Spondianthus preussii

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Distribution

This plant, Spondias preussii, exhibits a specific geographical distribution throughout the West Tropical Africa region. Its presence has been documented across several diverse nations within this tropical belt. Specifically, the species can be found growing in the territories of Benin and Burkina. It also inhabits various parts of Ghana and Guinea. Finally, its range extends into the coastal and inland areas of the Ivory Coast.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Spondias preussii is characterized by its classification as a perennial organism, meaning it maintains its biological functions and structure over many years rather than completing its cycle in a single season. As a phanerophyte, the plant's life strategy involves elevating its photosynthetic organs well above the ground, typically manifesting as a large tree or woody shrub where the buds are protected by branches. This phanerophyte life form allows the species to establish a dominant presence within its ecological niche, utilizing its long-lived woody structure to endure various environmental conditions throughout its extended lifespan.

Life form :

phanerophyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Spondias preussii is characterized by its stature as a substantial woody tree, exhibiting a growth form that is distinctly tree-like rather than shrubby or herbaceous. It is a terrestrial species that functions as an independent organism, not operating as a parasite or an epiphyte. In terms of its physical dimensions, the plant reaches a mean height of approximately 25 meters, with a maximum recorded height of up to 27.43 meters. Although it possesses characteristics often seen in climbing species, its growth habit is classified as self-supporting, allowing it to maintain its structural integrity without the need for external climbing assistance.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

27.43233358 m

Plant height mean:

25 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Spondia preussii is characterized by a C3 photosynthetic pathway, a metabolic strategy typical of many woody tropical species that involves the direct fixation of carbon dioxide through the Calvin cycle within the mesophyll cells. This pathway is optimized for environments where moisture is relatively available, allowing the plant to maintain efficient gas exchange and biomass production. Furthermore, the plant does not function as a nitrogen fixer, meaning it lacks the symbiotic relationship with diazotrophic bacteria (such as Rhizobium) necessary to convert atmospheric nitrogen into usable forms; instead, it relies on the uptake of nitrates and ammonium from the soil through its root system to meet its nutritional requirements for growth and protein synthesis.

Nitrogen fixer :

no

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Reproduction

The reproduction of Spondias preussii is characterized by specific biological parameters regarding its genetic and physical dispersal mechanisms. In terms of pollination strategy, the plant exhibits a lack of self-fertilization, as the trait for self-fertilization is documented as absent, suggesting a reliance on cross-pollination to maintain genetic diversity. The production of offspring is further defined by the physical properties of its seeds, which show a highly uniform mass. The seed mass is measured with a mean, minimum, and maximum value all consistently recorded at 0.11158 g, indicating a highly standardized seed size within the species.

Seed mass mean:

0.11158 g

Self fertilization :

absent

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Spondianthus preussii has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include betulinic acid.

betulinic acid

1. Dr. Duke

Activities

Spondianthus preussii has 18 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Anthelmintic, AntiHIV, Antibacterial, Anticancer, Anticarcinomic.

Anthelmintic

1. Dr. Duke

AntiHIV

1. Dr. Duke

Antibacterial

1. Dr. Duke

Anticancer

1. Dr. Duke

Anticarcinomic

1. Dr. Duke

Antiedemic

1. Dr. Duke

Antiinflammatory

1. Dr. Duke

Antileukemic

1. Dr. Duke

Antimalarial

1. Dr. Duke

Antimelanomic

1. Dr. Duke