Ochna afzelii

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Polyochnella buechneri
• Ochnella mechowiana
• Ochnella capitata
• Ochnella buechneri
• Ochnella barteri
• Ochna gilletiana
• Diporidium afzelii
• Ochna afzelii subsp. mechowiana
• Polyochnella congoensis
• Polyochnella gilletiana
• Ochna barteri
• Polyochnella welwitschii
• Ochna congoensis
• Polyochnella barteri
• Ochna ituriensis
• Diporidium mechowianum
• Ochna mechowiana
• Ochnella afzelii
• Ochnella welwitschii
• Ochna welwitschii
• Ochna rhodesica
• Ochna afzelii subsp. congoensis
• Ochna congoensis var. microphylla

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and is classified under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. It is further categorized under the order Malpighiales and the family Ochnaceae. Finally, its taxonomic identity is defined by the genus Ochna, specifically as the species Ochna afzelii.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant, Ochna afzelii, is widely distributed across several countries within the West Tropical Africa region. Its presence is documented in the nation of Benin, where it grows in local ecosystems. The species can also be found throughout the territory of Burkina Faso. Furthermore, it extends its range into the coastal and inland areas of Ghana and Guinea. Finally, the geographical footprint of this medicinal plant includes the forested landscapes of Ivory Coast.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Ochna afzelii is closely tied to open, sun-exposed environments, as it is characteristically found inhabiting grassland ecosystems. Within these habitats, the plant thrives in areas where light availability is sufficient to support its growth patterns and reproductive cycles. The grassland setting provides a specific niche of soil composition and microclimatic conditions that favor its establishment among various herbaceous and graminoid species. By occupying these open landscapes, Ochna afzelii plays a role in the local community structure, interacting with the specific fauna and soil biota typical of grassland biomes.

Habitat :

grassland

Life history

The life history of Ochna afzelii is characterized by a perennial lifecycle, allowing the plant to persist in its environment over multiple growing seasons. Structurally, it is classified as a phanerophyte, a life form where the stem or conductive tissues are elevated above the ground, ensuring its survival through various environmental conditions. This phanerophyte growth habit is further detailed by its specific classification as a phanerophyte, which dictates its developmental strategy and physical presence within its ecological niche.

Life form :

phanerophyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Ochna afzelii is characterized by a woody growth form, specifically manifesting as a tree. It functions as an independent organism rather than a parasite and maintains a terrestrial lifestyle. While the species exhibits characteristics of a self-supporting plant—incorporating traits of a liana or vine that can act in a self-supporting capacity—it does not rely on other structures for its primary growth habit. The plant reaches a maximum height of approximately 12.19 meters.

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

12.19214826 m

Woodiness :

woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Ochna afzelii 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. Phytochemistry

Chemicals

Ochna afzelii has 7 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include 4',5,7-Trimethoxyisoflavone, 4',5-dimethoxy-6,7-methylenedioxyisoflavone, Afzelone C, D-mannitol, Lanceoloside A.

4',5,7-Trimethoxyisoflavone

1. Phytochemistry

4',5-dimethoxy-6,7-methylenedioxyisoflavone

1. Phytochemistry

Afzelone C

1. Phytochemistry

D-mannitol

1. Natural product research

Lanceoloside A

1. Phytochemistry

Ochnaflavone

1. Natural product research

P99

1. Phytotherapy research : PTR

Conditions

Ochna afzelii has 1 reported investigations on conditions identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include tuberculosis.

Tuberculosis

1. Tropical medicine and health

Preparations

Ochna afzelii has 3 reported preparations identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include extracts, methanol extract, stem bark.

Extracts

1. Phytotherapy research : PTR

Methanol extract

1. Annals of tropical medicine and parasitology

Stem bark

1. Phytochemistry