Zygophyllum gaetulum

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Tetraena gaetula

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Zygophyllales, it is classified under the family Zygophyllaceae. Its specific taxonomic placement is defined by the genus Zygophyllum.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant is primarily located across several regions within Northern Africa. Specifically, its range includes the territories of Algeria and Morocco. It can also be found extending into the area of Western Sahara. Beyond the African mainland, its distribution reaches the Macaronesian islands. Within this island group, the species is documented in both the Canary Islands and Cape Verde.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Zygophyllum gaetulum is characterized by its distribution across low-lying landscapes, specifically occupying an elevational range that begins at sea level (0 m AMSL) and extends up to a maximum of 300 m AMSL. This species typically thrives in these lower altitudinal zones, where it adapts to the specific environmental pressures found in coastal or lowland habitats. Its presence within this narrow vertical gradient suggests a specialization for warmer, low-altitude climates, often associated with specific soil types and moisture availability found in these terrestrial ecosystems.

Elevational range max:

300 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

0 m AMSL

Morphology

The morphology of Zygophyllum gaetulum is characterized by a woody growth form, primarily manifesting as a shrub. The plant maintains a relatively low stature, with a height ranging from a minimum of 0.25 m to a maximum of 0.6 m.

Growth form :

shrub

Plant height max:

0.6 m

Plant height min:

0.25 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Zygophyllum gaetulum is characterized by specialized adaptations for moisture retention and structural efficiency within arid environments. A defining physiological feature is its succulence, which allows the plant to store significant quantities of water within its tissues to withstand prolonged periods of drought. The leaves exhibit a specific morphological configuration where they are arranged in an opposite pattern along the stem, a spatial distribution that optimizes light interception and surface area management. In terms of dimensions, the leaf length is relatively modest, reaching a maximum value of approximately 1.5 cm, a trait that helps minimize transpirational water loss by reducing the overall evaporative surface area.

Leaf arrangement :

opposite

Leaf length max:

1.5 cm

Succulence :

yes

Reproduction

The reproduction of Zygophyllum gaetulum is characterized by a specific flowering phenology and distinct morphological structures. The plant enters its flowering stage starting in April and continues through June, though the timing can be variable throughout the year. The flowers are relatively small, reaching a maximum length of 0.5 cm, and are distinguished by their pink coloration. Following successful pollination, the plant develops fruit in the form of a capsule. These fruits exhibit a violet color and vary in size, with lengths ranging from a minimum of 0.5 cm to a maximum of 2 cm. To facilitate seed dispersal, the fruit is dehiscence, meaning it opens at maturity to release its contents.

Dehiscence :

dehiscent

Flower colour :

pink

Flower length max:

0.5 cm

Flowering time :

Apr

Flowering time :

Jun

Fruit colour :

violet

Fruit length max:

2 cm

Fruit length min:

0.5 cm

Fruit type :

capsule

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Zygophyllum gaetulum 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 root.

Root

1. Phytochemistry

Chemicals

Zygophyllum gaetulum has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Saponins.

Saponins

1. Phytochemistry

Activities

Zygophyllum gaetulum has 7 reported activities identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antidiabetic, Antispasmodic, Analgesic, Antidepressant, Antidiarrheic.

Antidiabetic

1. Comptes rendus biologies
2. Annales pharmaceutiques francaises

Antispasmodic

1. Comptes rendus biologies
2. Annales pharmaceutiques francaises

Analgesic

1. Comptes rendus biologies

Antidepressant

1. Comptes rendus biologies

Antidiarrheic

1. Annales pharmaceutiques francaises

Antipyretic

1. Phytotherapy research : PTR

Toxic

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Medicinal Uses

Zygophyllum gaetulum has 6 reported medicinal uses identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include antidiabetic, antispasmodic, dermatomycosis, inflammation, mastitis.

Most Reported Uses

Preparations