Cenostigma microphyllum

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Poincianella microphylla
• Caesalpinia microphylla
• Caesalpinia microphylla f. brachythyrsa
• Caesalpinia microphylla subsp. fiebrigii
• Caesalpinia microphylla f. floribunda

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. It falls under the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Fabales, placing it specifically in the family Fabaceae. Finally, it is identified by its genus, Cenostigma, with the specific species name microphyllum.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific geographical distribution within the South American continent. In the northern part of its range, it is located in the Northeast region of Brazil. Moving further south, the species can also be found within the borders of Paraguay. These areas represent the primary locations where the species is known to grow naturally. Consequently, its presence is concentrated in these specific subtropical and tropical zones.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Cenostigma microphyllum is fundamentally defined by its adaptation to the Caatinga (stricto sensu), a semi-arid biome characterized by seasonal water scarcity and high temperatures. Within this specific environment, the species has evolved to thrive under intense solar radiation and irregular precipitation patterns, typically occupying xeric landscapes where soil moisture is ephemeral. Its presence in the Caatinga strictu sensu indicates a high degree of specialization to the deciduous woody shrublands and dry forests of the northeastern Brazilian region, where it must navigate the physiological challenges of prolonged drought periods and nutrient-poor soils. This ecological niche dictates its phenological rhythms, often synchronizing growth and reproductive cycles with the brief periods of rainfall characteristic of the biome.

Habitat :

Caatinga (stricto sensu)

Life history

The life history of Cenostiigma micropylum is characterized by its status as a perennial species, allowing it to persist in its environment over multiple years rather than completing its cycle in a single season. Throughout its existence, the plant exhibits a deciduous nature, meaning it undergoes a seasonal shedding of its foliage as part of its natural physiological cycle.

Deciduousness :

deciduous

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Cenostigma microphyllum is characterized by its growth form as a woody tree that can reach a maximum plant height of 5 meters. As an independent organism, it does not function as a parasite and is categorized as a terrestrial species, lacking aquatic or semiaquatic tendencies. While it is not an epiphyte, existing strictly in a terrestrial habit, its structure is defined by its self-supporting nature rather than a climbing or vine-like habit.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

5 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Cenostima micropyllum is characterized by a C3 photosynthetic pathway, utilizing the standard Calvin cycle for carbon fixation during daylight hours. In terms of nutrient cycling and metabolic processes, this species does not function as a nitrogen fixer, lacking the symbiotic relationship with nitrogen-fixing bacteria required to convert atmospheric nitrogen into bioavailable forms.

Nitrogen fixer :

no

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Cenostigma microphyllum has 5 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Amines, Flavonoids, Steroids, Terpenoids, polyphenols.

Amines

1. Pharmaceutical biology

Flavonoids

1. Pharmaceutical biology

Steroids

1. Pharmaceutical biology

Terpenoids

1. Pharmaceutical biology

polyphenols

1. Pharmaceutical biology