Bauhinia ungulata

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Distribution

This plant is widely distributed across several key regions within Mexico. It can be found growing throughout the central part of the country in Mexico Central. The species also occupies significant territory in Mexico Northeast and the coastal areas of Mexico Gulf. Furthermore, its presence extends into the western reaches of Mexico Northwest. Finally, the plant is established within the diverse landscapes of Mexico Southwest.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Bauhinia unguulata is characterized by its ability to thrive across a diverse range of environments, spanning from sea level up to an elevation of 1000 m AMSL. This species exhibits significant ecological plasticity, occupying varied landscapes such as anthropic areas (Área Antrópica), the Cerrado (latu sensu), riparian forests or gallery forests (Floresta Ciliar ou Galeria), and seasonal semi-deciduous forests (Floresta Estacional Semidecidual). Its presence in both natural biomes and human-disturbed landscapes highlights its adaptability to different soil types and moisture availability within these distinct Brazilian ecosystems.

Elevational range max:

1000 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

0 m AMSL

Habitat :

Área Antrópica, Cerrado (lato sensu), Floresta Ciliar ou Galeria, Floresta Estacional Semidecidual

Life history

The life history of Bauhinia unguiculata is characterized by its status as a perennial species, meaning it persists through multiple growing seasons and maintains a long-term presence in its natural habitat. As a long-lived woody plant, it does not follow the rapid cycle of annuals or the two-year transition of biennials, but instead undergoes a continuous process of growth, maturation, and seasonal reproduction. Throughout its lifespan, the plant invests heavily in structural development, establishing a robust woody framework that supports its canopy and facilitates long-term survival against environmental stressors. Its biological cycle involves periodic flowering and fruiting phases that occur annually once maturity is reached, ensuring consistent seed production to support population regeneration over many years.

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Bauhinia unguiculata is characterized by a woody, self-supporting growth form, typically manifesting as a shrub. It functions as an independent organism, lacking any parasitic tendencies, and is strictly a terrestrial plant rather than an aquatic or epiphytic species. In terms of stature, the plant reaches a mean height of approximately 4 m, with a maximum potential height of up to 5 m.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

shrub

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

5 m

Plant height mean:

4 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Bauhinia unguiculata is characterized by a C3 photosynthetic pathway, which dictates its carbon fixation processes and metabolic efficiency. The plant exhibits specific leaf morphological traits, notably a mean Leaf Dry Matter Content (LDMC) of 401.5 mg/g, a value that remains consistent across its minimum and maximum recorded measurements. This density of leaf tissue is complemented by a mean Specific Leaf Area (SLA) of 333.623 cm²/g, reflecting its strategy for light interception and resource allocation. Furthermore, despite its classification within the Fabaceae family, this particular species does not function as a nitrogen fixer, meaning it lacks the symbiotic capability to convert atmospheric nitrogen into a usable form for its growth.

Leaf dry matter content (LDMC) mean:

401.5 mg/g

Nitrogen fixer :

no

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Specific Leaf Area (SLA) mean:

333.623 cm²/g

Reproduction

The reproduction of Bauhinia unguulata is characterized by a biotic pollination syndrome, specifically relying on bats as primary pollinators. The plant produces dry fruits that facilitate seed dispersal through an autochorous mechanism, where the seeds are released through their own internal mechanisms. The seeds themselves exhibit highly consistent morphological traits, with a mean seed length of 7.637 mm (ranging from a minimum to a maximum of 7.637 mm) and a uniform seed volume of 41 mm³. In terms of mass, the seeds vary slightly, with a mean mass of 0.039815 g, ranging from a minimum of 0.03249 g to a maximum of 0.04714 g.

Dispersal syndrome :

autochorous

Fruit dryness :

dry

Pollination syndrome :

bat

Pollination syndrome :

biotic

Seed length mean:

7.637 mm

Seed mass max:

0.04714 g

Seed mass mean:

0.039815 g

Seed mass min:

0.03249 g

Seed volume max:

41 mm³

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Bauhinia ungulata has 2 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 leaf, seed.

Leaf

1. Pharmaceutics

Seed

1. Immunopharmacology