Shakamaplum (Hexalobus monopetalus, H.G.A.Engler, Monogr. Afrik. Pflanzen-Fam. 6: 56 (1901))

Family: Annonaceae

Author: (A.Rich.) Engl. & Diels

Bibliography: H.G.A.Engler, Monogr. Afrik. Pflanzen-Fam. 6: 56 (1901)

Year: 1901

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Hexalobus

Vegetable: False

Observations: Trop. Africa to NW. Namibia

Description

Shakamaplum, scientifically named Hexalobus monopetalus, is a distinctive member of the Annonaceae family known for its unique features and widespread distribution across tropical Africa extending to northwest Namibia. This plant is highlighted in the renowned work “Monogr. Afrik. Pflanzen-Fam. 6,” authored by H.G.A. Engler in 1901, which remains a foundational reference for African plant taxonomy.

The Shakamaplum thrives in tropical environments, adapting seamlessly to the diverse ecological zones within its range. It bears a noteworthy significance in its native habitat owing to its resilience and the roles it plays within the ecosystem. The plant’s botanical intricacies were further elucidated by (A.Rich.) Engl. & Diels, providing a deeper understanding of its classification and characteristics.

Belonging to the Annonaceae family, Shakamaplum shares commonalities with other members of this group, yet it stands out due to its uniquely structured flowers and fruits. These features not only aid in its identification but also underscore its importance in local flora. The plant’s adaptability to various climatic conditions within its extensive geographic range also marks it as a species of interest for both botanical study and conservation efforts.

In summary, Hexalobus monopetalus, or Shakamaplum, is a plant of considerable botanical interest across tropical Africa and northwestern Namibia. With its robust presence and distinctive character, it continues to attract the attention of botanists and ecologists alike, ensuring its place in the rich tapestry of African biodiversity.

Common Names

En: Shakamaplum
Af: Shakamapruim

Synonyms

• Hexalobus huillensis ((Engl. & Diels) Engl. & Diels)
• Hexalobus glabrescens (Hutch. & Dalziel)
• Uvaria monopetala (A.Rich.)
• Hexalobus senegalensis (A.DC.)
• Hexalobus tomentosus (A.Chev.)
• Uvaria huillensis (Engl. & Diels)
• Uva huillensis ((Engl. & Diels) Kuntze)
• Hexalobus monopetalus var. parvifolius (Baker f.)
• hexalobus monopetalus var. obovatus (Brenan)

Distribution

• Angola (native)
• Benin (native)
• Botswana (native)
• Burkina (native)
• Cameroon (native)
• Central African Repu (native)
• Chad (native)
• Gambia (native)
• Ghana (native)
• Guinea (native)
• Guinea-Bissau (native)
• Ivory Coast (native)
• Malawi (native)
• Mali (native)
• Mozambique (native)
• Namibia (native)
• Niger (native)
• Nigeria (native)
• Northern Provinces (native)
• Senegal (native)
• Sudan (native)
• Tanzania (native)
• Togo (native)
• Uganda (native)
• Zambia (native)
• Zaïre (native)
• Zimbabwe (native)

Additional Images

Fruit

Taken Jul 30, 2022 by Michal Svit (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Apr 24, 2016 by Manie Maree (©)

Taken Apr 23, 2016 by Manie Maree (©)

Taken Apr 23, 2016 by Manie Maree (©)

Taken Aug 6, 2021 by Siaka PARÉ (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 23, 2016 by Manie Maree (©)

Bark

Taken Apr 24, 2016 by Manie Maree (©)

Taken Apr 24, 2016 by Manie Maree (©)

Taken Apr 23, 2016 by Manie Maree (©)

Taken Apr 24, 2016 by Manie Maree (©)

Habit

Taken Apr 24, 2016 by Manie Maree (©)

Taken Apr 24, 2016 by Manie Maree (©)

Taken Apr 24, 2016 by Manie Maree (©)

Taken Apr 24, 2016 by Manie Maree (©)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3155101)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:73714-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Hexalobus monopetalus (A.Rich.) Engl. & Diels)

Specifications

Growth