Camoensia brevicalyx

The pink-flowered liane Camoensia brevicalyx is widely distributed in Africa, but is infrequently collected and poorly-known scientifically.

Detail of herbarium specimen of Camoensia brevicalyx
Detail of herbarium specimen of Camoensia brevicalyx, collected in Equatorial Guinea by Gustav Mann in 1842 (Image: RBG Kew)

Species information

  • Scientific name: Camoensia brevicalyx Benth.
  • Conservation status: Least Concern (LC) according to IUCN Red List criteria.
  • Habitat: Around lakes and lagoons, by streams and in swampy forest.
  • Key uses: None known.
  • Known hazards: None known.

Taxonomy

  • Class: Equisetopsida
  • Subclass: Magnoliidae
  • Superorder: Rosanae
  • Order: Fabales
  • Family: Leguminosae/ Fabaceae - Papilionoideae
  • Genus: Camoensia

About this species

A member of the pea and bean family (Leguminosae), Camoensia brevicalyx is a woody climber from the wet forests of tropical Africa. 

Geography & Distribution

Camoensia brevicalyx is native to tropical Africa and has been recorded in Angola, Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Description

A liane (woody climber, supported by other vegetation) growing up to 30 m high, with a stout stem up to 3 cm in diameter and compound leaves. The flowers are pinkish.

Threats & Conservation

Herbarium specimen of Camoensia brevicalyx

Herbarium specimen of Camoensia brevicalyx, collected in Equatorial Guinea by Gustav Mann in 1842 (Image: RBG Kew)

Camoensia brevicalyx is not considered to be threatened or in decline. It has a fairly widespread distribution and is known to occur within a number of protected areas. Future fieldwork is needed to collect seeds for storage in a seed bank as a method of ex-situ conservation, although collecting a large quantity of seeds from this liane may prove difficult in the field.

Conservation assessments carried out by Kew

Camoensia brevicalyx is being monitored as part of the Sampled Red List Index Project, which aims to produce conservation assessments for a representative sample of the world’s plant species. This information will then be used to monitor trends in extinction risk and help focus conservation efforts where they are needed most.

Uses

No uses are known, although it has been reported that alkaloids are present in abundance (over 1% concentration) in the roots, and in the seeds, along with some saponin and traces of steroids and terpenes.

This species at Kew

Dried and spirit-preserved specimens of Camoensia brevicalyx are held in the Herbarium at Kew, where they are available by appointment to researchers from around the world. The details, including images, of some of these specimens can be seen on-line in the Herbarium Catalogue.

Useful Links

Search Kew's databases for more information on this species

Kew’s Leguminosae science team

Learn more about the Legume family

Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF)

Buy 'Legumes of the World' by G. Lewis, B. Schrire, B. Mackinder & M. Lock (eds.)

References and credits

Beentje, H. (2010). The Kew Plant Glossary. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Burkill, H.M. (1995). The Useful Plants of West Tropical Africa, Vol. 3, Families J – L. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Groom, A. (2010). Camoensia brevicalyx. Assessment using IUCN Categories and Criteria 3.1 (IUCN 2001). Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Waterman, P.G., Faulkner, D.F. (1982). Quinolizidine/indolizidine alkaloids from the seed of Camoensia brevicalyx. Phytochemistry 21(1): 215-218.

Kew Science Editor: Gwilym Lewis
Copyediting: Emma Tredwell

While every effort has been taken to ensure that the information contained in these pages is reliable and complete, the notes on hazards, edibility and suchlike included here are recorded information and do not constitute recommendations. No responsibility will be taken for readers’ own actions. Full website terms and conditions.

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Fact Box


Nerine humilis

Nerine humilis
nerine

Nerine humilis is a low-growing, pink-flowered bulb, found on rocky slopes in the Western Cape and Eastern Cape Provinces of South Africa, often flowering in huge numbers after veld fires.

Find out more about this species

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