Hippocratea indica

Hippocratea indica

Scientific Classification

  • Kingdom: Plantae
  • Phylum: Tracheophyta
  • Class: Magnoliopsida
  • Order: Celastrales
  • Family: Celastraceae
  • Genus: Reissantia
  • Species: Reissantia indica

Synonyms

  • Hippocratea indica Willd.
  • Pristimera indica (Willd.) A.C.Sm.

Species ID: NMP-232;wfo-0000723539;NCBI_Taxonomy ID: 123465

Common Names: Mopane paddle-pod

Description

Reissantia indica is characterized as a scrambling shrub or true liana. Its young branches are typically four-angled with indistinct lenticels. The leaves are obovate to oblong-elliptic, measuring 4–15 cm in length, and exhibit a greyish- or yellowish-green hue. They are glabrous, with a tapering apex and shallowly crenate-dentate margins featuring glandular teeth. The plant produces very small, yellowish flowers arranged in terminal and axillary branched heads. The fruit comprises two spreading, flattened mericarps, oblong to elliptic, each approximately 5 cm long and yellow-green in color.

Distribution and Habitat

Reissantia indica is native to tropical and subtropical regions, including parts of Africa and Asia. In Nigeria, it is found in dry scrub and woodland environments, particularly within Mopane woodlands. The species thrives in these habitats, contributing to the ecological diversity of the regions it inhabits.

Medicinal Properties

While specific medicinal uses of Reissantia indica in Nigeria are not well-documented, various parts of the plant have been utilized in traditional medicine across its range. However, detailed information on these applications is limited.

Known Toxicity

There are no widely reported toxic effects associated with Reissantia indica. However, as with all medicinal plants, it is advisable to consult knowledgeable practitioners before any medicinal use.

Additional Information

Beyond its medicinal applications, Reissantia indica plays a role in its native ecosystems. The plant's structure provides habitat and support for various fauna, contributing to the ecological balance within its environment.

References

  1. Flora of Caprivi. (n.d.). Hippocratea indica. Retrieved from https://www.capriviflora.com/speciesdata/species.php?species_id=137150
  2. Flora of Malawi. (n.d.). Hippocratea indica. Retrieved from https://www.malawiflora.com/speciesdata/species.php?species_id=137150
  3. Plants of the World Online. (n.d.). Reissantia indica (Willd.) N.Hallé. Retrieved from https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:162488-1
  4. World Flora Online. (n.d.). Hippocratea indica Willd. Retrieved from https://www.worldfloraonline.org/taxon/wfo-0000723539

External links

  1. https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:162488-1
  2. https://www.gbif.org/species/7265761
  3. https://www.worldfloraonline.org/taxon/wfo-0001245050;jsessionid=D8805F2817CC10A09A730948501633AA
  4. https://www.gbif.org/species/170830561
Compounds of Hippocratea indica
References

Sojinu, O. S., Akinloye, D. I., Mosaku, A. M., Adebusuyi, A. T., Oduntan, D., Afolabi, A. E., & Arifalod, M. K. O. (2022). CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS AND AN ANTIMICROBIAL ASSAY OF METHANOL ROOT AND LEAVES EXTRACTS OF Hippocratea indica Willd. Journal of Chemical Society of Nigeria, 47(3).