Diphysa carthagenensis

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Distribution

This plant exhibits a wide presence across several key regions within Mexico. It can be found stretching from the central part of the country to the Gulf coast. Furthermore, its habitat extends into the southwestern territories of Mexico. The distribution also continues through the southeastern regions of the nation. Finally, its geographical range reaches into Central America, specifically within Belize.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Diphysa carthagenensis is characterized by its distribution within low-lying coastal or lowland environments, specifically occupying a narrow altitudinal niche. This species thrives at relatively low elevations, with its documented ecological range spanning from a minimum of 5 meters above mean sea level (m AMSL) to a maximum of 60 meters above mean sea level (m AMSL). This restricted elevational profile suggests a preference for maritime-influenced or alluvial lowland habitats, where the environmental conditions remain consistent with the specific humidity and soil profiles found near sea level.

Elevational range max:

60 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

5 m AMSL

Life history

The life history of Diphylla cartagenensis is characterized by its status as a perennial organism, allowing it to persist in its environment through multiple growing seasons. As a perennial species, it avoids the complete die-off associated with annuals, instead establishing a stable presence that supports long-term survival and repeated reproductive cycles. This enduring lifecycle enables the plant to adapt to seasonal fluctuations and invest energy into sustained vegetative growth and complex reproductive strategies over an extended duration.

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Diphysa carthagenensis is characterized by a woody growth form, specifically developing as a tree. This plant is a terrestrial species that functions as an independent organism, meaning it does not exhibit parasitic behavior. In terms of its structural habit, it is a self-supporting plant rather than a climber or a vine, and it does not grow as an epiphyte. The physical stature of the species is substantial, reaching a maximum plant height of 8 m, which is also its mean height.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Plant height mean:

8 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Diphylla cartagenensis is characterized by a specific metabolic framework and nutrient acquisition strategy. The plant utilizes the C3 photosynthetic pathway, a process where carbon dioxide is fixed directly through the Calvin cycle without the specialized anatomical adaptations found in C4 or CAM species. In terms of nutrient cycling, Diphylla cartagenensis does not function as a nitrogen fixer; it relies on the uptake of available nitrogen from the soil through its root system rather than through symbiotic relationships with nitrogen-fixing bacteria.

Nitrogen fixer :

no

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Reproduction

The reproduction of Diphylla cartagenensis involves a multifaceted dispersal strategy characterized by an autochorous syndrome, meaning the plant utilizes its own mechanisms to distribute its offspring. Its dispersal mode is notably unspecialized, incorporating a combination of anemochorous, zoochorous, autochorous, and hydrochorous processes to ensure successful colonization of new habitats. This diverse approach allows seeds to be moved by wind (anemochory), animals (zoochory), through self-expulsion mechanisms (autochory), or via water currents (hydrochory), providing the species with significant flexibility in its reproductive success across varying environmental conditions.

Dispersal syndrome :

autochorous

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Diphysa 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. Fitoterapia