Erythrostemon yucatanensis

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Caesalpinia yucatanensis
• Poincianella yucatanensis

Regional and Traditional Names

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Fabales, it is a member of the family Fabaceae. It is specifically classified under the genus Erythrostemon as the species Erythrostemon yucatanenensis.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant is primarily distributed throughout specific regions of Mexico and Central America. In Mexico, its presence is noted along the Gulf coast as well as throughout the southeastern part of the country. Moving into Central America, the species can be found spanning several different nations. It is documented within the territories of both Belize and Guatemala. Additionally, the geographical range extends southward into the country of Honduras.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Morphology

The morphology of Erythrostemon yucatanenensis is characterized by a woody structure, exhibiting a growth form consistent with a tree. While it can occupy various ecological niches, its primary habitat is terrestrial, distinguishing it from aquatic or semiaquatic species. In terms of its climbing habits, the plant is classified as self-supporting, functioning as a self-supporting liana or vine rather than requiring an obligatory host. Furthermore, it is an independent organism, lacking any parasitic tendencies, and maintains a terrestrial existence rather than an epiphytic one.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Erythrostemon yucatanenensis is characterized by a specialized carbon fixation strategy and specific structural density within its vegetative organs. The plant utilizes the C3 photosynthetic pathway, a process involving the direct fixation of atmospheric carbon dioxide through the enzyme RuBisCO, which dictates its metabolic efficiency and water-use dynamics within its native environment. Structurally, the plant exhibits a highly consistent stem composition, as evidenced by its stem specific density (SSD). The SSD maintains a uniform value across its measured range, with a minimum, mean, and maximum density all recorded at 780 mg/cm³. This lack of variance in stem density suggests a highly stabilized tissue architecture, providing consistent mechanical support and resource transport capabilities throughout the plant's development.

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Stem specific density (SSD) min:

780 mg/cm³

Reproduction

The reproduction of Erythrostemon yucatanenensis is characterized by a highly specific seed profile and dispersal mechanism. The plant produces seeds with a uniform mass, as both the mean, minimum, and maximum recorded seed mass are identical at 0.20514 g. Regarding its dispersal syndrome, the species utilizes an autochorous strategy, meaning it relies on mechanisms for self-dispersal to distribute its progeny within its habitat.

Dispersal syndrome :

autochorous

Seed mass mean:

0.20514 g

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Erythrostemon yucatanensis has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include CAMPESTEROL, STIGMASTEROL.

CAMPESTEROL

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

STIGMASTEROL

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)