Thunbergia alata

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Distribution

This plant, known as Thunbergia alata, exhibits a specific distribution pattern across the West Tropical Africa region. It can be found growing naturally within the borders of Ghana. The species also inhabits the landscapes of Guinea and the Ivory Coast. Furthermore, its presence extends into the territories of Liberia. Finally, the geographical range of this medicinal plant includes Nigeria.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Thunbergia alata is characterized by a broad adaptability to diverse environmental conditions, spanning an expansive elevational range from sea level (0 m AMSL) up to a maximum altitude of 2600 m AMSL. This wide altitudinal distribution allows the species to inhabit various climatic zones, from lowland tropical environments to higher montane regions. Furthermore, the species demonstrates a significant capacity for colonization in anthropogenic areas (Área Antrópica), frequently establishing itself in habitats modified by human activity, such as disturbed soils, gardens, and urban fringes, where it can thrive alongside human-altered landscapes.

Elevational range max:

2600 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

0 m AMSL

Habitat :

Área Antrópica

Genetics

The genetics of Thunbergia alata are characterized by complex chromosomal variations that contribute to its biological diversity. Specifically, the plant exhibits distinct chromosome numbers, with recorded values of 18 and 32. This variation in chromosome numbers suggests a high degree of genetic plasticity, potentially arising from processes such as polyploidy or hybridization within the species. Such chromosomal differences play a significant role in the plant's evolutionary adaptation and its ability to maintain genetic stability across different environmental conditions.

Chromosome number :

18, 32

Life history

The life history of Thunbergia alata is characterized by its nature as a perennial organism, allowing it to persist through multiple growing seasons. In terms of its structural growth and survival strategy, the plant is classified under the life form of a chamaephyte, indicating that its permanent shoots are located close to the soil surface, often protected by leaf litter or minimal soil cover. This life form, consistent across its various biological classifications, defines its ability to endure environmental fluctuations while maintaining its reproductive and vegetative capabilities over an extended period.

Life form :

chamaephyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Thunbergia alata is characterized by its growth habit as a non-woody, obligatory climbing vine. Functioning as a terrestrial forb or herb, the plant exhibits a flexible growth form that ranges significantly in height, with measurements spanning from a minimum of 1 m to a maximum of 10 m, resulting in an average plant height of approximately 6.375 m. As an independent organism, it does not function as a parasite or an epiphyte, maintaining a strictly terrestrial existence rather than occupying aquatic or semi-aquatic niches.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

vine

Climber :

obligatory

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

herb

Growth form :

forb

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

10 m

Plant height mean:

6.375 m

Plant height min:

1 m

Woodiness :

non-woody

Physiology

The physiology of Thunbergia alata is characterized by a C3 photosynthetic pathway, which dictates its carbon fixation processes and metabolic efficiency. The plant's vegetative structure exhibits significant variability in leaf morphology, with leaf lengths ranging from a minimum of 2 cm to a maximum of 7.5 cm, maintaining a mean length of 4.75 cm. Correspondingly, leaf width shows a broad spectrum, starting from a minimum of 1 cm up to a maximum of 6 cm, with a mean width of 4 cm. In terms of water storage and nutrient acquisition, the species does not exhibit succulence and lacks the physiological capability to act as a nitrogen fixer.

Leaf length max:

7.5 cm

Leaf length mean:

4.75 cm

Leaf length min:

2 cm

Leaf width max:

6 cm

Leaf width mean:

4 cm

Leaf width min:

1 cm

Nitrogen fixer :

no

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Succulence :

no

Reproduction

The reproduction of Thunbergia alata is characterized by a flowering period that is highly flexible, with blooms occurring from December through November and varying according to environmental conditions. The plant primarily utilizes sexual reproduction, as asexual reproduction is notably absent. Following pollination, the plant develops fruit in the form of a capsule. These capsules are consistent in size, maintaining a mean length of 0.7 cm and a mean width of 1 cm, with no deviation between the minimum and maximum recorded dimensions. The fruit is dehiscent, meaning it splits open at maturity to facilitate seed release. The seeds produced are small and uniform, with a mean, minimum, and maximum mass of 0.0258 g. Dispersal is achieved through an autochorous syndrome, where the plant utilizes self-dispersal mechanisms to spread its seeds.

Dehiscence :

dehiscent

Dispersal syndrome :

autochorous

Flowering time :

Dec

Fruit length max:

0.7 cm

Fruit type :

capsule

Fruit width max:

1 cm

Reproduction asexual :

absent

Seed mass mean:

0.0258 g

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Thunbergia alata 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 flower.

Flower

1. Cell biochemistry and biophysics