Bauhinia pentandra

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Distribution

This plant exhibits a diverse geographical range across the South American continent. In Western South America, its presence is specifically documented within the borders of Bolivia. The species is also widely distributed throughout various regions of Brazil. It can be found in the North, Northeast, Southeast, and West-Central parts of the country. This broad distribution highlights its ability to thrive in multiple Brazilian ecological zones.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Bauhinia pentandra is characterized by its presence in diverse and complex Brazilian biomes, where it adapts to varying levels of moisture and seasonality. This species is commonly found inhabiting the Cerrado (latu sensu), where it must contend with distinct wet and dry seasons, as well as in the humid environments of the Mata de Galeria (Gallery Forest) or Mata Ciliar (Riparian Forest), where it benefits from the constant availability of water near riverbanks. Additionally, it thrives within the Floresta Estacional Decidual (Deciduous Seasonal Forest), an ecosystem defined by the periodic shedding of leaves in response to seasonal moisture changes. These varied habitats indicate a high degree of ecological plasticity, allowing the plant to occupy niches ranging from open, shrubby savannas to dense, moisture-rich woodland corridors.

Habitat :

Cerrado (lato sensu), Floresta Ciliar ou Galeria, Floresta Estacional Decidual

Morphology

The morphology of Bauhinia pentandra is characterized by its growth form as a woody shrub or small tree, reaching a maximum plant height of approximately 5 m. It is a strictly terrestrial species, lacking aquatic or semiaquatic tendencies, and functions as an independent organism without parasitic behavior. The plant is self-supporting in its structure, meaning it does not exhibit climbing habits such as lianas or vines, nor does it function as an epiphyte (whether holoepiphyte or hemiepiphyte), maintaining a stable terrestrial existence. Its architecture is defined by its woody nature, providing the necessary structural integrity to support its upright, shrubby habit.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

shrub

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

5 m

Woodiness :

woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Bauhinia pentandra has 1 reported plant parts identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include seed.

Seed

1. Agents and actions. Supplements
2. Memorias do Instituto Oswaldo Cruz

Preparations

Bauhinia pentandra has 1 reported preparations identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include seeds.

Seeds

1. Agents and actions. Supplements