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Scientific
Classification
- Kingdom:
Plantae
- Clade:
Angiosperms
- Order:
Gentianales
- Family:
Rubiaceae
- Genus:
Psychotria
- Species:
Psychotria microphylla (Hook.f.) Hiern
Synonyms
Grumilea microphylla Hook.f. Species
ID: NMP-241;wfo-0000286682 Common
Names: Basic
Description
Psychotria microphylla is a small shrub or undershrub characterized by
relatively small, elliptical to oblong leaves (hence “microphylla,” meaning
“small-leaved”). The leaves are opposite and glossy, typical of many Rubiaceae.
Its flowers are generally small, tubular, and often whitish or cream, arranged
in inflorescences. The fruits are small, berry-like drupes that may turn from
green to reddish or dark when mature. As with many understory shrubs, the
plant’s appearance is modest and adapted to low light conditions within forest
habitats. Distribution
and Habitat
Psychotria microphylla is native to tropical Africa, including West
and Central African countries such as Nigeria and Cameroon. It is typically
found in the understory of lowland rainforests and moist woodlands, thriving in
humid, shaded environments. The species is often associated with primary or
well-structured secondary forests, where it benefits from stable moisture levels
and protective canopy cover. Medicinal
Properties
While numerous species of Psychotria are known to possess alkaloids
and have been used in traditional medicine for various ailments (e.g., as
febrifuges, anti-inflammatory agents, or for treating gastrointestinal
disorders), specific ethnopharmacological data on P. microphylla
remain sparse in the literature. Studies on related species within the genus
suggest potential bioactive compounds that could be used in herbal medicine
(Verotta et al., 2001), but definitive medicinal uses of P. microphylla
in Nigerian traditional medicine have not been well documented. Known
Toxicity
Some members of the genus Psychotria contain psychoactive or
potentially toxic alkaloids. However, there is limited specific information on
the toxicity of P. microphylla. Without targeted phytochemical and
toxicological studies, it is not possible to conclusively identify its toxic
profile. Generally, caution is advised due to the alkaloidal presence in
related species Additional
Information
- Conservation Status:
There is insufficient data from major conservation assessments (e.g., IUCN
Red List) focused specifically on P. microphylla. However, as a
forest understory species, it may be indirectly affected by habitat loss
due to deforestation.
- Research Gaps:
More ethnobotanical surveys and phytochemical studies are needed to
determine its potential medicinal value, toxicity, and conservation needs.
References - Burkill, H. M. (1985). The Useful Plants of West Tropical Africa (2nd ed.).
Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
- Plants
of the World Online (POWO). (n.d.). Psychotria microphylla (Hook.f.) Hiern.
Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Retrieved from http://www.plantsoftheworldonline.org
- Verotta,
L., Pilati, T., Elisabetsky, E., & Pizza, C. (2001). Traditional medicine
and natural products as lead sources for drug discovery: The need to bite the
tail of the snake. Phytochemistry Reviews, 1(3), 285–294.
https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1021937408003
External
links - https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:762680-1
- https://www.gbif.org/species/2922887
- https://www.tropicos.org/name/100001299
- https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:77289754-1
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