Inga punctata

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Distribution

This plant exhibits a broad range across various regions of Mexico. Specifically, its presence is documented throughout Mexico Central and across the Mexico Gulf coast. It also extends into the Mexico Southwest and Mexico Southeast territories. Furthermore, its distribution reaches into Central America, specifically within Belize. Together, these areas define the primary geographical footprint of Inga punctata.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Inga punctata is characterized by a broad altitudinal distribution and a versatile presence across various landscape types. This species thrives across a diverse elevational gradient, ranging from sea level (0 m AMSL) to a maximum altitude of 2780 m AMSL, with a mean elevation of approximately 1250 m AMSL. Its habitat preferences indicate a high degree of adaptability, as it is commonly found in terra firme forests, riparian environments such as gallery or riparian forests (Floresta Ciliar ou Galeria), and even within anthropogenic areas (Área Antrópica), demonstrating its ability to persist in both pristine and human-disturbed ecosystems.

Elevational range max:

2780 m AMSL

Elevational range mean:

1250 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

0 m AMSL

Habitat :

Área Antrópica, Floresta Ciliar ou Galeria, Floresta de Terra Firme

Life history

The life history of Inga punctata is characterized by its status as a perennial species, allowing the plant to persist in its environment over many years. As a long-lived woody plant, it undergoes a continuous cycle of growth, development, and reproduction rather than completing its life cycle within a single season. Its developmental trajectory begins with seed germination, leading to the establishment of a robust root system and a structural framework capable of supporting sustained vegetative growth. Over successive years, the plant allocates energy toward both structural maintenance and the production of reproductive organs, ensuring its long-term presence within its ecological niche.

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Inga punctata is characterized by its growth form as a woody tree, typically reaching a mean height of 12.5 m, with a maximum potential height of up to 15 m. This species is a self-supporting plant, functioning independently without the need for climbing or parasitic behavior, as it is classified as an independent organism. It is strictly a terrestrial plant, neither aquatic nor epiphytic, establishing itself firmly in the soil. Its structural development is defined by its woody nature, supporting its stature as a substantial tree within its ecosystem.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

15 m

Plant height mean:

12.5 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Inga punctata is characterized by a C3 photosynthetic pathway, which dictates its carbon fixation processes and metabolic efficiency. The plant exhibits specific structural investments in its foliage, as evidenced by its leaf dry matter content (LDMC), which maintains a mean value of 419.05 mg/g, with recorded fluctuations ranging from a minimum of 408.1 mg/g to a maximum of 430 mg/g. Furthermore, Inga punctata functions as a nitrogen fixer, utilizing symbiotic relationships to convert atmospheric nitrogen into a biologically available form, thereby enhancing its nutrient acquisition capabilities.

Leaf dry matter content (LDMC) max:

430 mg/g

Leaf dry matter content (LDMC) mean:

419.05 mg/g

Leaf dry matter content (LDMC) min:

408.1 mg/g

Nitrogen fixer :

yes

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Reproduction

The reproduction of Inga punctata is characterized by a zoochorous dispersal syndrome, indicating that its seeds are primarily distributed by animals. The morphological characteristics of the seeds show significant variation in size, with seed lengths ranging from a minimum of 6 mm to a maximum of 15 mm, resulting in a mean seed length of 7.7 mm. Furthermore, the seed volume remains consistent across the recorded data, with both the minimum, maximum, and mean volumes measured at exactly 1200 mm³.

Dispersal syndrome :

zoochorous

Seed length max:

15 mm

Seed length mean:

7.7 mm

Seed length min:

6 mm

Seed volume max:

1200 mm³

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Inga punctata has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include betulinic acid.

betulinic acid

1. Dr. Duke

Activities

Inga punctata has 18 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Anthelmintic, AntiHIV, Antibacterial, Anticancer, Anticarcinomic.

Anthelmintic

1. Dr. Duke

AntiHIV

1. Dr. Duke

Antibacterial

1. Dr. Duke

Anticancer

1. Dr. Duke

Anticarcinomic

1. Dr. Duke

Antiedemic

1. Dr. Duke

Antiinflammatory

1. Dr. Duke

Antileukemic

1. Dr. Duke

Antimalarial

1. Dr. Duke

Antimelanomic

1. Dr. Duke