Catalpa speciosa

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Catalpa bignonioides var. speciosa

Regional and Traditional Names

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae, it is placed in the order Lamiales and the family Bignoniaceae. Finally, it is identified by the genus Catalpa.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a wide geographical distribution that spans across multiple continents. In Southeastern Europe, its presence is noted in both Bulgaria and Romania. Moving across the globe to Eastern Asia, the species can be found in Korea. Within North America, it is established in the Northwestern United States, specifically in Colorado. Additionally, the plant is located in the North-Central United States, including the state of Illinois.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Catalpa speciosa is characterized by its preference for specific altitudinal zones, typically flourishing within an elevational range of 500 m to 800 m AMSL. Within this vertical niche, the species thrives in environments that provide adequate moisture and nutrient-rich soils, often occupying riparian corridors, woodland edges, or disturbed sites where sunlight is accessible. Its distribution is closely tied to these mid-elevation habitats, which offer the necessary climatic stability and seasonal moisture patterns required for its growth and reproductive cycles.

Elevational range max:

800 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

500 m AMSL

Life history

The life history of Catalpa speciosa is characterized by its status as a perennial species, ensuring its long-term presence within its ecological niche through multiple growing seasons. As a phanerophyte, the plant maintains its regenerative buds well above the ground, typically elevated on woody branches that allow it to thrive as a large tree. This phanerophyte life form facilitates its structural development and survival through varying environmental conditions, relying on its perennial nature to establish a robust and enduring presence in its habitat.

Life form :

phanerophyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Catalpa speciosa is characterized by its substantial growth form, strictly classified as a woody tree. This species is a self-supporting, independent organism that does not function as a parasite or an epiphyte, maintaining a terrestrial existence. It reaches impressive dimensions in stature, with a plant height that typically ranges from a minimum of 20 meters to a maximum of 30 meters, resulting in an average height of approximately 23.935 meters. As a self-supporting woody tree, it lacks the climbing habits of vines or lianas, instead establishing a robust, upright structure suited for its terrestrial habitat.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

30 m

Plant height mean:

23.935 m

Plant height min:

20 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Catalpa speciosa is characterized by a robust metabolic framework optimized for temperate environments, most notably through its use of the C3 photosynthetic pathway. In this pathway, carbon dioxide is fixed directly into a three-carbon compound through the enzyme RuBisCO during the Calvin cycle, a process that is highly efficient under moderate temperatures and sufficient moisture levels. To support this carbon fixation, the plant exhibits specialized leaf anatomy designed to maximize light interception and gas exchange, utilizing large, broad leaves that facilitate high rates of transpiration and nutrient transport. The physiological regulation of water use is closely tied to its stomatal conductance, allowing the plant to manage hydraulic pressure during varying environmental conditions. Furthermore, its metabolic processes are integrated with a well-developed vascular system that ensures the efficient translocation of photoassimilates from the source leaves to the various storage tissues and growing meristems, supporting its overall structural development and seasonal growth cycles.

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Reproduction

The reproduction of Catalpa speciosa is characterized by a specific seasonal flowering window and a specialized seed dispersal mechanism. The plant initiates its flowering period in June and concludes this stage in July. Following pollination, the production of seeds follows precise physical parameters, with a recorded mean seed mass of approximately 0.020431111 g. The individual seeds exhibit slight variations in weight, ranging from a minimum of 0.01491 g to a maximum of 0.02222 g. To facilitate the spread of its progeny, the species utilizes an anemochorous dispersal syndrome, relying on wind currents to transport its seeds away from the parent plant.

Dispersal syndrome :

anemochorous

Flowering time :

Jun

Flowering time :

Jul

Seed mass max:

0.02222 g

Seed mass mean:

0.020431111 g

Seed mass min:

0.01491 g

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Catalpa speciosa has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include CATECHIN, ferulic acid.

CATECHIN

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

ferulic acid

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

Activities

Catalpa speciosa has 1 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant.

Antioxidant

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

Preparations

Catalpa speciosa has 1 reported preparations identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include bark extracts.

Bark extracts

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)