Christmas-bells

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• Christmas-bells
• Ethiopian-mahogany
• Natal-mahogany
• mafura-butter
• Natal mahogany

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Regional and Traditional Names

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and is classified under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. It is further organized into the order Sapindales and the family Meliaceae. Finally, its specific taxonomic designation falls under the genus Trichilia.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific distribution pattern across the West Tropical Africa region. It can be found growing within the borders of Benin and Burkina. The species also extends its range into the nation of Gambia. Furthermore, its presence is documented in Ghana. Finally, its geographical reach includes Guinea-Bissau.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Trichilia emeetica is characterized by its preference for specific hydrological conditions and a broad altitudinal distribution. This species is primarily found in riverine habitats or in specific sites characterized by high groundwater levels, indicating a strong affinity for moisture-rich environments. Its vertical distribution is extensive, spanning an elevational range that begins at a minimum of 5 m AMSL and reaches a maximum of 1800 m AMSL.

Elevational range max:

1800 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

5 m AMSL

Habitat :

riverine, or in sites with high groundwater

Life history

The life history of Trichilia emeetica is characterized by its status as a perennial organism, allowing it to persist in its ecosystem through multiple growing seasons. As a member of the phanerophyte life forms, specifically classified under both phanerophyte and phanerophyte categories, its reproductive buds are elevated well above the ground on woody stems, a structural adaptation typical of trees and large shrubs. This perennial growth habit and phanerophyte life form enable the species to establish a long-term presence within its habitat, maintaining structural stability and longevity over many years.

Life form :

phanerophyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Trichilia emeetica is characterized by its growth form as a woody tree that functions as a self-supporting organism. It is a terrestrial species that grows independently, lacking any parasitic or epiphytic tendencies. In terms of stature, the plant exhibits significant vertical development, with a height ranging from a minimum of 2 meters to a maximum of 18 meters, maintaining an average height of approximately 15.67 meters.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

18 m

Plant height mean:

15.6666666666667 m

Plant height min:

2 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Trichilia emeetica is characterized by a C3 photosynthetic pathway, which dictates its metabolic processes and carbon fixation efficiency within its natural environment. As a member of the Meliaceae family, it relies on the standard Calvin cycle for converting atmospheric carbon dioxide into organic compounds, a trait typical of most woody tropical species. Furthermore, the plant does not function as a nitrogen fixer, meaning it lacks the specialized symbiotic relationships with nitrogen-fixing bacteria required to convert atmospheric nitrogen into a usable form, and instead depends on the uptake of nitrates and ammonium present in the soil.

Nitrogen fixer :

no

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Reproduction

The reproduction of Trichilia emeetica is driven by a biotic pollination syndrome, specifically involving bees as primary pollinators. The plant produces seeds that exhibit a consistent seed volume of 810 mm³, with no variation recorded between its minimum and maximum measurements. The seeds vary in mass, ranging from a minimum of 0.46 g to a maximum of 1.07 g, with an overall mean seed mass of 0.432482 g. The fruit type is categorized as "other," and once mature, the plant utilizes a zoochorous dispersal syndrome, relying on animals to transport its seeds for propagation.

Dispersal syndrome :

zoochorous

Fruit type :

other

Pollination syndrome :

bee

Pollination syndrome :

biotic

Seed mass max:

1.07 g

Seed mass mean:

0.432482 g

Seed mass min:

0.46 g

Seed volume max:

810 mm³

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Trichilia emetica has 2 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.

Leaf

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology
2. Scientifica
3. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM

Seed

1. Plants (Basel, Switzerland)

Chemicals

Trichilia emetica has 6 reported phytochemicals identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include acetone, ETHYL ACETATE, HEXANE, ethanol, methanol.

acetone

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology
2. Scientifica

ETHYL ACETATE

1. Scientifica

HEXANE

1. Scientifica

ethanol

1. Scientifica

methanol

1. Scientifica

water

1. Scientifica

Activities

Trichilia emetica has 3 reported activities identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antidiabetic, Antifungal, Antioxidant.

Antidiabetic

1. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM

Antifungal

1. Scientifica

Antioxidant

1. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM

Medicinal Uses

Trichilia emetica has 8 reported medicinal uses identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include African trypanosomiasis, Candida albicans, Candida tropicalis, cognitive disorders, dysmenorrhea.

Most Reported Uses

Preparations