Desmodium uncinatum
Desmodium uncinatum · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (0 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Desmodium uncinatum is a distinctive member of the herbaceous legume family known for its unique botanical characteristics. This plant is chemically notable for containing bioactive compounds such as tannins, condensed tannins, and saponins. These specific constituents contribute to the complex chemical profile found within its organic structures. Researchers often study these herbaceous legumes to better understand their potential pharmacological properties. Consequently, the presence of these specialized chemicals makes the species a subject of interest in phytochemical investigations.
- Synonyms
- Meibomia Sinclairii · Meibomia Hjalmarsonii · 10 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Fabaceae
- Distribution
- Africa
- Plant Parts
- Not available
Classification
Common Names
Desmodium uncinatum is a versatile plant known by a wide variety of regional and linguistic names. In Spanish-speaking areas, it is frequently referred to as desmodio plateado or the Spanish tick-clover. Its unique characteristics have also earned it the Portuguese name amor-de-velha-da-folha-grauda. Local folklore often identifies the species as pega pega, highlighting its adhesive qualities. Additionally, it is recognized by the name pilipili `ula in certain cultural contexts.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Desmodium uncinatum is a complex species that has been associated with several different botanical names over time. Scientific literature identifies several synonyms for this plant, including Desmodium hjalmarsonii and Desmodium pilosiusculum. It is also recognized under the names Desmodium sandwicense and Desmodium sinclairii in various taxonomic records. Furthermore, the variety known as Desmodium uncinatum var. gracile is categorized within this same botanical group. Understanding these various designations is essential for accurate plant identification and classification.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Desmodium uncinatum is a distinctive member of the kingdom Plantae. This plant is classified under the class Equisetopsida and belongs to the order Fabales. Within this biological hierarchy, it is further organized into the family Fabaceae. Finally, it is identified by its specific genus, Desmodium.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Desmodium |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Desmodium uncinatum exhibits a broad geographical distribution across the African continent. This plant can be found throughout East Tropical Africa, specifically within the borders of Kenya. Its presence extends to Northeast Tropical Africa in Ethiopia and reaches into South Tropical Africa, spanning countries such as Angola and Malawi. Remarkably, its range even reaches the remote Middle Atlantic Ocean on the island of St. Helena. This diverse spread highlights the plant's ability to inhabit various distinct ecological regions.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Desmodium uncinatum is a self-supporting herb that grows in a variety of environments. This plant typically reaches a maximum height of 0.9 meters, though it can be as short as 0.3 meters. Its upright structure allows it to thrive without the need for external support. Overall, its modest stature makes it a distinct feature of its natural habitat.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Compounds
Desmodium uncinatum contains tannin, a characteristic that significantly influences its nutritional value in livestock diets. Research indicates that these tannins can hinder the in vitro degradability of nitrogen, potentially limiting the efficiency of protein utilization. However, the addition of a tannin-binding agent like polyethylene glycol (PEG) can mitigate this effect by increasing nitrogen degradability. Specifically, using PEG has been shown to boost the nitrogen degradability of Desmodium uncinatum from 26% to 77%. This suggests that managing tannin levels is crucial for optimizing the benefits of this herbaceous legume in supplementary feeding strategies.
Conditions
Desmodium uncinatum exhibits a specific response to the addition of polyethylene glycol (PEG) regarding its in vitro degradability of nitrogen (IVDN). In the presence of PEG, the IVDN of this herbaceous legume increases significantly from 26% to 77%. This treatment effectively mitigates the effects of tannins, which otherwise limit the nitrogen availability within the plant. The substantial rise in degradability indicates that PEG acts as an effective tannin-binding agent for Desmodium uncinatum. Consequently, applying PEG to this plant optimizes its nutritional potential by increasing the measurable nitrogen degradation.
Preparations
Desmodium uncinatum is prepared as herbaceous legumes to be studied for its nitrogen degradability in nutritional research. This specific plant is categorized alongside Desmodium intortum as a legume component within dietary studies. Researchers evaluated how these herbaceous legumes respond to the addition of polyethylene glycol during in vitro testing. The study specifically measured the in vitro degradability of nitrogen from Desmodium uncinatum to improve supplementation strategies. Consequently, its classification as an herbaceous legume is central to understanding how tannin-binding agents affect its chemical properties.