Psorospermum guineense

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Caopia leonensis
• Vismia guineensis
• Vismia laurentii var. polyandra
• Vismia leonensis
• Vismia leonensis var. macrophylla
• Hypericum guineense

Sources: Wikidata

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 Malpighiales, falling into the family Hypericaceae. Finally, it is identified by the genus Psorospermum.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant is primarily distributed throughout the West Tropical Africa region. Specifically, its presence has been documented in the nation of Burkina. It also grows within the territories of Ghana and Guinea-Bissau. Furthermore, the species can be found across the landscape of Guinea. Finally, its geographical range extends into the Ivory Coast.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Psorospermum guineense is characterized by its classification as a perennial plant, allowing it to persist in its environment over multiple growing seasons. In terms of its structural growth strategy, the species is categorized as a phanerophyte, specifically exhibiting traits consistent with both phanerophyte and nanophanerophyte life forms, which indicates that its perennating buds are located high above the ground on woody stems or branches. This growth habit enables the plant to maintain a stable presence within its ecosystem, utilizing its perennial nature to survive through varying environmental conditions.

Life form :

phanerophyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Psorospermum guineense is characterized by its robust growth form as a woody tree. This species exhibits significant vertical development, with an average plant height of approximately 3 m, though it can reach a maximum height of up to 15.24 m. As a terrestrial organism, it grows in land-based environments rather than aquatic or epiphytic habitats. The plant is strictly independent in its nutritional requirements, functioning as a non-parasitic species, and maintains a self-supporting structure without the need for climbing or external assistance.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

15.24018532 m

Plant height mean:

3 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Psorospermum guineense is characterized by its metabolic processes and nutrient acquisition strategies typical of many woody species within the Sapotaceae family. In terms of nutrient cycling and soil interaction, the plant does not function as a nitrogen fixer; it lacks the symbiotic relationship with diazotrophic bacteria, such as Rhizobium, required to convert atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia. Consequently, its nitrogen uptake is strictly dependent on the availability of nitrates and ammonium ions within the soil matrix, which it absorbs through an extensive root system. This dependency necessitates a high efficiency in root exudation and organic matter decomposition to maintain metabolic functions. Its physiological processes also include complex photosynthetic pathways to support its structural growth and the synthesis of secondary metabolites, which are vital for its chemical defense mechanisms.

Nitrogen fixer :

no

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Activities

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

Antimalarial

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Preparations

Psorospermum guineense has 1 reported preparations identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include extracts.

Extracts

1. Planta medica