Dalbergia louvelii

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

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 is organized under the order Fabales and the family Fabaceae. Ultimately, its taxonomic identity is defined by its classification within the genus Dalbergia.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant is characterized by a very specific and localized geographical range. It is primarily found within the unique ecosystems of the Western Indian Ocean. Specifically, its natural habitat is concentrated on the island of Madagascar. This restricted distribution makes the species a notable part of the region's unique biodiversity. Consequently, conservation efforts are often focused on protecting its limited territory in this area.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Dalbergia louvellii is characterized by its status as a perennial species, allowing it to establish a long-lasting presence within its natural ecosystem. As it progresses through its developmental stages, the plant exhibits a deciduous habit, shedding its foliage periodically as part of its seasonal physiological cycle. This lifecycle enables the species to endure varying environmental conditions over many years, transitioning through distinct phases of growth and dormancy dictated by its deciduous nature.

Deciduousness :

deciduous

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Dalbergia louvellii is characterized by its growth form as a woody tree, which stands as a self-supporting structure rather than a climber or epiphyte. It is a terrestrial species, lacking aquatic or semiaquatic adaptations. The plant typically reaches a significant stature, with a mean height of approximately 15 m.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Plant height mean:

15 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Dalbergia louvellii is characterized by a C3 photosynthetic pathway, which dictates its carbon fixation processes and metabolic efficiency under typical environmental conditions. In addition to its photosynthetic mechanisms, the plant functions as a nitrogen fixer, utilizing symbiotic relationships to convert atmospheric nitrogen into forms usable for growth, thereby enhancing its nutrient acquisition capabilities in various soil types.

Nitrogen fixer :

yes

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Reproduction

The reproduction of Dalbergia louvellii is driven by a complex biotic pollination syndrome, relying heavily on living organisms to facilitate the transfer of pollen. The plant exhibits a diverse pollination strategy characterized by biotic interactions, where the primary mechanism for fertilization is mediated by insects. Within this ecological framework, the pollination process is specifically categorized through various insect-driven syndromes, indicating that the plant utilizes a range of insect vectors—such as bees, beetles, butterflies, moths, flies, or other insect species—to ensure successful genetic exchange. This reliance on biotic agents distinguishes its reproductive cycle from abiotic methods like wind or water, establishing a specialized dependency on the local insect fauna to complete its life cycle.

Pollination syndrome :

insect

Pollination syndrome :

biotic

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Dalbergia louvelii has 4 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include 7,4'-dihydroxy-3'-methoxyisoflavone, isoliquiritigenin, obtusafuran, spirolouveline.

7,4'-dihydroxy-3'-methoxyisoflavone

1. Journal of natural products

isoliquiritigenin

1. Journal of natural products

obtusafuran

1. Journal of natural products

spirolouveline

1. Journal of natural products

Conditions

Dalbergia louvelii has 1 reported investigations on conditions identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include Plasmodium falciparum.

Plasmodium falciparum

1. Journal of natural products