Dalea carthagenensis

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Distribution

This plant exhibits a wide geographical distribution spanning across North America. In the Southeastern United States, its presence can be observed as far north as Maryland. The species is also extensively found throughout various regions of Mexico. Specifically, it inhabits the central, northeastern, and gulf regions of the country. Additionally, its range extends into the southwestern parts of Mexico.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Dalea carthagenensis is characterized by its ability to inhabit a diverse range of vertical landscapes, spanning an elevational range from 0 m AMSL to a maximum of 1700 m AMSL. This broad altitudinal distribution allows the species to occupy various ecological niches, ranging from lowland coastal regions to higher montane environments. By thriving across such a wide gradient, the plant demonstrates significant adaptability to varying temperature regimes, atmospheric pressures, and moisture availability associated with changing elevations. This ecological flexibility enables it to persist in diverse habitats where different climatic stressors are present across its established altitudinal limits.

Elevational range max:

1700 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

0 m AMSL

Life history

The life history of Dalea carthagenensis is characterized by its nature as a perennial plant, allowing it to persist through multiple growing seasons rather than completing its cycle within a single year. This perennial lifecycle enables the species to establish a robust presence within its habitat, often developing a stable root system that supports repeated reproductive efforts over time. As a perennial, it avoids the vulnerability of annuals by maintaining vegetative structures that can survive seasonal shifts, contributing to its long-term survival and ability to colonize specific ecological niches.

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Dalea carthagenensis is characterized by its growth form as a woody shrub, exhibiting a robust and self-supporting structure. It is a terrestrial species, meaning it does not inhabit aquatic or semiaquatic environments, nor does it function as an epiphyte, maintaining a strictly terrestrial existence. Unlike climbing vines, lianas, or obligatory climbers, this plant is self-supporting in its growth habit and does not require external structures for elevation. Furthermore, it is an independent organism, lacking any parasitic relationship with host plants, and its development is defined by its permanent woody nature.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

herb

Growth form :

shrub

Parasite :

independent

Woodiness :

woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Dalea carthagenensis has 1 reported plant parts identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include leaf.

Leaf

1. Natural product research

Preparations

Dalea carthagenensis has 1 reported preparations identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include essential oils.

Essential oils

1. Natural product research