Solanum dasyphyllum

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Distribution

This plant is primarily distributed across the West Tropical Africa region. Specifically, its presence can be documented in the country of Benin. It is also found within the borders of Burkina Faso. Furthermore, the species inhabits parts of Gambia and Ghana. Finally, its geographical range extends to include Guinea-Bissau.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Solanum dasyphyllum is characterized by a perennial lifecycle, allowing the plant to persist through multiple growing seasons. In terms of its structural growth strategy, the species is classified as a chamaephyte, a life form where the permanent organs are located near the soil surface, often protected by little to no leaf litter. This chamaphyte classification is consistent across its morphological development, defining its ability to thrive and maintain its presence within its ecological niche over extended periods.

Life form :

chamaephyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Solanum dasyphyllum is characterized by its growth form as a woody herb. This terrestrial plant is independent, functioning as a non-parasitic species that grows in soil rather than as an epiphyte or aquatic organism. It is a self-supporting plant, lacking the climbing habits of obligate or facultative climbers. In terms of stature, the plant maintains a relatively low profile, with a mean height of approximately 0.8 m and a maximum recorded height of 0.914411119 m.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

herb

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

0.914411119 m

Plant height mean:

0.8 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Solanum dasyphyllum is characterized by a standard C3 photosynthetic pathway, which dictates its carbon fixation processes and metabolic efficiency in response to environmental light and temperature. In terms of nutrient acquisition and symbiotic relationships, this species does not function as a nitrogen fixer, meaning it lacks the specialized symbiotic associations with diazotrophic bacteria required to convert atmospheric nitrogen into bioavailable forms.

Nitrogen fixer :

no

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Reproduction

The reproductive cycle of Solanum dasyphyllum is characterized by a synchronized phenological pattern, with both the flowering and fruiting periods primarily concentrated around the month of June. While the timing can be variable, the onset and conclusion of these reproductive stages are closely aligned, typically peaking during this mid-year window. The plant produces seeds with a highly consistent mass, recorded at a mean, minimum, and maximum of 0.00439 g, indicating a uniform seed size across the population. Dispersal is achieved through a zoochorous syndrome, specifically utilizing endozoochory, where seeds are dispersed after being ingested by animals, facilitating the plant's spread through various biological vectors.

Dispersal syndrome :

zoochorous

Dispersal syndrome :

endozoochorous

Flowering time :

Jun

Fruiting time :

Jun

Seed mass mean:

0.00439 g

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Solanum dasyphyllum has 2 reported plant parts identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include fruit, leaf.

Fruit

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Leaf

1. Journal of ethnobiology and ethnomedicine

Preparations

Solanum dasyphyllum has 1 reported preparations identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include fruits.

Fruits

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology