Ruspolia hypocrateriformis

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Siphoneranthemum hypocrateriforme
• Eranthemum hypocrateriforme
• Pseuderanthemum hypocrateriforme
• Pseuderanthemum affine
• Justicia hypocrateriformis
• Ruspolia pseuderanthemoides

Sources: Wikidata

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Lamiales, it is classified under the family Acanthaceae. Finally, its taxonomic identity is established within the genus Ruspolia as Ruspolia hypocrateriformis.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant, known as Ruspolia hypocrateriformis, is found across several specific regions in West Tropical Africa. Its geographical range includes the coastal and inland territories of Ghana and Guinea-Bissau. Furthermore, the species is documented to grow within the borders of Guinea. The distribution also extends into the more northern reaches of the region, specifically within Mali. Finally, the presence of this medicinal plant is confirmed in the large West African nation of Nigeria.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Ruspolia hypocrateriformis is defined by its specific niche within coastal bushland ecosystems, where it is predominantly found growing on coral substrates. This plant occupies a distinct altitudinal band, ranging from a minimum elevation of 460 m AMSL to a maximum elevation of 1065 m AMSL. Its presence in these coastal bushland environments suggests an adaptation to the unique soil chemistry and drainage patterns provided by coral-based terrains within this specific elevational range.

Elevational range max:

1065 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

460 m AMSL

Habitat :

coastal bushland on coral

Life history

The life history of Ruspoliia hypocrateriformis is characterized by a perennial lifecycle, allowing the plant to persist through multiple growing seasons. In terms of its structural growth habits and ecological positioning, the species exhibits dual life form classifications, manifesting as both a phanerophyte and a nanophanerophyte.

Life form :

nanophanerophyte

Life form :

phanerophyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Ruspolia hypocrateriformis is characterized by a woody, shrub-like growth form that functions as a self-supporting organism. The plant exhibits a terrestrial habit, typically growing in non-aquatic environments, and maintains an independent lifestyle without acting as a parasite. In terms of physical dimensions, it reaches a height ranging from a minimum of approximately 0.91 meters to a maximum of 3 meters. Its structural development is defined by its woody nature, providing the necessary stability for its shrubby stature within its natural habitat.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

shrub

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

3 m

Plant height min:

0.914411119 m

Woodiness :

woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Ruspolia hypocrateriformis has 6 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Anthocyanins, Anthraquinones, Flavonoids, Phenols, Saponins.

Anthocyanins

1. Pharmaceutical biology

Anthraquinones

1. Pharmaceutical biology

Flavonoids

1. Pharmaceutical biology

Phenols

1. Pharmaceutical biology

Saponins

1. Pharmaceutical biology

Tannins

1. Pharmaceutical biology

Activities

Ruspolia hypocrateriformis has 1 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant.

Antioxidant

1. Pharmaceutical biology

Preparations