Scyphocephalium mannii

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Myristica mannii
• Scyphocephalium grandifolium
• Scyphocephalium ochocoa
• Ochocoa gabonii

Sources: Wikidata

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae and order Magnoliales, it is classified under the family Myristicaceae. Finally, it is identified by the genus Scyphocephalium and the specific species name Scyphocephalium mannii.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific geographical distribution concentrated within the tropical regions of Africa. In West Tropical Africa, its presence is documented in Nigeria. Moving into the West-Central Tropical Africa zone, the species can be found in Cameroon. Its range extends further into the West-Central region to include the Congo. Additionally, the plant is distributed within the borders of Gabon.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Scyphecephalium mannii is characterized by its preference for stable, undisturbed environments, specifically thriving within primary and old secondary forests. As a species tied to these mature forest structures, it relies on the complex microclimates provided by established canopy cover, which regulates light intensity, humidity, and soil moisture levels. Its presence in old secondary forests suggests a degree of resilience and the ability to colonize regenerating ecosystems that have reached a certain level of structural complexity, though it remains most strongly associated with the ecological integrity found in primary forest habitats.

Habitat :

primary and old secondary forest

Life history

The life history of Scyphocephalium mannii is characterized by its status as a perennial plant, allowing it to persist through multiple growing seasons. Throughout its developmental stages, it maintains an evergreen habit, retaining its foliage consistently rather than shedding it seasonally.

Deciduousness :

evergreen

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Scyphocephalium mannii is characterized by its stature as a large, woody tree that exhibits a self-supporting growth habit. As a terrestrial plant, it does not function as an epiphyte or an aquatic species, nor does it act as a parasite, maintaining an independent existence within its ecosystem. The plant's height varies significantly, with minimum measurements recorded at approximately 12.19 meters, a mean height of 25 meters, and a maximum height reaching up to 30.48 meters. Its structural integrity is defined by its woody composition and its ability to remain self-supporting without the need for climbing mechanisms such as vines or lianas.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

30.48037064 m

Plant height mean:

25 m

Plant height min:

12.19214826 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Scyphocephalium mannii is characterized by its specific metabolic and nutritional strategies within its ecosystem. Regarding its carbon assimilation processes, the plant utilizes the C3 photosynthetic pathway, which involves the direct fixation of atmospheric carbon dioxide through the Calvin cycle without the specialized carbon-concentrating mechanisms found in C4 or CAM plants. Furthermore, in terms of its nutrient acquisition capabilities, the species is not a nitrogen fixer, meaning it lacks the specialized symbiotic relationships or biological mechanisms required to convert atmospheric nitrogen into usable forms, instead relying on the uptake of available nitrogenous compounds from the soil.

Nitrogen fixer :

no

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Scyphocephalium mannii 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. Inflammopharmacology

Activities

Scyphocephalium mannii has 3 reported activities identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antiinflammatory, Antinociceptive, Cytotoxic.

Antiinflammatory

1. Inflammopharmacology

Antinociceptive

1. Inflammopharmacology

Cytotoxic

1. Inflammopharmacology