Spirospermum penduliflorum

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Menispermum milleflorum
• Cocculus milleflorus

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Ranunculales, it is classified under the family Menispermaceae. Finally, its specific taxonomic placement is within the genus Spirospermum.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant is characterized by a very specific and localized geographical range. Its natural distribution is confined primarily to the Western Indian Ocean region. Within this oceanic area, the species is found specifically on the island of Madagascar. Because of this limited presence, it is considered an endemic element of the Malagasy flora. Understanding this unique location is essential for studying its ecological role and conservation needs.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Morphology

The morphology of Spirospermum penduliflorum is characterized by a woody growth form that manifests as a tree, reaching an average height of approximately 7.5 m. As a terrestrial plant, it does not exhibit epiphytic or aquatic tendencies, maintaining its structural integrity within soil-based environments. Furthermore, it functions as an obligatory climber, utilizing its woody architecture to ascend and support its growth habit.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

obligatory

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Plant height mean:

7.5 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Spirospermum penduliflorum is characterized by complex metabolic pathways that support its growth in various tropical environments, though it lacks the specific symbiotic mechanisms required for atmospheric nitrogen sequestration. Regarding its nutrient acquisition strategies, the plant is not a nitrogen fixer, as it does not possess the specialized root nodules or the necessary endosymbiotic relationships with diazotrophic bacteria required to convert atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia. Instead, its physiological processes rely heavily on the uptake of nitrates and ammonium ions directly from the soil through an extensive root system. This reliance on soil-available nitrogen dictates its metabolic efficiency and growth patterns, making its development highly dependent on the nitrogen content and microbial health of its immediate substrate.

Nitrogen fixer :

no

Reproduction

Reproduction in Spirospermum penduliflorum is primarily driven by sexual processes mediated through its specialized floral structures. The reproductive cycle involves the production of flowers that facilitate genetic exchange, although the mechanism of pollination is a critical component of its life cycle. Regarding the specific breeding system of the species, self-fertilization is absent, meaning the plant relies on external agents such as insects or wind to transfer pollen between different flowers or different individuals to achieve successful fertilization. This absence of self-fertilization suggests a reproductive strategy geared toward promoting genetic diversity through cross-pollination. Following successful fertilization, the plant develops seeds which serve as the primary means of dispersal and the initiation of new generations.

Self fertilization :

absent

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Spirospermum penduliflorum has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Limacine.

Limacine

1. Planta medica

Conditions

Spirospermum penduliflorum has 1 reported investigations on conditions identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include malaria.

Malaria

1. Planta medica