Xylotheca kraussiana

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific distribution pattern across several regions of the African continent. Within South Tropical Africa, it can be found growing in Mozambique. Its presence extends into Southern Africa, where it is documented in the KwaZulu-Natal province. Additionally, the species is located within the borders of Eswatini. Finally, its range includes the Northern Provinces of Southern Africa.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Xylotheca kraussiana is characterized by its adaptability to a broad vertical gradient within its natural habitat, spanning a significant altitudinal spectrum. This species thrives across an elevational range that begins at sea level, specifically at a minimum altitude of 10 m AMSL, and extends up to a maximum elevation of 610 m AMSL. This distribution suggests that the plant is well-suited to lowland and sub-montane environments, occupying diverse ecological niches within these lower-altitude zones. Such a range indicates a capacity to tolerate varying atmospheric pressures and temperature fluctuations typical of coastal to low-lying inland terrains.

Elevational range max:

610 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

10 m AMSL

Life history

The life history of Xylotheca kraussiana is characterized by its status as a perennial organism, allowing it to persist in its environment over multiple growing seasons. As a perennial species, it avoids the complete senescence associated with annuals, instead establishing a robust structural foundation that supports long-term survival and reproductive capabilities. This extended lifecycle enables the plant to adapt to seasonal fluctuations and invest energy into sustained growth and complex developmental stages. By maintaining its presence over several years, the plant can navigate varying environmental conditions, ensuring its continued existence within its ecological niche through repeated cycles of growth and reproduction.

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Xylotheca kraussiana is characterized by a woody growth form, specifically classified as a shrub. It is a self-supporting plant, lacking any climbing or vine-like tendencies, and functions as an independent organism rather than a parasite or epiphyte, maintaining a terrestrial lifestyle. The plant exhibits a significant range in stature, with heights varying from a minimum of 0.01 m to a maximum of 10 m. While it is primarily terrestrial, its ecological niche can span across aquatic, semiaquatic, and terrestrial habitats.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

shrub

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

10 m

Plant height min:

0.01 m

Woodiness :

woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Xylotheca kraussiana 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 leaf.

Leaf

1. African journal of traditional, complementary, and alternative medicines : AJTCAM

Preparations

Xylotheca kraussiana has 1 reported preparations identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include Leaf extracts.

Leaf extracts

1. African journal of traditional, complementary, and alternative medicines : AJTCAM