Zygophyllum simplex

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Fabago portulacifolius
• Zygophyllum simplex var. herniarioides
• Zygophyllum portulacoides
• Zygophyllum simplex var. capense
• Zygophyllum obtusum
• Zygophyllum simplex var. namaense
• Tetraena simplex

Sources: Wikidata

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae, it is placed in the order Zygophyllales and the family Zygophyllaceae. Finally, it is categorized under the genus Zygophyllum, specifically as the species Zygophyllum simplex.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific distribution pattern concentrated within the northern regions of the African continent. It can be found growing across several North African nations, including Egypt and Libya. Its range extends westward to include the territories of Morocco and Western Sahara. Additionally, the species reaches into the Macaronesian islands, specifically located in Cape Verde. Together, these locations define the unique geographical footprint of Zygophyllum simplex.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Zygophyllum simplex is defined by its preference for open spaces within deciduous bushland, where it frequently colonizes sandy substrates and coastal environments. This species demonstrates a broad altitudinal distribution, thriving at elevations ranging from a minimum of 100 m AMSL to a maximum of 1370 m AMSL.

Elevational range max:

1370 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

100 m AMSL

Habitat :

open places in deciduous bushland, often on sand and coastal

Life history

The life history of Zygophyllum simplex is characterized by a seasonal strategy defined by its classification as an annual species. As a therophyte, the plant completes its entire developmental cycle—from germination to seed production—within a single growing season, relying on a dormant seed bank to survive unfavorable periods. This lifecycle is further supported by its status as a cryptophyte, indicating that its regenerative organs are protected at or below the soil surface, allowing it to persist in its environment despite harsh conditions.

Life form :

therophyte

Life form :

cryptophyte

Lifecycle :

annual

Morphology

The morphology of Zygophyllum simplex is characterized by its growth form as a non-woody herb, functioning as both a herb and a forb. This species is a self-supporting plant that does not exhibit climbing behavior, maintaining a low-profile stature with a plant height ranging from a minimum of 0.01 m to a maximum of 0.1 m. It is an independent organism that does not act as a parasite, and it grows in a terrestrial manner rather than as an epiphyte or an aquatic/semiaquatic plant.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

herb

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

0.1 m

Plant height min:

0.01 m

Woodiness :

non-woody

Physiology

The physiology of Zygophyllum simplex is characterized by specialized metabolic adaptations designed to optimize resource acquisition and survival in arid environments. A defining feature of its physiological profile is its photosynthetic pathway, which utilizes the C4 mechanism. By employing this C4 pathway rather than the standard C3 pathway, the plant effectively concentrates carbon dioxide around the enzyme Rubisco, thereby minimizing photorespiration and maximizing photosynthetic efficiency under high-temperature and high-light conditions. This metabolic specialization allows for increased water-use efficiency, as the plant can maintain high rates of carbon fixation even when stomata are partially closed to prevent excessive transpiration. This efficient management of gas exchange and carbon assimilation is central to its ability to thrive in water-limited habitats.

Photosynthetic pathway :

C4

Reproduction

The reproduction of Zygophyllum simplex is characterized by a specific seasonal flowering window and the production of minute seeds. The flowering period typically begins in March and concludes in April, though the timing can be variable throughout the year. Following pollination, the plant produces seeds that exhibit significant variation in mass; the average seed mass is approximately 0.00019 g, with individual seed weights ranging from a minimum of 0.00008 g (8e-05 g) to a maximum of 0.00042 g.

Flowering time :

Mar

Flowering time :

Apr

Seed mass max:

0.00042 g

Seed mass mean:

0.00019 g

Seed mass min:

8e-05 g

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Activities

Zygophyllum simplex has 2 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Analgesic, Hypoglycemic.

Analgesic

1. Pakistan journal of biological sciences : PJBS

Hypoglycemic

1. Pakistan journal of biological sciences : PJBS

Medicinal Uses

Zygophyllum simplex has 4 reported medicinal uses identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus, analgesic, glucose, triglycerides.

Most Reported Uses

Preparations