Corkscrew vine

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• bertoni-bean
• snailflower
• Snail Bean
• Snail vine
• Corkscrew vine

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Vigna caracalla
• Phaseolus bertonii f. albus
• Caracalla pulcherrima
• Phaseolus caracalla var. brachystachys
• Phaseolus longirostratus
• Phaseolus bertonii
• Phaseolus caracalla
• Phaseolus cytisoides
• Phaseolus indicus

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 the class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae, it follows the order Fabales and is a member of the Fabaceae family. Specifically, it is identified by its genus, Cochliasanthus, as part of the species Cochliasanthus caracalla.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a broad and diverse geographical distribution across several distinct regions. Within the Indian Subcontinent, it can be found growing in both India and Sri Lanka. Its range extends into the Malesian region, specifically documented in Jawa. In the southern hemisphere, the species is also present in Queensland, Australia. Finally, its distribution reaches as far west as the Northeast region of Mexico.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Cochliasanthus caracalla is characterized by its presence in diverse environments ranging from anthropogenic areas (Área Antrópica) to the native Cerrado (latu sensu) landscapes. This species exhibits a broad altitudinal distribution, inhabiting various terrains from sea level up to a maximum elevation of 1500 m AMSL.

Elevational range max:

1500 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

0 m AMSL

Habitat :

Área Antrópica, Cerrado (lato sensu)

Life history

The life history of Cochliasanthus caracalla is characterized by its classification as a perennial plant, meaning it maintains its existence over multiple growing seasons rather than completing its life cycle in a single year. As a perennial species, it follows a long-term developmental pattern that allows it to establish a robust presence within its ecological niche, often involving the development of perennial structures that support regrowth following seasonal changes. This lifecycle enables the plant to invest energy into sustained vegetative growth and repeated reproductive cycles, contributing to its longevity and persistence in its natural habitat.

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Cochliasanthus caracalla is characterized by its growth habit as a non-woody herb that functions as an obligatory climber, specifically taking the form of a liana or vine. While it exhibits a growth form consistent with an herbaceous plant, its structural development relies on climbing mechanisms rather than being self-supporting. It is a terrestrial species, occupying land-based habitats rather than being aquatic or semiaquatic, and it functions as an independent organism without parasitic tendencies. Furthermore, it lacks epiphytic qualities, remaining strictly terrestrial in its ecological positioning and growth pattern.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

liana

Climber :

obligatory

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

herb

Parasite :

independent

Woodiness :

non-woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Cochliasanthus caracalla has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include kaempferol, quercetin.

kaempferol

1. Phytochemistry

quercetin

1. Phytochemistry