Ochna schweinfurthiana

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Ochnella schweinfurthiana
• Ochna alba
• Ochna suberosa
• Ochnella alba
• Diporidium schweinfurthianum
• Ochnella axillaris
• Ochnella aurea

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae, it is positioned in the order Malpighiales and the family Ochnaceae. Finally, its taxonomic identity is completed by its placement in the genus Ochna.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant, Ochna schweinfurthiana, exhibits a specific distribution pattern across the West Tropical Africa region. It can be found growing within the borders of Benin, where it occupies certain ecological niches. The species also extends its range into Burkina Faso, contributing to the regional biodiversity of the area. Furthermore, its presence is documented in the coastal and inland territories of Ghana. Finally, the plant's geographical reach includes the nations of Guinea and Ivory Coast.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Ochna schweinfurthiana is characterized by its classification as a phanerophyte, specifically exhibiting the growth patterns of both a phanerophyte and a nanophanerophyte. As a phanerophyte, the plant maintains its perennating buds well above the soil surface, allowing it to survive seasonal environmental fluctuations through woody or semi-woody structures. Within this category, its development aligns with the nanophanerophyte life form, indicating a compact, shrub-like growth habit where the reproductive and vegetative buds are held at relatively low heights above the ground. This life history strategy enables the species to establish a stable, perennial presence in its habitat, utilizing its elevated buds to navigate local microclimatic conditions while maintaining a persistent structural framework.

Life form :

phanerophyte

Morphology

The morphology of Ochna schweinfurthiana is characterized by a woody growth form, specifically manifesting as a tree. Regarding its climbing habits, the plant is categorized as self-supporting, functioning as a liana, vine, or self-supporting structure without being an obligatory or facultative climber. It is an independent organism rather than a parasite, maintaining its own nutritional processes without reliance on a host. Furthermore, it is a terrestrial species rather than an epiphyte, establishing itself firmly in the soil.

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Woodiness :

woody

Reproduction

Reproduction in Ochna schweinfurthiana is characterized by specific seed morphology and specialized dispersal mechanisms. The seeds produced by this species exhibit a consistent mass, with a measured mean seed mass of approximately 0.150825 g, ranging from a minimum of 0.14894 g to a maximum of 0.15271 g. The dispersal of these seeds is primarily driven by zoochory, specifically through an endozoochorous syndrome, where seeds are ingested and subsequently dispersed by animals. This biological strategy ensures the movement of the species across its habitat through animal vectors.

Dispersal syndrome :

zoochorous

Dispersal syndrome :

endozoochorous

Seed mass max:

0.15271 g

Seed mass mean:

0.150825 g

Seed mass min:

0.14894 g

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Ochna schweinfurthiana has 4 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Agathisflavone, Amentoflavone, Hemerocallone, Lithospermoside.

Agathisflavone

1. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM

Amentoflavone

1. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM

Hemerocallone

1. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM

Lithospermoside

1. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM

Activities

Ochna schweinfurthiana has 2 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Cytotoxic, Genotoxic.

Cytotoxic

1. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM

Genotoxic

1. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM

Medicinal Uses

Ochna schweinfurthiana has 6 reported medicinal uses identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include arthritis, glioblastoma multiforme, inflammation, pain, sprains.

Most Reported Uses

Preparations