Sphenocentrum jollyanum

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant, Sphenocentrum jollyanum, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, it falls under the order Ranunculales and the family Menispermaceae. Finally, its specific taxonomic identity is established within the genus Sphenocentrum.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific distribution pattern across the tropical regions of the African continent. Within West Tropical Africa, it can be found growing in the countries of Benin and Ivory Coast. Its range also extends into Nigeria, another key location in the West Tropical zone. Furthermore, the species is documented in West-Central Tropical Africa, specifically within Cameroon. Collectively, these locations highlight its presence across several interconnected tropical forest ecosystems.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Sphenocentrum jollyanum is characterized by a perennial lifecycle, allowing the plant to persist through multiple growing seasons. Its structural growth strategy is multifaceted, manifesting as both a phanerophyte, where its shoots are elevated well above the ground level, and a nanophanerophyte, indicating a compact growth form with relatively short woody stems. Furthermore, the plant maintains an evergreen deciduousness, ensuring that its foliage remains functional and present throughout the year without the seasonal loss of leaves.

Deciduousness :

evergreen

Life form :

nanophanerophyte

Life form :

phanerophyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Sphenocentrum jollyanum is characterized by a woody growth form, specifically classified as a shrub. This plant typically maintains a terrestrial habit rather than an epiphytic one. In terms of physical dimensions, it exhibits a relatively compact stature with a mean plant height of approximately 1.5 m, although recorded maximum heights can reach around 1.219214826 m. Although it possesses characteristics of certain climbing structures, it is categorized as a self-supporting species.

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

shrub

Plant height max:

1.219214826 m

Plant height mean:

1.5 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Sphenocentrum jollyanum is characterized by metabolic processes that prioritize structural stability and specialized chemical synthesis within its tissues. Regarding its nutrient acquisition strategies, the plant does not function as a nitrogen fixer, meaning it lacks the symbiotic relationship with nitrogen-fixing bacteria, such as Rhizobium, required to convert atmospheric nitrogen into bioavailable forms. Instead, its physiological nitrogen requirements are met through the uptake of nitrates and ammonium ions from the soil via its root system. This absence of nitrogen-fixing capability indicates a reliance on soil organic matter and mineral availability to sustain its enzymatic functions and protein synthesis. Furthermore, its physiological activity is governed by standard photosynthetic pathways that drive the production of carbohydrates, which serve as the primary energy source for cellular respiration and the maintenance of its specialized secondary metabolites.

Nitrogen fixer :

no

Reproduction

The reproduction of Sphenocentrum jollyanum is characterized by a complex biotic pollination syndrome, relying on living organisms rather than abiotic factors to facilitate the transfer of pollen. This reproductive strategy is primarily driven by insect pollination, which plays a central role in the plant's life cycle. Furthermore, the pollination mechanism involves interactions with ants, suggesting a specialized ecological relationship that contributes to the successful fertilization and genetic diversity of the species.

Pollination syndrome :

insect

Pollination syndrome :

ant

Pollination syndrome :

biotic

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Sphenocentrum jollyanum has 3 reported plant parts identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include leaf, seed, stem.

Leaf

1. Journal of the American College of Nutrition
2. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Seed

1. Steroids

Stem

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Chemicals

Sphenocentrum jollyanum has 5 reported phytochemicals identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include CATECHIN, Flavonoids, Lunamarine, Saponins, kaempferol.

CATECHIN

1. Journal of the American College of Nutrition

Flavonoids

1. Medicines (Basel, Switzerland)

Lunamarine

1. Journal of the American College of Nutrition

Saponins

1. Medicines (Basel, Switzerland)

kaempferol

1. Journal of the American College of Nutrition

Activities

Sphenocentrum jollyanum has 3 reported activities identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Angiogenic, Anxiogenic, Aphrodisiac.

Angiogenic

1. Medicines (Basel, Switzerland)

Anxiogenic

1. Medicines (Basel, Switzerland)

Aphrodisiac

1. Medicines (Basel, Switzerland)

Conditions

Sphenocentrum jollyanum has 12 reported investigations on conditions identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include breast tumor, constipation, coughs, diabetes mellitus, erectile dysfunction.

Breast tumor

1. Medicines (Basel, Switzerland)

Constipation

1. Medicines (Basel, Switzerland)

Coughs

1. Medicines (Basel, Switzerland)

Diabetes mellitus

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Erectile dysfunction

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Fever

1. Medicines (Basel, Switzerland)

Gastrointestinal disorders

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

High blood pressure

1. Medicines (Basel, Switzerland)

Malaria

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Oxidative stress

1. Journal of the American College of Nutrition

Preparations

Sphenocentrum jollyanum has 1 reported preparations identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include Sphenocentrum jollyanum whole stem extract.

Sphenocentrum jollyanum whole stem extract

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology