White Padouk

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• White Padouk
• oha leaf

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Pterocarpus mildbraedii subsp. usambarensis
• Pterocarpus usambarensis

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 and class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae, it falls under the order Fabales and the family Fabaceae. Ultimately, its taxonomic identity is defined by its placement in the genus Pterocarpus.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant, Pterocarpus mildbraedii, is primarily found across the West Tropical Africa region. Its natural habitat extends through several distinct countries within this tropical belt. Specifically, it can be located in the territories of Benin and Ghana. The species also thrives within the borders of Guinea and the Ivory Coast. Finally, its geographical range includes the nation of Liberia.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Pterocarpus mildbraedii is characterized by its status as a perennial species, allowing it to persist in its environment through multiple growing seasons. Throughout its development, the plant maintains an evergreen habit, ensuring that its foliage remains functional and present year-round rather than undergoing seasonal shedding.

Deciduousness :

evergreen

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Pterocarpus mildbraedii is characterized by a woody growth form, specifically categorized as a tree. This plant exhibits a self-supporting structure, functioning as a liana, vine, or self-supporting organism, with its climbing habit described as being both obligatory and facultative. In terms of stature, the plant reaches various heights, with a documented minimum height of approximately 12.19 meters, a maximum height of roughly 15.24 meters, and an average plant height of approximately 20 meters.

Climber :

self-supporting

Growth form :

tree

Plant height max:

15.24018532 m

Plant height mean:

20 m

Plant height min:

12.19214826 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Pterocarpus mildbraedii is characterized by its specialized metabolic capabilities, most notably its role as a nitrogen fixer. Through a symbiotic relationship with diazotrophic bacteria located within root nodules, the plant facilitates the biological nitrogen fixation process, converting atmospheric nitrogen into bioavailable forms such as ammonia. This nitrogen fixation trait is a fundamental physiological mechanism that allows the species to enhance soil fertility and sustain robust growth even in nutrient-poor environments. By integrating this nitrogen-fixing capacity into its metabolic framework, the plant optimizes its protein synthesis and enzymatic functions, ensuring efficient nutrient cycling and contributing to the overall ecological stability of its habitat.

Nitrogen fixer :

yes

Reproduction

The reproduction of Pterocarpus mildbraedii is driven by biotic mechanisms, specifically relying on biological agents rather than abiotic factors to facilitate its life cycle. The pollination syndrome of this species is characterized by biotic interactions, with a primary reliance on insect vectors for the transfer of pollen. Within this entomophilous process, various insects play a crucial role in ensuring successful fertilization, indicating a complex relationship between the plant's reproductive structures and its local fauna.

Pollination syndrome :

insect

Pollination syndrome :

biotic

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Pterocarpus mildbraedii 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 leaf.

Leaf

1. Journal of food biochemistry
2. Chemistry & biodiversity

Chemicals

Pterocarpus mildbraedii has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Flavonoids, polyphenols.

Flavonoids

1. Journal of food biochemistry

polyphenols

1. Journal of food biochemistry

Activities

Pterocarpus mildbraedii has 1 reported activities identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Cardioprotective.

Cardioprotective

1. Fitoterapia

Conditions

Pterocarpus mildbraedii has 3 reported investigations on conditions identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include cardiovascular disease, hepatic cancer, inflammation.

Cardiovascular disease

1. Fitoterapia

Hepatic cancer

1. Chemistry & biodiversity

Inflammation

1. Journal of food biochemistry

Preparations

Pterocarpus mildbraedii has 3 reported preparations identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include extract, leaves, water extract.

Extract

1. Journal of food biochemistry

Leaves

1. Chemistry & biodiversity

Water extract

1. Fitoterapia