Tapia tree

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• tapia tree

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Chorizotheca macrophylla
• Uapaca clusiacea

Regional and Traditional Names

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae, it falls under the order Malpighiales and the family Phyllanthaceae. Its specific taxonomic designation is within the genus Uapaca, where it is identified as Uapaca bojeri.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant, known scientifically as Uapaca bojeri, possesses a very specific and limited natural range. Its geographical distribution is centered within the Western Indian Ocean region. Specifically, this medicinal species is found natively on the island of Madagascar. Because of this localization, it is considered an endemic part of the island's unique biodiversity. Understanding this restricted habitat is essential for the conservation of the species.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Uapaca bojeri is characterized by its classification as a phanerophyte, a life form in which the perennating buds are located on aerial parts of the plant, well above the soil surface. Specifically, it exhibits traits consistent with both phanerophyte and nanophanerophyte categories, indicating a perennial growth habit where the vital organs are elevated to withstand seasonal environmental shifts. This growth strategy allows the plant to maintain a persistent woody structure, enabling it to survive through unfavorable periods by protecting its reproductive and vegetative buds on its branches. As a phanerophyte, its developmental cycle is centered around the long-term maintenance of its canopy, facilitating continuous growth and seasonal resilience within its specific ecological niche.

Life form :

phanerophyte

Morphology

The morphology of Uapaca bojeri is characterized by its growth form as a tree, exhibiting a robust and woody structure. As an independent organism, it does not function as a parasite, maintaining its own nutritional processes without relying on a host. Regarding its habitat and ecological positioning, the plant is terrestrial in nature, rather than being aquatic or an epiphyte. Furthermore, it is classified as a self-supporting species, lacking the climbing habits associated with obligate or facultative climbers.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Woodiness :

woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Uapaca bojeri 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 fruit.

Fruit

1. Plants (Basel, Switzerland)

Chemicals

Uapaca bojeri has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include succinic acid.

succinic acid

1. Plants (Basel, Switzerland)

Activities

Uapaca bojeri has 3 reported activities identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Analgesic, Antihyperglycemic, Antioxidant.

Analgesic

1. Plants (Basel, Switzerland)

Antihyperglycemic

1. Plants (Basel, Switzerland)

Antioxidant

1. Plants (Basel, Switzerland)

Medicinal Uses

Uapaca bojeri has 2 reported medicinal uses identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include analgesic, antihyperglycemic.

Most Reported Uses

Preparations