Chamaecytisus supinus

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Distribution

This plant, Chamaecytisus supinus, is primarily distributed across various regions of Middle Europe. Its presence is well-documented within the borders of Germany and Austria. Furthermore, the species can be found throughout the territories of Poland and Hungary. The geographical range also extends into the combined regions of Czechia and Slovakia. Consequently, these specific European countries represent the core habitat for this medicinal species.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Chamaecytisus supinus is characterized by its preference for specific structural environments, most notably within shrubberies where it can integrate into the existing vegetative layers. These shrubby habitats provide the necessary microclimate and physical support required for its growth patterns. By occupying these dense, woody niches, the plant benefits from the complex spatial architecture of shrublands, which can influence light availability, moisture retention, and protection from environmental stressors.

Habitat :

shrubberies

Life history

The life history of Chamaecytisus supinus is characterized by a persistent growth strategy, specifically categorized under the life form of a chamaephyte. This classification indicates that its perennating buds are located near the soil surface, allowing it to withstand varying environmental conditions. Throughout its life cycle, the plant maintains an evergreen deciduousness, ensuring that its foliage remains functional across different seasons rather than shedding all leaves annually. As a chamaephyte, it occupies a specific ecological niche where its structural height and survival mechanisms are optimized for its native habitat, maintaining a steady physiological presence through its perennial nature.

Deciduousness :

evergreen

Life form :

chamaephyte

Morphology

The morphology of Chamaecytisus supinus is characterized by a woody growth form, specifically classified as a shrub. The plant exhibits a compact stature, with a height that typically ranges from a minimum of 0.2 m to a maximum of 0.6 m, maintaining a mean height of approximately 0.6 m. Its shoots follow an ascending orientation, and while it possesses a structural framework, it is categorized as a self-supporting plant rather than a climber. Additionally, the species functions as an independent organism, showing no parasitic tendencies in its biological development.

Climber :

self-supporting

Growth form :

shrub

Parasite :

independent

Plant height mean:

0.6 m

Plant height min:

0.2 m

Shoot orientation :

ascending

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Chamaecytisus supinus is fundamentally characterized by its reliance on the C3 photosynthetic pathway, a mechanism in which carbon fixation occurs via the enzyme Rubisco during the Calvin cycle. This metabolic process involves the direct fixation of atmospheric CO2 into three-carbon organic compounds, reflecting an evolutionary adaptation typical of many woody shrubs in temperate or montane environments. In terms of gas exchange and water relations, the plant regulates its physiological activity through stomatal conductance to balance the intake of carbon dioxide required for photosynthesis against the loss of water vapor through transpiration. This C3 pathway dictates the plant's energy conversion efficiency and its sensitivity to environmental variables such as temperature and light intensity, influencing its overall growth rate and metabolic vigor within its ecological niche.

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Reproduction

The reproduction of Chamaecytisus supinus is characterized by a specific phenological cycle and specialized biological mechanisms. The flowering period typically commences in June and extends through August. During this time, the plant relies on biotic pollination syndromes, specifically utilizing insects to facilitate the transfer of pollen. Notably, self-fertilization is absent in this species, necessitating cross-pollination to ensure genetic diversity. Once fertilization is successful, the plant produces seeds with a mean mass of approximately 0.0059 g. The dispersal of these seeds follows an autochorous syndrome, meaning the plant employs internal mechanisms to discharge its seeds.

Dispersal syndrome :

autochorous

Flowering time :

Jun

Flowering time :

Aug

Pollination syndrome :

insect

Pollination syndrome :

biotic

Seed mass mean:

0.0059 g

Self fertilization :

absent

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Chamaecytisus supinus has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include genistein.

genistein

1. Dr. Duke

Activities

Chamaecytisus supinus 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