Olax gambecola

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Distribution

This plant, Olax gambecola, exhibits a specific geographical range within the West Tropical Africa region. Its presence is documented across several key nations, including Benin and Ghana. Furthermore, the species can be found inhabiting the landscapes of Guinea-Bissau and Guinea. The distribution also extends into the territory of the Ivory Coast. Collectively, these locations define the primary ecological zone where this medicinal plant thrives.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Olax gambecola is characterized by its ability to thrive in transitional environments, as it is most commonly found in secondary forests and forest fringes. This preference for forest edges and regenerating woodlands suggests that the species is well-adapted to ecotones, where it can take advantage of the varying light intensities and microclimatic conditions found between dense canopy cover and more open landscapes. By occupying these forest fringes, the plant benefits from the dynamic nutrient cycling and structural complexity typical of secondary growth areas, allowing it to establish itself effectively in habitats that are undergoing ecological succession.

Habitat :

common in secondary forest and forest fringe

Life history

The life history of Olaex gambecoala is characterized by its distinct structural classification, primarily functioning as a phanerophyte, which indicates that its perennating buds are located well above the ground on aerial shoots. This growth habit allows the plant to maintain a robust presence in its ecological niche, often developing into a woody structure that can withstand seasonal variations. Depending on the specific environmental stressors and microhabitat conditions it occupies, its developmental strategy can also exhibit characteristics of a nanophanerophyte, where the plant maintains a relatively low-statured woody form with buds positioned just above the soil surface. This versatility in life form allows the species to optimize its survival through different growth stages, balancing the structural stability of a phanerophyte with the compact resilience associated with nanophanerophytic tendencies.

Life form :

nanophanerophyte

Life form :

phanerophyte

Morphology

The morphology of Olax gambecoala is characterized by a woody, shrub-like growth form that typically reaches an average plant height of 1.25 m, with a maximum recorded height of approximately 1.22 m. As a terrestrial species, it does not exhibit epiphytic behavior, functioning instead as an independent organism rather than a parasite or a climber, as it is categorized as self-supporting. Its structural development is defined by its woody nature, contributing to its stable, shrubby habit within its natural habitat.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

shrub

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

1.219214826 m

Plant height mean:

1.25 m

Woodiness :

woody

Reproduction

The reproduction of Olax gambecola is characterized by a flexible phenological cycle, where the flowering period is highly variable, with potential onset and conclusion occurring at various times throughout the year, ranging from January through December. This variability in flowering suggests that the plant's reproductive stage is heavily influenced by environmental factors or localized ecological conditions. Following the reproductive phase, the fruiting period is more specifically defined, with the onset of fruit development typically occurring in August and concluding within the same month, indicating a concentrated and relatively brief window for fruit maturation.

Flowering time :

variable

Fruiting time :

Aug

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Olax gambecola 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. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Conditions

Olax gambecola has 1 reported investigations on conditions identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include blood pressure.

Blood pressure

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Preparations

Olax gambecola has 2 reported preparations identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include crude extract, methanol extract of the roots.

Crude extract

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Methanol extract of the roots

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology