Melothria sphaerocarpa

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Sources: Wikidata

Distribution

This plant, Melothria sphaerocarpa, is found across several specific regions within West Tropical Africa. Its documented distribution begins in the coastal and inland areas of Benin. It is also known to grow within the borders of Guinea-Bissau. Furthermore, the species can be located throughout the territories of Ivory Coast and Liberia. Finally, its presence is confirmed within the expansive landscapes of Nigeria.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Melothria sphaerocarpa is characterized by its broad adaptability across diverse altitudinal gradients, ranging from sea level to significant highland elevations. The species demonstrates a wide environmental tolerance, with its distribution spanning from a minimum elevation of 0 m AMSL to a maximum peak of 1760 m AMSL. On average, the plant thrives at a mean elevation of approximately 1250 m AMSL, suggesting that while it can colonize lowland habitats, it finds optimal ecological conditions within mid-to-high altitude montane or sub-montane zones. This wide elevational breadth indicates a capacity to inhabit various microclimates and topographical variations within its natural range.

Elevational range max:

1760 m AMSL

Elevational range mean:

1250 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

0 m AMSL

Life history

The life history of Melothria sphaerocarpa is characterized by a perennial lifecycle, allowing the plant to persist through multiple growing seasons. As a perennial species, it does not complete its biological cycle in a single year like annuals or two years like biennials; instead, it maintains a continuous presence in its habitat, often developing robust structures that support regrowth after periods of dormancy. This extended lifespan enables the plant to establish a stable presence within its ecosystem, contributing to its long-term survival and reproductive success over several years.

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Melothria sphaerocarpa is characterized by its growth as a non-woody herb that functions as an obligatory vine. This plant exhibits a climbing habit, specifically categorized as a liana, which allows it to reach significant heights ranging from a minimum of 5 meters to a maximum of 10 meters, with a mean plant height of approximately 4 meters. It is a terrestrial species, meaning it is neither aquatic nor an epiphyte, and it grows as an independent organism rather than acting as a parasite.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

vine

Climber :

obligatory

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

herb

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

10 m

Plant height mean:

4 m

Plant height min:

5 m

Woodiness :

non-woody

Physiology

The physiology of Melothraria sphaerocarpa is characterized by its metabolic processes and nutrient acquisition strategies, particularly regarding its relationship with soil chemistry. Unlike many members of the Fabaceae family, this species does not function as a nitrogen fixer; it lacks the specialized root nodules and the symbiotic relationship with Rhizobium bacteria required to convert atmospheric nitrogen into plant-available forms. Consequently, its physiological dependence on soil nitrogen is high, relying entirely on the uptake of nitrates or ammonium from the surrounding substrate through its root system to support protein synthesis and enzymatic activities. Its growth and development are governed by standard photosynthetic pathways, where carbon fixation drives the production of carbohydrates, supporting the structural integrity and reproductive success of the plant within its ecological niche.

Nitrogen fixer :

no

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Melothria sphaerocarpa 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 seed.

Seed

1. BMC complementary and alternative medicine

Preparations

Melothria sphaerocarpa has 1 reported preparations identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include Cucurbitaceae seeds.

Cucurbitaceae seeds

1. BMC complementary and alternative medicine