Broad-Leaved Mitragyna (Mitragyna macrophylla)

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Mitragyna macrophylla: Botanical Characteristics

Distinguished by its notably large foliage, Mitragyna macrophylla commands attention within its natural habitats. Its specific epithet, macrophylla, directly translates to 'large leaf', highlighting its most prominent visual characteristic.

This species is firmly placed within the diverse Mitragyna genus.

Taxonomy

  • ∟ царство Plantae
  • ∟ division Tracheophytes (Vascular Plants)
  • ∟ subdivision Spermatophytes (Seed plants)
  • ∟ Angiosperms
  • ∟ mesangiosperms (Core angiosperms)
  • ∟ eudicots
  • ∟ asterids
  • ∟ order Gentianales
  • ∟ family Rubiaceae
  • ∟ subfamily Cinchonoideae
  • ∟ tribe Naucleeae
  • ∟ genus Mitragyna (Kratom)
  • ∟ species Mitragyna macrophylla (Broad-Leaved Mitragyna)

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Morphology

The physical structure of the plant is marked by a few key botanical traits.

  • Leaves: As the scientific name indicates, the foliage is exceptionally broad and expansive.
  • Flowers: It typically produces the densely packed, spherical flower heads that are a defining characteristic of the genus.

Interesting facts

In botanical nomenclature, the term macrophylla derives from Ancient Greek and Latin roots, literally meaning "large leaf". This morphological characteristic helps botanists identify the plant in the field through visual observation alone.

Geography of distribution

  • Cameroon
  • Congo
  • DR Congo
  • Ghana
  • Ivory Coast
  • Senegal

Sources

  • Plants of the World Online (POWO)
  • Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF)

Technical Information

External Databases: GBIF, POWO, Tropicos

See also