Reissantia buchananii

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Hippocratea buchananii
• Hippocratea menyharthii

Sources: Wikidata

Taxonomical Classification

This plant, Reissantia buchananii, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. It is classified under the class Equisetopsida and the subclass Magnoliidae within the order Celastrales. Finally, it is a member of the family Celastraceae and falls under the genus Reissantia.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a wide distribution across several regions of the African continent. In East Tropical Africa, it can be found growing in Tanzania. Its presence extends into South Tropical Africa, where it is located in Malawi. The species is also documented within the borders of Mozambique and Zambia. Finally, its geographical range concludes with sightings in Zimbabwe.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Reissantia buchananii is characterized by its adaptation to specific altitudinal gradients within its native tropical forest habitats. This species thrives across a diverse elevational range, demonstrating a high degree of ecological plasticity, though it typically finds its optimal niche within mid-elevation forest zones. The plant's distribution is constrained by vertical limits, reaching an elevational range max of 1500 m AMSL. Within this specific altitudinal belt, the species interacts with high-humidity microclimates and nutrient-cycling processes typical of montane or sub-montane ecosystems. Its presence is often dictated by the availability of shaded understory environments and specific soil moisture profiles found at these elevations, which support its growth patterns and reproductive cycles.

Elevational range max:

1500 m AMSL

Life history

The life history of Reissantia buchananii is characterized by its status as a perennial plant, allowing it to persist through multiple growing seasons rather than completing its cycle in a single year. As a long-lived species, it establishes a stable presence within its ecological niche, undergoing repeated cycles of vegetative growth and reproductive phases. This perennial nature enables the plant to accumulate biomass and energy reserves over time, contributing to its resilience and ability to withstand seasonal environmental fluctuations. Through its extended lifecycle, the plant can engage in continuous developmental processes that support long-term survival and sustained reproductive output within its habitat.

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Reissantia buchananii is characterized by a woody growth form, primarily manifesting as a shrub. This species exhibits significant structural diversity in its stature, with plant heights ranging from a minimum of 1.5 m to a maximum of 9 m. As an obligatory climber, it relies on external supports for upward growth, yet it maintains an independent parasitic status, functioning as a non-parasitic organism. Its ecological habit is terrestrial, although it can exist within aquatic, semiaquatic, or terrestrial niches. Unlike epiphytic species, it maintains a terrestrial existence and does not rely on other plants for physical attachment or nutrient absorption.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

obligatory

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

shrub

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

9 m

Plant height min:

1.5 m

Woodiness :

woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Reissantia buchananii has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Pristimerin, celastrol.

Pristimerin

1. Journal of natural products

celastrol

1. Journal of natural products

Conditions

Reissantia buchananii has 1 reported investigations on conditions identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include cancer.

Cancer

1. Journal of natural products