Cork Bush

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• Cork Bush
• Rhodesian Silverleaf
• Silver Bush

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

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 Fabales, it is further categorized into the family Fabaceae. Finally, it is identified by the genus Mundulea, specifically as the species Mundulea sericea.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific geographical presence across several regions within West Tropical Africa. It can be found growing naturally in the nation of Benin. Furthermore, its distribution extends into the territory of Guinea. The species is also documented to inhabit parts of the Ivory Coast and Mali. Finally, the plant's range continues through the country of Nigeria.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Mundulea sericea is characterized by its ability to thrive across a diverse range of environments, spanning from low-lying coastal areas to higher-altitude terrains. It is typically found within habitats such as dry bushland, wooded grassland, coastal evergreen bushland, and drier coastal secondary forests. This species exhibits a broad altitudinal distribution, occupying an elevational range that begins at 25 m AMSL and extends up to a maximum of 1850 m AMSL.

Elevational range max:

1850 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

25 m AMSL

Habitat :

dry bushland, wooded grassland, coastal evergreen bushland, drier coastal (secondary) forest

Life history

The life history of Mundulea sericea is characterized by its status as a perennial species, allowing it to maintain a long-term presence within its natural ecosystem. As a perennial, the plant does not complete its life cycle in a single season but instead persists through multiple years, often developing a robust woody structure that supports its growth over extended periods. This longevity enables the plant to establish deep root systems, which are essential for surviving varying environmental conditions and seasonal shifts. Throughout its extended lifespan, the plant undergoes various developmental stages, including vegetative growth, flowering, and seed production, ensuring its continued reproduction and ability to colonize suitable habitats over many successive years.

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Mundulea sericea is characterized by a woody growth form that can manifest as either a shrub or a tree. As a terrestrial and independent plant, it does not function as a parasite or an epiphyte, maintaining a self-supporting structure rather than acting as a climber. The plant's stature is variable, with heights ranging from a minimum of 1 m to a maximum of 7 m, typically reaching a mean height of approximately 4.5 m.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Growth form :

shrub

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

7 m

Plant height mean:

4.5 m

Plant height min:

1 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Mundulea sericea is characterized by a C3 photosynthetic pathway, utilizing the standard Calvin cycle for carbon fixation, which is typical for many woody legumes in subtropical environments. Furthermore, the species functions as an active nitrogen fixer, establishing symbiotic relationships with rhizobia bacteria in its root nodules to convert atmospheric nitrogen into bioavailable forms, thereby enhancing its nutrient acquisition and supporting growth in nitrogen-poor soils.

Nitrogen fixer :

yes

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Reproduction

The reproduction of Mundulea sericea is characterized by a biotic pollination syndrome, primarily driven by insects, with bees playing a significant role in the fertilization process. The plant produces fruits classified as indehiscent, which maintain their structure to protect the developing seeds. These fruits are relatively small and uniform in shape, with a mean fruit width of 0.61 cm (ranging from a minimum of 0.6 cm to a maximum of 0.62 cm) and a mean height of 0.16 cm (ranging from 0.24 cm at its minimum and maximum bounds). The seeds contained within are lightweight, exhibiting a mean seed mass of approximately 0.0272825 g, with individual seed masses varying from a minimum of 0.01237 g to a maximum of 0.0724 g.

Dehiscence :

indehiscent

Fruit height max:

0.24 cm

Fruit height mean:

0.16 cm

Fruit type :

achene

Fruit width max:

0.62 cm

Fruit width mean:

0.61 cm

Fruit width min:

0.6 cm

Pollination syndrome :

insect

Pollination syndrome :

bee

Pollination syndrome :

biotic

Seed mass max:

0.0724 g

Seed mass mean:

0.0272825 g

Seed mass min:

0.01237 g

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Mundulea sericea has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Betulin, munetone.

Betulin

1. Dr. Duke

munetone

1. Cancer letters

Activities

Mundulea sericea has 14 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include AntiHIV, Anticancer, Anticarcinomic, Antifeedant, Antiflu.

AntiHIV

1. Dr. Duke

Anticancer

1. Nature medicine

Anticarcinomic

1. Dr. Duke

Antifeedant

1. Dr. Duke

Antiflu

1. Dr. Duke

Antiinflammatory

1. Dr. Duke

Antitumor

1. Dr. Duke

Antiviral

1. Dr. Duke

Aphidifuge

1. Dr. Duke

Chemopreventive

1. Nature medicine

Medicinal Uses

Mundulea sericea has 1 reported medicinal uses identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include cancer.

Most Reported Uses

Preparations