Suriname stickpea

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• Suriname stickpea
• Surinamese stickpea

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Feuilleea fasciculata
• Acacia fasciculata
• Anneslia fasciculata
• Calliandra tenuiflora
• Feuilleea tenuiflora
• Anneslia surinamensis
• Calliandra angustidens

Regional and Traditional Names

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant, Calliandra surinamensis, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, it is classified under the order Fabales and the family Fabaceae. Finally, it is identified by the genus Calliandra.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific geographical distribution concentrated within the tropical regions of Africa. In West Tropical Africa, its presence is documented in several countries including Benin, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, and Togo. Furthermore, its range extends into West-Central Tropical Africa, where it can be found in Cameroon. This pattern highlights a distribution that spans across various ecological zones in both the western and central parts of the continent. Consequently, these specific locations define the known natural habitats for Calliandra surinamensis.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Calliandra surinamensis is characterized by its presence across diverse Neotropical ecosystems, including Riparian or Gallery Forests (Floresta Ciliar ou Galeria), Igapó Forests (Floresta de Igapó), Terra Firme Forests (Floresta de Terra Firme), and the Amazonian Savanna (Savaana Amazônica). This species demonstrates significant altitudinal adaptability, occupying a wide elevational gradient that begins at 250 m AMSL and extends up to a maximum altitude of 1780 m AMSL.

Elevational range max:

1780 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

250 m AMSL

Habitat :

Floresta Ciliar ou Galeria, Floresta de Igapó, Floresta de Terra Firme, Savana Amazônica

Life history

The life history of Calliandra surinamensis is characterized by its existence as a perennial species, meaning it maintains its vegetative structures and biological functions over many years rather than completing its cycle in a single growing season. As a perennial, the plant undergoes continuous growth phases, establishing a robust presence in its natural habitat through successive reproductive cycles. This long-lived lifecycle allows it to accumulate biomass over time, contributing to its stability within its ecosystem and enabling it to withstand seasonal fluctuations that might otherwise terminate annual or biennial species.

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Calliandra surinameensis is characterized by a woody growth habit that can manifest as either a shrub or a tree. This species typically reaches a mean height of 2.5 m, though it is capable of attaining a maximum height of up to 6 m. As a terrestrial plant, it does not function as an epiphyte or an aquatic species, maintaining an independent existence without parasitic tendencies. Furthermore, the plant is self-supporting in its growth habit, rather than acting as a liana, vine, or other type of climber.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Growth form :

shrub

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

6 m

Plant height mean:

2.5 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Calliandra surinamensis is characterized by a C3 photosynthetic pathway, a common metabolic strategy among many tropical woody species that utilizes the Calvin cycle to fix atmospheric carbon dioxide. This carbon fixation process occurs primarily within the mesophyll cells, where the enzyme RuBisCO facilitates the initial carboxylation. In terms of nutrient cycling and metabolic synergy, the species is not a nitrogen fixer, meaning it lacks the specialized symbiotic relationship with diazotrophic bacteria—such as Rhizobium or Frankia—required to convert atmospheric nitrogen into bioavailable forms. Consequently, its nitrogen requirements are met through the uptake of nitrates or ammonium from the soil via its root system.

Nitrogen fixer :

no

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Reproduction

The reproduction of Calliandra surinamensis is driven by a biotic pollination syndrome, indicating that its reproductive success relies on living organisms rather than abiotic factors. The plant utilizes a multifaceted pollination strategy centered on insect interaction, with specific attention to various insect vectors to facilitate pollen transfer. This biological mechanism involves a diverse range of insect pollinators, including bees, beetles, ants, butterflies, moths, and flies, which play critical roles in the fertilization process. By engaging these specific biotic agents, the plant ensures efficient genetic exchange and successful seed production.

Pollination syndrome :

insect

Pollination syndrome :

biotic

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Calliandra surinamensis has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Triterpenes.

Triterpenes

1. International journal of molecular sciences

Activities

Calliandra surinamensis has 4 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Anticancer, Antidiabetic, Antimicrobial, Antioxidant.

Anticancer

1. International journal of molecular sciences

Antidiabetic

1. International journal of molecular sciences

Antimicrobial

1. International journal of molecular sciences

Antioxidant

1. International journal of molecular sciences

Conditions

Calliandra surinamensis has 2 reported investigations on conditions identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include antidiabetic, antioxidant.

Antidiabetic

1. International journal of molecular sciences

Antioxidant

1. International journal of molecular sciences