Phyllanthus pentandrus

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Diasperus pentandrus
• Moeroris pentandra
• Phyllanthus dilatatus
• Phyllanthus deflexus
• Phyllanthus linifolius
• Phyllanthus linoides
• Diasperus scoparius

Sources: Wikidata

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta within the class Equisetopsida. It falls under the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Malpighiales, eventually reaching the family Phyllanthaceae. Finally, it is categorized under the genus Phyllanthus.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant, known as Phyllanthus pentandrus, exhibits a specific geographical distribution across the West Tropical Africa region. Its presence is documented in several distinct nations, starting with Benin. It can also be found growing within the borders of Burkina and Gambia. Furthermore, the species extends its range into the country of Ghana. Finally, its distribution reaches as far as Guinea-Bissau within this tropical zone.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Phyllanthus pentandrus is defined by its specific altitudinal distribution, as it thrives within a distinct vertical range in its natural habitat. This species is typically found inhabiting environments ranging from a minimum elevation of 185 m AMSL to a maximum elevation of 1200 m AMSL. This elevational gradient suggests that the plant is adapted to diverse ecological zones, spanning from lowland tropical or subtropical regions up to mid-elevation montane settings. Such a distribution indicates its ability to tolerate varying temperature regimes and moisture levels associated with shifting altitudes within its native landscape.

Elevational range max:

1200 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

185 m AMSL

Life history

The life history of Phyllanthus pentandrus is characterized by an annual lifecycle, completing its full developmental sequence from germination to seed production within a single growing season. As a therophyte, the plant survives the unfavorable periods as seeds, which remain dormant in the soil until environmental conditions become conducive to growth. This life form strategy allows it to rapidly exploit available resources during its brief active phase, ensuring the continuation of the species through the dispersal of its progeny before the onset of senescence.

Life form :

therophyte

Lifecycle :

annual

Morphology

The morphology of Phyllanthus pentandrus is characterized by its growth form as a non-woody herb, exhibiting a self-supporting structure rather than acting as a climber, liana, or vine. It is an independent plant that does not function as a parasite or an epiphyte, maintaining a terrestrial habit. The plant's stature is relatively small, with a height that typically ranges from a minimum of 0.14 m to a maximum of 0.6 m, resulting in an average plant height of approximately 0.5 m.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

herb

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

0.6 m

Plant height mean:

0.5 m

Plant height min:

0.14 m

Woodiness :

non-woody

Physiology

The physiology of Phyllanthus pentandrus is characterized by a complex metabolic framework designed for survival in tropical forest understories, where light interception and nutrient cycling are critical. As a woody shrub or small tree, its photosynthetic processes are optimized to manage varying levels of solar radiation, utilizing specialized leaf structures to maximize carbon fixation. Regarding its nutrient acquisition strategies, the plant does not engage in symbiotic relationships with diazotrophic bacteria to convert atmospheric gases into bioavailable nutrients; specifically, it is not a nitrogen fixer, as indicated by its inability to perform biological nitrogen fixation (trait_1: Nitrogen fixer, trait_2: Nitrogen_fix_1, trait_value: no). Instead, it relies heavily on the uptake of nitrates and ammonium from the soil organic matter through an extensive root system. Its physiological efficiency is further marked by its secondary metabolite production, which serves both as a defense mechanism against herbivory and as a component of its unique chemical profile.

Nitrogen fixer :

no

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Phyllanthus pentandrus has 7 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Flavonoids, Gallic acid, Quercetin 3-O-rutinoside, Tannins, kaempferol.

Flavonoids

1. Journal of tropical medicine

Gallic acid

1. Chemistry & biodiversity

Quercetin 3-O-rutinoside

1. Chemistry & biodiversity

Tannins

1. Journal of tropical medicine

kaempferol

1. Chemistry & biodiversity

polyphenols

1. Journal of tropical medicine

quercetin

1. Chemistry & biodiversity

Activities

Phyllanthus pentandrus has 1 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antimalarial.

Antimalarial

1. Chemistry & biodiversity

Conditions

Phyllanthus pentandrus has 3 reported investigations on conditions identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include diarrhea, infectious diseases, malaria.

Diarrhea

1. Journal of tropical medicine

Infectious diseases

1. Journal of tropical medicine

Malaria

1. Chemistry & biodiversity

Preparations

Phyllanthus pentandrus has 3 reported preparations identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include ethyl acetate fraction, extracts, methanolic extract.

Ethyl acetate fraction

1. Chemistry & biodiversity

Extracts

1. Journal of tropical medicine

Methanolic extract

1. Chemistry & biodiversity