Uapaca togoensis

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Uapaca somon
• Uapaca perrotii
• Uapaca chevalieri
• Uapaca guignardii
• Uapaca guignardii var. sudanica
• Uapaca guineensis var. sudanica

Sources: Wikidata

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Malpighiales, it is classified under the family Phyllanthaceae. Finally, its specific taxonomic designation is within the genus Uapaca.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant is found across several specific regions within the West Tropical Africa zone. Its natural range includes the country of Benin, where it grows in local ecosystems. It can also be located within the borders of Burkina Faso. Furthermore, the species extends its distribution into Ghana and Guinea-Bissau. Finally, its geographical presence is confirmed within the nation of Guinea.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Uapaca togoensis is characterized by its status as a perennial organism, allowing it to persist through multiple growing seasons. As a phanerophyte, the plant maintains its photosynthetic organs on elevated branches well above the ground level, a structural strategy that defines its primary life form. Furthermore, it exhibits an evergreen deciduousness pattern, meaning it retains its foliage throughout the year rather than shedding it seasonally.

Deciduousness :

evergreen

Life form :

phanerophyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Uapaca togoensis is characterized by a robust growth form, specifically classified as a tree. This species exhibits a woody structure and is strictly terrestrial in its habitat, functioning as an independent organism rather than a parasite or an epiphyte. As a self-supporting plant, it does not require external climbing structures, such as lianas or vines, to maintain its upright posture. In terms of stature, it is a significant specimen, reaching a mean plant height of 18 m, with a maximum recorded height of approximately 18.28822238 m.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

18.28822238 m

Plant height mean:

18 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Uapaca togoensis is characterized by a specialized metabolic framework designed for survival in its specific ecological niche, though it lacks the capacity for biological nitrogen fixation. Unlike many members of the Fabaceae family that engage in symbiotic relationships with rhizobia to convert atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia, this species is not a nitrogen fixer. Consequently, its physiological processes rely entirely on the uptake of available nitrates and ammonium ions from the soil through its root system. Its metabolic pathways are optimized for efficient nutrient assimilation and carbon sequestration, supporting structural growth and secondary metabolite production through standard photosynthetic processes. The plant's internal regulatory mechanisms focus on maintaining osmotic balance and managing nutrient transport via the xylem and phloem to sustain cellular functions in the absence of endogenous nitrogen-fixing capabilities.

Nitrogen fixer :

no

Reproduction

The reproduction of Uapaca togoensis is characterized by specific morphological and biological parameters. Regarding its pollination mechanisms, self-fertilization is notably absent, suggesting a reliance on cross-pollination processes. The plant produces fruit that is classified as dry in nature. The seeds produced during the reproductive cycle are uniform in size, with a consistent seed volume recorded at a mean, maximum, and minimum value of 4100 mm³.

Fruit dryness :

dry

Seed volume max:

4100 mm³

Self fertilization :

absent

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Uapaca togoensis 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 stem.

Stem

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Chemicals

Uapaca togoensis has 3 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Flavonoids, Lupeol, betulinic acid.

Flavonoids

1. Parasitology research

Lupeol

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

betulinic acid

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Activities

Uapaca togoensis has 1 reported activities identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Cytotoxic.

Cytotoxic

1. Frontiers in pharmacology

Medicinal Uses

Uapaca togoensis has 12 reported medicinal uses identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Cancer, Loa loa, Pneumococcus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, bacterial diseases.

Most Reported Uses

Preparations