Centrosema sagittatum

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Distribution

This plant exhibits a widespread presence across several key regions in North America. In the United States, its distribution is centered within the state of Florida in the Southeast. Its reach extends significantly into Mexico, covering the Northeast portion of the country. Additionally, the species can be found throughout the Mexican Gulf regions. Finally, the plant is also established in the Northwest and Southwest areas of Mexico.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Centrosema sagittatum is characterized by its remarkable adaptability across a diverse array of Brazilian biomes, allowing it to occupy various environmental niches. It is found in habitats ranging from the semi-arid Caatinga (strictu sensu) and the open landscapes of Campo Rupestre and Cerrado (latu sensu) to more humid environments such as Floresta Ciliar or Galeria, Floresta Estacional Semi-decidual, and Floresta Ombrófila (including both Pluvial and Mista types), as well as the coastal Restinga ecosystems. This broad distribution is supported by its ability to thrive across a wide altitudinal gradient, ranging from sea level (0 m AMSL) up to an elevation of 1000 m AMSL.

Elevational range max:

1000 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

0 m AMSL

Habitat :

Caatinga (stricto sensu), Campo Rupestre, Cerrado (lato sensu), Floresta Ciliar ou Galeria, Floresta Estacional Semidecidual, Floresta Ombrófila (= Floresta Pluvial), Floresta Ombrófila Mista, Restinga

Life history

The life history of Centrosema sagittatum is characterized by its status as a perennial species, allowing it to persist in the environment over multiple growing seasons. Throughout its developmental stages, the plant undergoes a continuous cycle of vegetative growth and reproductive activity, which can vary depending on environmental conditions and resource availability. As a perennial, it establishes a robust presence in its habitat, often utilizing its root system to survive dormant periods before emerging to complete its lifecycle again. This long-term survival strategy enables the plant to maintain stable populations and contribute to the ecosystem over an extended duration compared to annual or biennial species.

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Centrosema sagittatum is characterized by its growth form as a non-woody herb, specifically classified as a forb. This plant exhibits a climbing habit, functioning as a vine that relies on external support for its development. It is an obligatory climber, meaning it requires a substrate to ascend, and it operates as an independent organism without parasitic tendencies. Regarding its habitat and ecological niche, the species is primarily terrestrial, though it displays a versatile ecological range that encompasses aquatic and semiaquatic environments. As a terrestrial plant, it does not function as an epiphyte in any capacity, maintaining a standard growth pattern grounded in its specific environmental substrate.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

vine

Climber :

obligatory

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

herb

Growth form :

forb

Parasite :

independent

Woodiness :

non-woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Centrosema sagittatum has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include genistein, hydroxygenistein.

genistein

1. Dr. Duke

hydroxygenistein

1. Dr. Duke

Activities

Centrosema sagittatum has 72 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Abortifacient, Aldose-Reductase-Inhibitor, Alpha-Reductase-Inhibitor, Antiaggregant, Antiangiogenic.

Abortifacient

1. Dr. Duke

Aldose-Reductase-Inhibitor

1. Dr. Duke

Alpha-Reductase-Inhibitor

1. Dr. Duke

Antiaggregant

1. Dr. Duke

Antiangiogenic

1. Dr. Duke

Antiatherosclerotic

1. Dr. Duke

Anticancer (Breast)

1. Dr. Duke

Anticarcinomic (Breast)

1. Dr. Duke

Anticlimacteric

1. Dr. Duke

Antiendoccytotic

1. Dr. Duke