Salacia staudtiana

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Distribution

This plant, Salacia staudtiaana, exhibits a specific geographical distribution across several regions of the African continent. In West Tropical Africa, its presence has been documented in both Liberia and Nigeria. Moving into West-Central Tropical Africa, the species can be found within the borders of the Central African Republic. Additionally, its range extends into the territories of Cameroon and Congo. Together, these locations define the primary natural habitats where this medicinal species thrives.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Salacia staudtiana is characterized by its classification as a phanerophyte, a growth form defined by having its perennating buds located high above the ground on woody stems. Within this category, it exhibits specific ecological strategies, functioning as both a phanerophyte and a nanophanerophyte, which indicates its capacity to maintain woody structures that persist through varying environmental conditions. As a perennial woody climber or shrub, its life cycle involves the continuous development of robust, lignified stems that allow it to navigate forest architectures to access light. This life form ensures that its regenerative tissues are protected from seasonal stressors, enabling long-term survival and sustained growth within its natural habitat.

Life form :

phanerophyte

Morphology

The morphology of Salaacia staudtiana is characterized by its growth as a woody liana, functioning as an obligatory climber that utilizes surrounding structures for support. Although it exhibits a shrub-like structural complexity in its development, it is primarily classified as a woody climbing plant rather than a self-supporting shrub or tree. This species is non-parasitic, maintaining an independent nutritional status as it grows. In terms of its habitat and ecological positioning, it is strictly terrestrial, lacking any aquatic or semiaquatic adaptations, and it does not function as an epiphyte, instead rooting firmly in the soil.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

liana

Climber :

obligatory

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

shrub

Parasite :

independent

Woodiness :

woody

Reproduction

The reproduction of Salacia staudtiana is characterized by a flowering period that is notably flexible and variable throughout the year. The phenological cycle for this species indicates that flowering can occur during any month, spanning from January through December, though the specific timing is subject to environmental fluctuations. Based on the reproductive data, the flowering onset is typically observed around October, but because the process is highly variable, the start and end points do not follow a rigid seasonal pattern, allowing the plant to initiate and conclude its blooming phase at various intervals across the annual cycle.

Flowering time :

Oct

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Salacia staudtiana 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 seed.

Seed

1. Fitoterapia