Milicia regia

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Chlorophora regia
• Maclura regia

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

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 further organized under the order Rosales and the family Moraceae. Finally, its taxonomic identity is defined by its placement in the genus Milicia.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant is primarily distributed throughout the West Tropical Africa region. Within this broad area, it can be specifically found growing in Gambia. Its presence extends to the coastal and inland areas of Ghana as well. Furthermore, the species is known to inhabit parts of Guinea-Bissau and Guinea. Finally, its geographical range includes the diverse landscapes of the Ivory Coast.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Miliicia regia is characterized by its existence as a perennial plant, ensuring its long-term presence within its native ecosystems. As a phanerophyte, specifically categorized as both a phanerophyte and a nanophanerophyte, its reproductive buds are elevated well above the ground, typically on woody branches, allowing it to develop into a substantial tree structure. The species exhibits a deciduous nature, meaning it sheds its foliage seasonally, a survival strategy often linked to managing moisture levels and light availability during different climatic cycles.

Deciduousness :

deciduous

Life form :

phanerophyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Milicia regia is characterized by its robust growth form as a large, woody tree, capable of reaching an average height of approximately 30 m. As a terrestrial species, it functions as an independent organism rather than an epiphyte or a parasite, maintaining its own structural integrity without relying on other plants for sustenance. The plant is entirely self-supporting, lacking any climbing or vining habits, and is defined by its solid, woody composition.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Plant height mean:

30 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Miliicia regia is characterized by a C3 photosynthetic pathway, which involves the direct fixation of carbon dioxide through the Calvin cycle within the mesophyll cells. Unlike plants utilizing C4 or CAM pathways, its metabolic processes are optimized for environments where moisture and temperature allow for efficient gas exchange through stomata without the specialized anatomical adaptations required for extreme water conservation. Furthermore, this species does not function as a nitrogen fixer, meaning it lacks the symbiotic relationship with diazotrophic bacteria necessary to convert atmospheric nitrogen into bioavailable forms, relying instead on the uptake of nitrates and ammonium present in the soil substrate to support its nutritional requirements and growth.

Nitrogen fixer :

no

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Reproduction

The reproduction of Milicia regia is primarily driven by sexual processes facilitated by its flowering mechanism. In terms of its pollination dynamics, the plant exhibits a reproductive strategy where self-fertilization is absent, meaning it relies on cross-pollination to ensure genetic diversity. This absence of self-fertilization suggests that the plant is likely dioecious or possesses mechanisms to prevent autogamy, requiring the transfer of pollen between different individuals via biotic or abiotic vectors. Once successful cross-pollination occurs, the development of seeds follows, which serve as the primary means for the dispersal and establishment of new generations within its natural habitat.

Self fertilization :

absent

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Milicia regia 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 root.

Root

1. Fitoterapia

Chemicals

Milicia regia has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Solaniol.

Solaniol

1. Fitoterapia