Bauhinia acuruana

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Bauhinia lamprophylla
• Pauletia acuruana
• Bauhinia acuruana var. nitida

Sources: Wikidata

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Fabales, it is a member of the family Fabaceae. Finally, its specific taxonomic classification is placed within the genus Bauhinia.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a wide geographical presence across several distinct regions of South America. Within the borders of Brazil, it can be found spanning the West-Central, Northeast, and Southeast territories. Its distribution extends beyond Brazilian borders into the southern reaches of the continent. Specifically, it is documented as growing within the nation of Paraguay. Together, these locations define the primary natural range for this medicinal species.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Bauhinia acuruana is characterized by its ability to thrive across a diverse range of Brazilian biomes, including the Caatinga (strictu sensu), Cerrado (lato sensu), Floresta Estacional Decidual, and Floresta Estacional Semidecidual. This species demonstrates significant adaptability to varying landscape types, ranging from more arid scrublands to seasonal deciduous and semi-deciduous forests. In terms of topographic distribution, the plant occupies a broad altitudinal gradient, occurring from sea level up to a maximum elevation of 600 meters above mean sea level (m AMSL).

Elevational range max:

600 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

0 m AMSL

Habitat :

Caatinga (stricto sensu), Cerrado (lato sensu), Floresta Estacional Decidual, Floresta Estacional Semidecidual

Life history

The life history of Bauhinia acuruana is characterized by its classification as a perennial species, allowing it to persist in its environment through multiple growing seasons rather than completing its cycle in a single year. Unlike annuals or biennials that undergo rapid developmental shifts, this plant maintains a long-term biological presence, investing energy into sustained growth and structural development over time. This perennial nature enables it to establish a stable physiological foundation, contributing to its long-term survival and ability to reproduce across various seasonal cycles.

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Bauhinia acuruana is characterized by a woody growth form that can manifest as either a tree or a shrub. It is a terrestrial plant, functioning as an independent organism rather than a parasite or an epiphyte. As a self-supporting species, it does not exhibit climbing habits and instead maintains a stable, upright structure. The plant reaches a maximum height of approximately 4 meters, contributing to its distinct presence in its natural habitat.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Growth form :

shrub

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

4 m

Woodiness :

woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Bauhinia acuruana has 1 reported plant parts identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include leaf.

Leaf

1. Natural product research

Chemicals

Bauhinia acuruana has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Lectin.

Lectin

1. Natural product research

Preparations

Bauhinia acuruana has 1 reported preparations identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include extracts of leaves.

Extracts of leaves

1. Natural product research