Enterolobium contortisiliquum

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Distribution

This plant exhibits a remarkably diverse geographical distribution spanning multiple continents. In East Tropical Africa, it can be found growing in Kenya, while it also inhabits Zimbabwe within the South Tropical Africa region. Its presence extends across the globe to the Indo-China region, specifically within Myanmar. Moving toward the Americas, the species is located in Bolivia in Western South America. Finally, its range reaches the Southeastern United States, where it is documented in Florida.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Enterolobium contortisiliquum is characterized by its remarkable adaptability to diverse Brazilian biomes, spanning from the semi-arid Caatinga (strictu sensu) to the more humid environments of the Cerrado (lato sensu), Floresta Ciliar ou Galeria, Floresta Estacional Semi-decidual, and the Floresta Ombrófila (pluvial). This wide distributional range allows the species to thrive in varied moisture regimes and vegetation structures. In terms of altitudinal distribution, the species occupies a broad vertical gradient, ranging from sea level (0 m AMSL) up to a maximum elevation of 1800 m AMSL.

Elevational range max:

1800 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

0 m AMSL

Habitat :

Caatinga (stricto sensu), Cerrado (lato sensu), Floresta Ciliar ou Galeria, Floresta Estacional Semidecidual, Floresta Ombrófila (= Floresta Pluvial)

Life history

The life history of Enterolobium contortisiliquum is characterized by its status as a perennial species, allowing it to persist in its environment through multiple growing seasons. As a phanerophyte, the plant maintains its buds well above the ground level, typically manifesting as a large woody tree. This life form is further specified by its phanerophyte classification, indicating its structural habit of elevating its photosynthetic organs. Furthermore, the plant exhibits a deciduous nature, undergoing a seasonal loss of foliage as part of its physiological cycle.

Deciduousness :

deciduous

Life form :

phanerophyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Enterolobium contortisiliquum is characterized by its robust growth form, occurring as a large tree with a woody structure. It is a terrestrial species that functions as an independent organism, not acting as a parasite or an epiphyte. This tree reaches significant dimensions, with an average plant height of 25 m and a maximum potential height of 27 m. Although it exhibits a self-supporting habit rather than functioning as a liana, vine, or climber, its substantial woody development allows it to maintain a stable and towering presence in its environment.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

27 m

Plant height mean:

25 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Enterolobium contortisiliquum is characterized by a C3 photosynthetic pathway, which dictates its carbon fixation processes and metabolic efficiency. The plant exhibits a consistent Specific Leaf Area (SLA) across its measurements, with a minimum, mean, and maximum value all recorded at 148 cm²/g, reflecting a stable leaf morphological strategy for light interception and resource allocation. Furthermore, the species functions as a nitrogen fixer, playing a vital role in nutrient cycling within its ecosystem through biological nitrogen fixation.

Nitrogen fixer :

yes

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Specific Leaf Area (SLA) min:

148 cm²/g

Reproduction

The reproduction of Enterolobium contortisiliquum is characterized by the production of seeds that exhibit specific morphological and physical dimensions. The seeds possess a mean length of 13.001 mm, a measurement that remains consistent across the observed range, with both the minimum and maximum recorded values at 13.001 mm. In terms of volume, the seeds maintain a highly uniform profile, with a mean, minimum, and maximum seed volume all measured at 760 mm³. The mass of the seeds shows more variability, with a mean seed mass of 0.253006667 g. This mass fluctuates from a minimum of 0.18182 g to a maximum of 0.3333 g, reflecting the natural biological variance present within the plant's reproductive output.

Seed length mean:

13.001 mm

Seed mass max:

0.3333 g

Seed mass mean:

0.253006667 g

Seed mass min:

0.18182 g

Seed volume max:

760 mm³

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Enterolobium contortisiliquum has 1 reported plant parts identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include seed.

Seed

1. Agents and actions. Supplements
2. Memorias do Instituto Oswaldo Cruz
3. Brazilian journal of medical and biological research = Revista brasileira de pesquisas medicas e biologicas

Preparations

Enterolobium contortisiliquum has 1 reported preparations identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include seeds.

Seeds

1. Agents and actions. Supplements