Pseudospondias microcarpa

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Distribution

This plant, Pseudoспоndias microcarpa, is distributed across several regions within West Tropical Africa. Specifically, its presence has been documented in the nation of Benin. It is also found within the borders of Burkina Faso. Furthermore, the species inhabits parts of Gambia and Ghana. Finally, its geographical range extends into Guinea-Bissau.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Pseudoespongia microcarpa is characterized by its classification as a perennial species, meaning it persists through multiple growing seasons rather than completing its cycle in a single year. As a phanerophyte, its regenerative buds are located high above the ground on woody stems, a structural adaptation that allows it to maintain its stature and survive varying environmental conditions. This phanerophyte life form ensures that the plant's vital parts remain protected, contributing to its long-term survival and stability within its ecological niche.

Life form :

phanerophyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Pseudoспоndias microcarpa is characterized by its growth form as a woody tree that functions as a self-supporting organism. It is a terrestrial species that grows independently, rather than acting as a parasite or an epiphyte. In terms of stature, the plant reaches significant dimensions, with a recorded minimum height of 15 m, a maximum height of approximately 18.29 m, and a mean plant height of 20 m.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

18.28822238 m

Plant height mean:

20 m

Plant height min:

15 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Pseudoспоndias microcarpa is characterized by a C3 photosynthetic pathway, which dictates its carbon fixation processes and metabolic efficiency. The plant exhibits extremely minimal leaf thickness, with a mean value of 0.019 mm, reflecting a highly specialized leaf morphology. Furthermore, it does not function as a nitrogen fixer, relying instead on the availability of nitrogen within the soil medium for its nutritional requirements.

Leaf thickness mean:

0.019 mm

Nitrogen fixer :

no

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Reproduction

The reproduction of Pseudospoindia microcarpa is characterized by a flexible phenology and specialized dispersal mechanisms. The flowering period is highly variable, with potential onset and conclusion occurring across any month of the year from January through December. The fruiting stage typically begins around February and concludes in March. The plant produces fleshy drupes that are indehiscent, meaning they do not open at maturity to release seeds. These fruits utilize a zoochorous dispersal syndrome, specifically through endozoochory, where seeds are dispersed via the digestive tracts of animals. The seeds themselves are relatively consistent in size, with a mean, minimum, and maximum volume of 720 mm³. Morphologically, the seeds exhibit a mean length of 14.5 mm, a maximum height of 9.3 mm, and a maximum width of 10.5 mm.

Dehiscence :

indehiscent

Dispersal syndrome :

zoochorous

Dispersal syndrome :

endozoochorous

Flowering time :

variable

Fruit dryness :

fleshy

Fruit type :

drupe

Fruiting time :

Feb

Fruiting time :

Mar

Seed height max:

9.3 mm

Seed length mean:

14.5 mm

Seed volume max:

720 mm³

Seed width max:

10.5 mm

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Pseudospondias microcarpa 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 leaf.

Leaf

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Conditions

Pseudospondias microcarpa has 2 reported investigations on conditions identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include Candida albicans, malaria.

Candida albicans

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Malaria

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Preparations

Pseudospondias microcarpa has 2 reported preparations identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include Ethanolic and dichloromethane extracts, polar extracts.

Ethanolic and dichloromethane extracts

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Polar extracts

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology