Spermacoce exilis

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Borreria exilis
• Spermacoce mauritiana
• Borreria repens

Sources: Wikidata

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, situated within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. It is further classified under the order Gentianales and the family Rubiaceae. Finally, its taxonomic identity is defined by its placement in the genus Spermacoce.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant, known as Spermacoce exilis, exhibits a specific distribution pattern across the West Tropical Africa region. Its presence is documented in several coastal and inland nations, starting with Benin. It can also be found growing within the borders of Ghana and Guinea-Bissau. Furthermore, the species extends its range into the territories of Guinea. Finally, its geographical footprint includes the lush landscapes of the Ivory Coast.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Spermacoce exilis is characterized by its presence in diverse environments, ranging from disturbed anthropogenic areas (Área Antrópica) to more stable and humid ecosystems such as terra firme forests (Floresta de Terra Firme) and ombrophilous forests (Floresta Ombrófila/Pluvial). This species exhibits a broad altitudinal distribution, thriving across a significant elevational gradient that begins at 100 m AMSL and extends up to a maximum of 1850 m AMSL.

Elevational range max:

1850 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

100 m AMSL

Habitat :

Área Antrópica, Floresta de Terra Firme, Floresta Ombrófila (= Floresta Pluvial)

Life history

The life history of Spermacoce exilis is characterized by an annual lifecycle, meaning the plant completes its entire developmental process from germination to seed production within a single growing season. Functioning as a therophyte, it survives the unfavorable seasons primarily in the form of seeds, which remain dormant until environmental conditions become suitable for growth. This strategy is consistent across its classifications, as its life form is defined as a therophyte, allowing it to rapidly exploit seasonal resources before completing its reproductive cycle.

Life form :

therophyte

Lifecycle :

annual

Morphology

The morphology of Spermacoce exilis is characterized by a diminutive growth form, functioning as a non-woody herb and specifically classified as a forb. The plant maintains a low profile with a height ranging from a minimum of 0.03 m to a maximum of 0.4 m. In terms of its ecological habit and structural support, it is a self-supporting organism, lacking any climbing or vine-like tendencies. It does not function as a parasite, operating as an independent species, and it is strictly terrestrial rather than being an epiphyte or an aquatic/semiaquatic plant.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

herb

Growth form :

forb

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

0.4 m

Plant height min:

0.03 m

Woodiness :

non-woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Activities

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

Antioxidant

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Preparations

Spermacoce exilis has 1 reported preparations identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include Methanol extracts.

Methanol extracts

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology