Strophanthus gratus

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Distribution

This plant, Strophanthus gratus, exhibits a specific geographical distribution concentrated within the West Tropical Africa region. It can be found growing in several distinct nations across this part of the continent. Specifically, its presence is documented in the country of Burkina. The species also thrives within the borders of Ghana and Guinea. Furthermore, its range extends into the territories of both Ivory Coast and Liberia.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Strophanthus gratus is characterized by its preference for transitional zones within tropical ecosystems, specifically thriving in forest fringes and forest gaps. By occupying these specific niches, the plant capitalizes on the increased light availability and fluctuating microclimates found where dense canopy cover breaks, allowing for sufficient solar radiation to support its growth. These edge habitats and disturbed areas provide a unique balance of soil moisture and temperature, distinguishing its ecological niche from the deep, shaded interior of a primary forest. As a species adapted to these open or semi-open forest structures, its distribution and survival are closely linked to the natural disturbances and structural dynamics that create these light-rich environments.

Habitat :

forest fringe and forest gap

Life history

The life history of Strophantus gratus is characterized by its status as a perennial organism, allowing it to persist through multiple growing seasons. In terms of its structural growth habit and life form, it is classified as a phanerophyte, indicating that its perennable shoots are elevated well above the ground level. Additionally, it exhibits characteristics consistent with a nanophanerophyte, reflecting its specific stature and the way it maintains its woody structure throughout its life cycle.

Life form :

nanophanerophyte

Life form :

phanerophyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Strophanthus gratus is characterized by a woody growth form, primarily manifesting as a large, robust shrub. As an obligatory climber, it functions as a liana, utilizing surrounding structures for support to reach significant heights, with a mean plant height reaching approximately 20 m. This species is a terrestrial plant, growing independently in its natural habitat without exhibiting epiphytic or parasitic behaviors.

Climber :

liana

Climber :

obligatory

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

shrub

Parasite :

independent

Plant height mean:

20 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiological profile of Strophantus gratus is characterized by specific morphological dimensions of its foliage and its nutritional metabolic processes. The leaves exhibit a significant range in size, with a mean length of 12 cm, though they can reach a maximum length of 15 cm or decrease to a minimum of 9 cm. The width of the leaves varies accordingly, maintaining a mean width of 5.75 cm, with measurements ranging from a minimum of 4 cm to a maximum of 7.5 cm. In terms of nutrient acquisition and symbiotic relationships, the plant does not function as a nitrogen fixer, meaning it lacks the specialized physiological mechanisms or bacterial associations required to convert atmospheric nitrogen into a usable biological form.

Leaf length max:

15 cm

Leaf length mean:

12 cm

Leaf length min:

9 cm

Leaf width max:

7.5 cm

Leaf width mean:

5.75 cm

Leaf width min:

4 cm

Nitrogen fixer :

no

Reproduction

The reproduction of Strophanthus gratus is primarily achieved through sexual processes facilitated by its complex floral structure. The plant produces large, showy flowers that are specifically adapted for pollination, often involving insect vectors to ensure genetic diversity. Regarding its mating system, self-fertilization is notably absent, as the plant relies on cross-pollination to complete its reproductive cycle. This absence of self-fertilization indicates that the plant is functionally allogamous, requiring the transfer of pollen between different individual plants to achieve successful fertilization and subsequent seed development.

Self fertilization :

absent

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Strophanthus gratus has 1 reported plant parts identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include leaf.

Leaf

1. Fitoterapia

Chemicals

Strophanthus gratus has 13 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Acolongifloroside K, Bipindoside, Glycosides, Sarmentoloside, Sarmentoside E.

Acolongifloroside K

1. Dr. Duke

Bipindoside

1. Dr. Duke

Glycosides

1. Dr. Duke

Sarmentoloside

1. Dr. Duke

Sarmentoside E

1. Dr. Duke

Sarnovide

1. Dr. Duke

Strogoside

1. Dr. Duke

Tholloside

1. Dr. Duke

Trigonelline

1. Dr. Duke

choline

1. Dr. Duke

Activities

Strophanthus gratus has 75 reported activities identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include 5-Alpha-Reductase-Inhibitor, Allergenic, Alpha-Reductase-Inhibitor, Anemiagenic, AntiMS.

5-Alpha-Reductase-Inhibitor

1. Dr. Duke

Allergenic

1. Dr. Duke

Alpha-Reductase-Inhibitor

1. Dr. Duke

Anemiagenic

1. Dr. Duke

AntiMS

1. Dr. Duke

Antiacne

1. Dr. Duke

Antialopecic

1. Dr. Duke

Antialzheimeran

1. Dr. Duke

Antianaphylactic

1. Dr. Duke

Antiandrogenic

1. Dr. Duke