Uvaria scheffleri

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Magnoliales, it is classified under the family Annonaceae. Specifically, Uvaria scheffleri is a member of the genus Uvaria.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific geographical range located within the East Tropical Africa region. It can be found growing naturally in the country of Kenya. Additionally, its distribution extends into the neighboring territory of Tanzania. The species is also documented to occur within the borders of Uganda. Therefore, its presence is concentrated across these three East African nations.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Morphology

The morphology of Uvaria scheffleri is characterized by its growth habit as a woody shrub that functions as an obligatory climber. Reaching an average plant height of approximately 4 m, the plant utilizes its climbing nature to navigate its environment. As a woody species, it possesses a structural firmness typical of its growth form, allowing it to ascend and support its weight as it develops.

Climber :

obligatory

Growth form :

shrub

Plant height mean:

4 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Uvaria scheffleri is characterized by complex metabolic pathways essential for its growth and survival in tropical ecosystems. As a woody climber, its physiological processes are heavily geared toward efficient nutrient uptake and secondary metabolite synthesis, particularly the production of bioactive alkaloids and acetogenins. The plant's nitrogen metabolism is strictly dependent on the assimilation of nitrates and ammonium from the soil through its root system, as it is not a nitrogen fixer; therefore, it lacks the symbiotic relationship with rhizobia required to convert atmospheric nitrogen into usable forms. Its photosynthetic efficiency is optimized to support the rapid development of its climbing habit, involving highly regulated gas exchange through stomatal movement to balance carbon dioxide intake with transpiration rates. Furthermore, the physiological regulation of its flowering and fruiting cycles is influenced by environmental cues such as light intensity and moisture availability, which drive the hormonal shifts necessary for its reproductive success.

Nitrogen fixer :

no

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Uvaria scheffleri has 1 reported plant parts identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include root.

Root

1. Advances and applications in bioinformatics and chemistry : AABC
2. Journal of natural medicines

Chemicals

Uvaria scheffleri has 8 reported phytochemicals identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include 2'-Hydroxy-3',4',6'-trimethoxychalcone, Bis(2-ethylheptyl) phthalate, Hydroxyespintanol, Lupeol, Schefflerichalcone.

2'-Hydroxy-3',4',6'-trimethoxychalcone

1. Journal of natural medicines

Bis(2-ethylheptyl) phthalate

1. Advances and applications in bioinformatics and chemistry : AABC

Hydroxyespintanol

1. Journal of natural medicines

Lupeol

1. Advances and applications in bioinformatics and chemistry : AABC

Schefflerichalcone

1. Journal of natural medicines

Uvaretin

1. Advances and applications in bioinformatics and chemistry : AABC

coumarin

1. Advances and applications in bioinformatics and chemistry : AABC

espintanol

1. Journal of natural medicines

Medicinal Uses

Uvaria scheffleri has 4 reported medicinal uses identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include asthma, cough, sore throat, tuberculosis.

Most Reported Uses

Preparations