oubli fruit tree

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• oubli fruit tree

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Regional and Traditional Names

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. It is further categorized under the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Brassicales. Finally, it is a member of the family Pentadiplandraceae and falls under the genus Pentadiplandra.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant is native to the West-Central Tropical Africa region. Its geographical range specifically includes the territory of Cabinda. Additionally, it can be found growing within the Central African Republic. The species is also distributed across the borders of Cameroon and Congo. Finally, its natural habitat extends into the forests of Gabon.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Morphology

The morphology of Pentadiplandra brazzeaana is characterized by a woody growth form, typically manifesting as a shrub or a liana. As an obligatory climber, it utilizes a liana growth habit to ascend, reaching an average plant height of approximately 7.5 m. The species is strictly terrestrial in its habitat, functioning as an independent organism rather than a parasite or an epiphyte.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

liana

Climber :

obligatory

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

shrub

Parasite :

independent

Plant height mean:

7.5 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Pentadiplandra brazzeana is characterized by its specialized adaptations to tropical, high-humidity environments, where it functions as a robust perennial herb. Its metabolic processes are centered on efficient nutrient acquisition and resource management within shaded understory ecosystems. Regarding its nutrient cycling capabilities, the plant does not possess the physiological mechanisms required for symbiotic nitrogen fixation; therefore, it is not a nitrogen fixer. Instead, it relies on the decomposition of organic matter in the soil and the uptake of available nitrates and ammonium through an extensive root system to support its rapid vegetative growth and leaf production. Its photosynthetic efficiency is optimized for low-light conditions, allowing it to maintain high metabolic rates despite limited solar radiation.

Nitrogen fixer :

no

Reproduction

The reproduction of Pentadiplandra brazzeaana is characterized by a highly adaptable phenological cycle regarding its reproductive stages. The flowering period is notably flexible, with the onset of flowering typically beginning in February, though the specific timing can be variable across different seasons and environmental conditions. While the flowering process is subject to these fluctuations, the duration of the blooming period can vary, potentially extending or concluding based on local climatic factors. Similarly, the fruiting stage demonstrates a high degree of variability; the start and end times for fruit development are not fixed to a specific month and can occur at any time throughout the year, ranging from January through December. This variable reproductive pattern allows the plant to synchronize its flowering and fruiting cycles with shifting environmental cues, ensuring its continued propagation across diverse habitats.

Flowering time :

Feb

Fruiting time :

variable

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Pentadiplandra brazzeana has 1 reported plant parts identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include root.

Root

1. BMC complementary and alternative medicine
2. Journal of natural products

Chemicals

Pentadiplandra brazzeana has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include N,N'-Dibenzylurea, N-Benzyl-N'-(4-methoxybenzyl)urea.

N,N'-Dibenzylurea

1. Journal of natural products

N-Benzyl-N'-(4-methoxybenzyl)urea

1. Journal of natural products

Conditions

Pentadiplandra brazzeana has 2 reported investigations on conditions identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include Candida albicans, Candida infections.

Candida albicans

1. BMC complementary medicine and therapies

Candida infections

1. BMC complementary medicine and therapies

Preparations

Pentadiplandra brazzeana has 2 reported preparations identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include roots, essential oils.

Roots

1. BMC complementary and alternative medicine
2. Journal of natural products

Essential oils

1. BMC complementary and alternative medicine