical Africa region. Its presence is specifically documented in the country of Ghana. It can also be found growing within the borders of Guinea-Bissau. Furthermore, the species inhabits parts of Guinea and Liberia. Finally, its geographical range extends into the Ivory Coast.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Massularia acuminata is characterized by its preference for stable, undisturbed environments, as it is commonly found in primary and old secondary forests. Within these complex forest ecosystems, the plant typically occupies niches where the canopy provides a filtered light regime, preventing excessive desiccation while allowing sufficient photosynthetic activity. Its presence in old secondary forests suggests a level of ecological resilience and an ability to persist in habitats that have undergone historical disturbance but have since regained structural complexity. By inhabiting these established forest types, Massularia acuminata integrates into the bryophyte community, contributing to the moisture retention and nutrient cycling processes inherent to the forest floor and shaded understory environments.

Habitat :

common in primary and old secondary forest

Life history

The life history of Massularia acuminata is characterized by its specialized growth habit and strategic adaptation to harsh, rocky environments. Categorized by its life form, this species functions as a nanophanerophyte, maintaining a very low stature that allows it to thrive in microhabitats where exposure to wind and desiccation is high. While it does not exhibit the characteristics of a phanerophyte, its developmental strategy focuses on compact, prostrate growth typically found in lithophytic or bryophyte-dominated communities. Its life cycle is adapted to survive in nutrient-poor, often ephemeral moisture conditions, utilizing its diminutive structure to colonize crevices and rocky substrates effectively.

Life form :

nanophanerophyte

Life form :

phanerophyte

Morphology

The morphology of Massularia acuminata is characterized by a woody structure with a growth form that can be categorized as both a shrub and a tree. It functions as an independent organism, neither acting as a parasite nor as an epiphyte, maintaining a primarily terrestrial existence. As a self-supporting plant rather than a liana or vine, it exhibits significant variation in stature; its height ranges from a minimum of approximately 0.61 meters to a maximum of 9.14 meters, with an average plant height of about 6 meters.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

shrub

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

9.144111192 m

Plant height mean:

6 m

Plant height min:

0.609607413 m

Woodiness :

woody

Reproduction

The reproductive cycle of Massularia acuminata is characterized by a specific seasonal progression of flowering and fruiting. The flowering period typically commences in June and extends through August, though the timing can remain variable depending on environmental conditions. Following the onset of the flowering phase, the plant transitions into its fruiting stage, which is notably concentrated in July. While the flowering window spans several months, the fruiting process is more temporally constrained, with both the start and end of the fruiting period occurring within the month of July.

Flowering time :

Jun

Flowering time :

Aug

Fruiting time :

Jul

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Massularia acuminata 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 stem.

Stem

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Activities

Massularia acuminata has 4 reported activities identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Analgesic, Androgenic, Antipyretic, Aphrodisiac.

Analgesic

1. BMC complementary and alternative medicine

Androgenic

1. BMC complementary and alternative medicine

Antipyretic

1. BMC complementary and alternative medicine

Aphrodisiac

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Conditions

Massularia acuminata has 3 reported investigations on conditions identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include analgesic, antipyretic, aphrodisiac.

Analgesic

1. BMC complementary and alternative medicine

Antipyretic

1. BMC complementary and alternative medicine

Aphrodisiac

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Preparations

Massularia acuminata has 4 reported preparations identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include Aqueous extracts, Bon-santé cleanser®, Extracts, chewing sticks.

Aqueous extracts

1. African dental journal : official publication of the Federation of African Dental Associations = Journal dentaire africain

Bon-santé cleanser®

1. BMC complementary and alternative medicine

Extracts

1. Phytotherapy research : PTR

Chewing sticks

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology