Pteris togoensis

Pteris togoensis

Scientific Classification

·       Kingdom: Plantae

·       Class: Polypodiopsida

·       Order: Polypodiales

·       Family: Pteridaceae

·       Genus: Pteris

·       Species: Pteris togoensis

Synonyms

Pteris togoensis has been referred to by various synonyms, including Pteris kamerunensis Hieron., Pteris quadriaurita sensu Sim., and Pteris biaurita sensu Sim. These names reflect its classification history and geographical variation.

Species ID: NMP-144,

Common Names:

Local Names: Imo-osun

Basic Description

Pteris togoensis is a terrestrial fern characterized by an erect or shortly creeping rhizome. The fronds are scaly, clumped, and can grow over 1 meter long. The petiole is reddish at the base and smooth above, with a bipinnatifid lamina composed of 7-14 pairs of lateral pinnae. The pinnae are linear-oblong, divided into contiguous segments, and have a sub-coriaceous texture. This fern also features yellow glands on the lower side of the lamina​.

Distribution and Habitat

Pteris togoensis is native to a range of African regions, including Togo, Principe Island, Bioko Island, Senegal, Guinea, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Nigeria, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Gabon, Congo, Angola, Sudan, Madagascar, and Mali. It typically inhabits shady, moist forests and hilly areas, thriving in ecological zones with suitable humidity and shade​.

Medicinal Properties

There is limited specific information on the medicinal properties of Pteris togoensis. However, ferns in the Pteris genus are known for their use in traditional medicine in various cultures. They have been used for their potential anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antifungal properties, though specific studies on Pteris togoensis are needed to confirm these attributes.

Known Toxicity

Information on the toxicity of Pteris togoensis is not well-documented. Generally, ferns can contain compounds such as thiaminase, which can cause vitamin B1 deficiency if ingested in large amounts. It's advisable to exercise caution and consult relevant literature or experts when considering the use of any fern species for medicinal purposes.

Additional Information

Pteris togoensis, like other members of the Pteridaceae family, plays a role in its ecosystem by contributing to the biodiversity of forest understories and providing habitat and food for various organisms. Its cultivation and conservation can be important for maintaining ecological balance in its native regions.

References

·       Abotsi, K., Radji, A., Rouhan, G., Dubuisson, J., & Kokou, K. (2015). The Pteridaceae family diversity in Togo. Biodiversity Data Journal, 3, e5078. https://doi.org/10.3897/BDJ.3.e5078

·       Wikipedia contributors. (2024). Pteris. In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pteris

External links

https://www.gbif.org/species/5613476

https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:17289640-1

https://bdj.pensoft.net/articles.php?id=5078

https://www.worldfloraonline.org/taxon/wfo-0001111555

https://treatment.plazi.org/id/1663A56E50BB7E0CB5DA50C0B5D39431/2

More Pictures           

Compounds of Pteris togoensis
References

Balogun, O. S., Ajayi, O. S., Emekako, A., Ogunlowo, I. I., & Zhiqiang, L. (2023). GC-MS ANALYSIS, ANTIOXIDANT AND ENZYME INHIBITORY ACTIVITIES OF VOLATILE AND SOLVENT EXTRACT OF Pteris togoensis. Journal of Chemical Society of Nigeria, 48(3).