Sesamum eriocarpum

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Pretrea eriocarpa
• Dicerocaryum zanguebarium subsp. eriocarpum
• Dicerocaryum eriocarpum

Sources: Wikidata

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae, it is organized under the order Lamiales and the family Pedaliaceae. Finally, it is specifically identified by the genus Sesamum.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant is primarily located within the diverse landscapes of the African continent. In West-Central Tropical Africa, its presence is noted within the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Moving toward South Tropical Africa, the species can be found growing in Angola and Zambia. It also extends its reach into Zimbabwe, another key region in South Tropical Africa. Finally, the geographical distribution concludes with its occurrence in Botswana within the Southern Africa region.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Sesamum eriocarpum is characterized by its specific adaptation to mid-altitude montane environments, where it thrives within a distinct vertical distribution. This species is primarily found inhabiting ecological niches situated between an elevation of 900 m AMSL and a maximum elevation of 1200 m AMSL. Within this specific altitudinal belt, the plant's survival and reproductive success are closely tied to the localized climatic conditions and soil compositions typical of these sub-montane zones. The relatively narrow elevational range suggests a high degree of specialization to the temperature gradients and moisture availability found specifically at these altitudes, which dictates its spatial distribution and community structure within its natural habitat.

Elevational range max:

1200 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

900 m AMSL

Life history

The life history of Sesamum eriocarpum is characterized by a perennial lifecycle, allowing the plant to persist across multiple growing seasons. As a perennial species, it does not complete its biological cycle within a single year but rather establishes a long-term presence in its habitat, often developing robust root systems that facilitate survival through varying environmental conditions. This extended lifespan enables the plant to engage in multiple reproductive cycles, contributing to its ability to colonize and stabilize within its specific ecological niche over time.

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Sesamum eriocarpum is characterized by its growth form as a herb, exhibiting both herb and forb-like qualities. It is a non-woody, self-supporting plant that does not function as a climber, liana, or vine. As an independent organism, it is neither a parasite nor an epiphyte, maintaining a strictly terrestrial existence. The plant's stature varies significantly, with an average height of approximately 0.1 m, though it can reach a maximum height of up to 3.5 m.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

herb

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

3.5 m

Plant height mean:

0.1 m

Woodiness :

non-woody

Physiology

The physiology of Sesamum eriocarpum is characterized by its metabolic adaptations to arid and semi-arid environments, where efficient resource management is critical for survival. Its nitrogen metabolism is primarily dependent on the uptake of nitrates and ammonium from the soil, as the plant is not a nitrogen fixer; it lacks the symbiotic relationship with diazotrophic bacteria required to convert atmospheric nitrogen into a usable form. Consequently, its growth and protein synthesis are strictly governed by the availability of soil nitrogen levels. The plant exhibits specialized photosynthetic efficiencies designed to minimize transpirational water loss while maintaining carbon assimilation under thermal stress. Its physiological processes are tightly regulated by osmotic adjustments, allowing it to maintain cellular turgor and metabolic activity during periods of limited water availability, ensuring the successful development of its reproductive structures.

Nitrogen fixer :

no

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Sesamum eriocarpum has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Apigenin-4'-glucoside, Tizoxanide.

Apigenin-4'-glucoside

1. Journal of biomolecular structure & dynamics

Tizoxanide

1. Journal of biomolecular structure & dynamics