African padauk

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• African coralwood
• African padauk
• Gabon padauk
• barwood
• muenge
• redwood

Scientific Names

Accepted name

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 the class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae, it is situated in the order Fabales and the family Fabaceae. Finally, it is identified by the genus Pterocarpus, specifically as the species Pterocarpus soyauxii.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific distribution pattern centered primarily within the tropical regions of Africa. In West Tropical Africa, its presence has been documented in Nigeria. Moving into the West-Central Tropical Africa zone, the species can be found in the Central African Republic and Cameroon. It also inhabits the territories of Congo and Cabinda within this same central region. Overall, these locations define the known geographical range for Pterocarpus soyauxii.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Pterocarpus soyauxiii is intrinsically linked to the complex structural and biological dynamics of the primary forest. As a constituent of these undisturbed ecosystems, the species thrives within stable, climax communities characterized by high levels of biodiversity and complex vertical stratification. Its presence is indicative of a mature forest environment where soil nutrient cycling is well-established and microclimatic conditions, such as humidity and light availability, remain relatively consistent. By inhabiting primary forest landscapes, Pterocarpus soyauxiii relies on the intricate symbiotic networks and specialized niche availability found only in old-growth settings, making its survival highly dependent on the preservation of intact, non-fragmented forest habitats.

Habitat :

primary forest

Life history

The life history of Pterocarpus soyauxii is characterized by its status as a perennial species, meaning it persists through multiple growing seasons and maintains its biological functions over a long lifespan. As a long-lived woody plant, it does not complete its life cycle within a single year or two, but rather establishes a permanent presence within its ecosystem. Its development involves an initial establishment phase followed by a prolonged period of vegetative growth and maturation, eventually reaching reproductive maturity where it undergoes periodic flowering and fruiting cycles. This perennial nature allows the plant to accumulate significant biomass and structural complexity over time, contributing to its stability within its natural habitat.

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Pterocarpus soyauxii is characterized by its robust growth form as a woody tree. It is a terrestrial species that functions as an independent organism, neither acting as a parasite nor an epiphyte. The plant exhibits a self-supporting structure, distinguishing it from climbing vines or lianas. In terms of stature, it reaches significant dimensions, with a recorded maximum plant height of approximately 30.48 meters and a mean height of 35 meters.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

30.48037064 m

Plant height mean:

35 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Pterocarpus soyauxii is characterized by its specific metabolic and nutritional strategies that support its growth in diverse tropical environments. It utilizes the C3 photosynthetic pathway, a common mechanism among many woody perennials, wherein carbon dioxide fixation occurs through the Calvin cycle within the mesophyll cells. Furthermore, the plant functions as a nitrogen fixer, possessing the biological capacity to convert atmospheric nitrogen into a usable form, which enhances its nutrient acquisition and supports its development in nitrogen-limited soils.

Nitrogen fixer :

yes

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Reproduction

The reproduction of Pterocarpus soyauxii is characterized by a complex biological cycle driven primarily by biotic pollination syndromes. The plant relies on biotic agents, specifically utilizing insect pollination to facilitate the transfer of pollen. This insect-driven process is central to its reproductive success, ensuring the fertilization required for subsequent fruit development. Regarding its phenology, the flowering period is highly flexible, with the flowering start and end times being classified as variable across the months of the year. Similarly, the fruiting cycle does not follow a rigid seasonal pattern, as both the onset and the conclusion of the fruiting period are described as variable, allowing the plant to adapt its reproductive output to fluctuating environmental conditions.

Flowering time :

Jan

Fruiting time :

variable

Pollination syndrome :

insect

Pollination syndrome :

biotic

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Pterocarpus soyauxii 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 stem.

Stem

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Chemicals

Pterocarpus soyauxii has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Benzofurans, isoflavan.

Benzofurans

1. Natural product communications

isoflavan

1. Natural product communications

Conditions

Pterocarpus soyauxii has 3 reported investigations on conditions identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include hypertension, tooth sensitivity, toothache.

Hypertension

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Tooth sensitivity

1. Odonto-stomatologie tropicale = Tropical dental journal

Toothache

1. Odonto-stomatologie tropicale = Tropical dental journal

Preparations

Pterocarpus soyauxii has 3 reported preparations identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include aqueous extract of Pterocarpus soyauxii, aqueous extract of barks, aqueous stem bark extract.

Aqueous extract of pterocarpus soyauxii

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Aqueous extract of barks

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Aqueous stem bark extract

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology