Plicosepalus acaciae

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Sources: Wikidata

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific geographical range centered within the Northeast Tropical Africa region. Its distribution is notably concentrated across several key countries in this area. Specifically, it can be found growing in the landscapes of Chad and Eritrea. The species also inhabits significant portions of Ethiopia and Somalia. Finally, its presence extends through the territories of both Sudan and South Sudan.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Plicosepalus acaciae is characterized by a perennial lifecycle, allowing the plant to persist in its environment over multiple growing seasons. As a parasitic member of its ecosystem, its biological development is categorized under the life form of a phanerophyte, specifically manifesting as both a phanerophyte and a nanophanerophyte. This classification indicates that its stem buds are elevated well above the ground level, a structural adaptation that facilitates its specialized growth patterns and survival strategies within its host's canopy.

Life form :

phanerophyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Plicosepalus acaciae is characterized by a woody structure and a distinct growth form classified as a shrub. While it exhibits a terrestrial habit, its ecological positioning is defined as an independent organism rather than a parasite, maintaining its own physiological processes. It does not function as an epiphyte, remaining strictly terrestrial in its growth pattern. Furthermore, despite some potential for varied environments, its primary growth habit is non-aquatic, functioning as a terrestrial species rather than an aquatic or semiaquatic one, and it does not possess climbing tendencies, remaining a self-supporting shrub.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

obligatory

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

shrub

Parasite :

independent

Woodiness :

woody

Reproduction

The reproduction of Plicosepalus acaciae is characterized by a prolonged flowering period that allows for a significant window of reproductive activity throughout the year. The flowering cycle typically commences in September, marking the beginning of its seasonal reproductive phase. This period extends through a variable duration, ultimately concluding in October. Because the flowering schedule can fluctuate, the plant exhibits a wide range of potential reproductive timing, spanning across various months depending on environmental conditions.

Flowering time :

Sep

Flowering time :

Oct

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Plicosepalus acaciae has 2 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 leaf, stem.

Leaf

1. Fitoterapia

Stem

1. Fitoterapia

Preparations

Plicosepalus acaciae has 2 reported preparations identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include Ethanol extracts, LA ethanolic extract.

Ethanol extracts

1. Veterinary medicine and science

La ethanolic extract

1. Saudi journal of biological sciences