Triclisia subcordata

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Triclisia dielsii
• Tiliacora subcordata

Sources: Wikidata

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta within the class Equisetopsida. It is a member of the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Ranunculales, falling specifically under the family Menispermaceae. Ultimately, it is identified by the genus Triclisia.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant, Triclisia subcordata, is distributed across several countries within the West Tropical Africa region. Its presence is documented in the nation of Benin, where it grows in specific ecological zones. The species also inhabits parts of Burkina Faso, extending its reach through the West African landscape. Furthermore, it can be found within the territories of Ghana and Ivory Coast. Finally, its geographical range includes Nigeria, marking a significant portion of its regional distribution.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Triclisia subcordata is characterized by its classification as a phanerophyte, a life form defined by the presence of its perennating buds located well above the ground level on woody stems. Within the various ecological categories of growth habits, this species is specifically identified as a phanerophyte, ensuring its survival through seasonal changes by protecting its regenerative tissues on elevated branches. This life strategy allows the plant to maintain a stable perennial existence, utilizing its structural height to access light and navigate its specific environmental niche.

Life form :

phanerophyte

Morphology

The morphology of Trichilia subcordata is characterized by its growth habit as an obligatory climber, functioning as a liana or vine that requires external support to ascend. This plant is a terrestrial species that operates independently rather than as a parasite or epiphyte. In terms of stature, it reaches a plant height ranging from approximately 1.83 meters to 4.57 meters. The structural composition of the plant exhibits variable woodiness, reflecting its adaptation to its climbing lifestyle.

Climber :

liana

Climber :

obligatory

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

4.572055596 m

Plant height min:

1.828822238 m

Woodiness :

variable

Physiology

The physiology of Triclisia subcordata is characterized by its metabolic processes as a woody angiosperm, primarily driven by photosynthetic pathways that facilitate carbon assimilation and energy production. Its nutrient uptake mechanisms are specialized for life in tropical or subtropical forest environments, where it relies on the decomposition of organic matter and soil mineral availability to sustain growth. Regarding its symbiotic relationship with soil microorganisms, the plant is not a nitrogen fixer; it lacks the physiological mechanisms to host diazotrophic bacteria within specialized root nodules to convert atmospheric nitrogen into bioavailable forms. Consequently, its nitrogen acquisition is entirely dependent on the uptake of nitrates and ammonium present in the rhizosphere through its root system. This dependency influences its growth patterns and competitive strategies within its ecological niche, as it must optimize nutrient absorption from the soil rather than relying on biological nitrogen fixation.

Nitrogen fixer :

no

Reproduction

Reproduction in Triclisia subcordata is characterized by a reliance on cross-pollination mechanisms rather than internal self-reliance. A key botanical feature of this species is that self-fertilization is absent, meaning the plant does not possess the inherent capacity to fertilize its own ovules through a single flower's reproductive organs. Instead, the reproductive success of the species depends on the transfer of pollen between different individual plants, typically facilitated by external agents such as insects or wind. This absence of self-fertilization promotes genetic diversity within the population by ensuring that offspring are the result of genetic recombination between distinct parent plants.

Self fertilization :

absent

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Triclisia subcordata has 3 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Cycleanine, Isochondodendrine, tetrandrine.

Cycleanine

1. Phytotherapy research : PTR
2. Antimicrobial agents and chemotherapy

Isochondodendrine

1. Antimicrobial agents and chemotherapy

tetrandrine

1. Phytotherapy research : PTR

Conditions

Triclisia subcordata has 1 reported investigations on conditions identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include ovarian cancer.

Ovarian cancer

1. Phytotherapy research : PTR