Rhynchosia sublobata

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific geographical distribution concentrated within the West Tropical Africa region. It can be found growing across several different countries located in this part of the continent. Specifically, its presence is documented in Benin and Burkina. Furthermore, the species is also distributed throughout Ghana and Ivory Coast. Finally, the range of this medicinal plant extends into Mali.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Rhynchosia sublobata is characterized by its adaptability to diverse open landscapes, frequently colonizing habitats such as grasslands, savannas, bushlands, paddocks, and roadsides. This species exhibits a broad vertical distribution across varying landscapes, thriving at elevations ranging from a minimum of 155 m AMSL to a maximum of 1740 m AMSL.

Elevational range max:

1740 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

155 m AMSL

Habitat :

grassland, savanna, bushland, paddocks, roadsides

Life history

The life history of Rhynchosia sublobata is characterized by its classification as a perennial plant, allowing it to persist through multiple growing seasons. In terms of its structural growth habit and survival strategy, the species is identified as a chamaephyte, meaning its perennable buds are located close to the ground surface, protected by the substrate or leaf litter. This life form enables the plant to withstand various environmental stressors while maintaining its vegetative presence over time.

Life form :

chamaephyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Rhynchosia sublobata is characterized by its growth form as a non-woody herb, specifically presenting as a liana. As an obligatory climber, the plant utilizes a vine-like habit to ascend, though it maintains an independent existence as a non-parasitic organism rather than relying on a host. It is primarily a terrestrial species, lacking aquatic or epiphytic tendencies. In terms of stature, the plant exhibits a variable height, typically ranging from a minimum of 0.5 m to a maximum of 2 m.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

liana

Climber :

obligatory

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

herb

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

2 m

Plant height min:

0.5 m

Woodiness :

non-woody

Physiology

The physiology of Rhynchosia sublobata is fundamentally characterized by its reliance on the C3 photosynthetic pathway, a metabolic process where the first stable product of carbon fixation is a three-carbon molecule. This pathway involves the direct fixation of atmospheric carbon dioxide by the enzyme Ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (RuBisCO) within the mesophyll cells during the Calvin cycle. Because it utilizes the C3 mechanism rather than C4 or CAM pathways, the plant's gas exchange and water-use efficiency are closely tied to its stomatal conductance and the ambient environmental conditions, particularly temperature and light intensity. The metabolic efficiency of this C3 process dictates the plant's energy assimilation rates and its subsequent growth patterns, reflecting a physiological adaptation suited to its specific ecological niche.

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Reproduction

The reproduction of Rhynchosia sublobata is characterized by specific seed morphological traits and a distinct dispersal strategy. The seeds produced by this species exhibit a notable range in mass, with a minimum weight of 0.03193 g and a maximum weight of 0.11486 g, resulting in an average seed mass of approximately 0.073395 g. In terms of its reproductive ecology, the plant utilizes an autochorous dispersal syndrome, indicating that it relies on mechanisms for self-dispersal to spread its seeds within its environment.

Dispersal syndrome :

autochorous

Seed mass max:

0.11486 g

Seed mass mean:

0.073395 g

Seed mass min:

0.03193 g

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Rhynchosia sublobata 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 root.

Root

1. Planta medica

Conditions

Rhynchosia sublobata has 1 reported investigations on conditions identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include Plasmodium falciparum.

Plasmodium falciparum

1. Planta medica

Preparations

Rhynchosia sublobata has 1 reported preparations identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include 80 % MeOH extract of Rhynchosia sublobata (root).

80 % meoh extract of rhynchosia sublobata (root)

1. Planta medica