Inga stipularis

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Feuilleea stipularis

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 classified under the family Fabaceae. Its specific taxonomic placement is defined by the genus Inga, which includes the species Inga stipularis.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant is primarily distributed across several regions in Northern South America. Specifically, it can be found growing in the territories of French Guiana, Guyana, and Suriname. Its natural range also extends into the country of Venezuela. Additionally, the species reaches into Western South America, specifically within Bolivia.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Inga stipularis is defined by its adaptability to diverse forest environments and specific altitudinal constraints. This species thrives within a variety of habitats, ranging from anthropogenic areas (Área Antrópica) to more pristine ecosystems such as riparian forests (Floresta Ciliar ou Galeria) and undisturbed terra firme forests (Floresta de Terra Firme). Its distribution is strictly governed by elevation, occupying a niche between 200 m and 600 m above mean sea level (m AMSL).

Elevational range max:

600 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

200 m AMSL

Habitat :

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

Life history

The life history of Inga stipularis is characterized by its status as a perennial organism, meaning it persists through multiple growing seasons and maintains its biological functions over a long-term duration rather than completing its cycle in a single year. As a long-lived woody species, it follows a developmental trajectory that moves from initial germination to a sustained vegetative growth phase, eventually reaching reproductive maturity where it can produce flowers and seeds repeatedly over several years. This perennial nature allows the plant to establish a robust structural presence within its ecosystem, investing energy into permanent woody tissues and extensive root systems that support its continued survival and ability to respond to seasonal environmental shifts.

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Inga stipularis is characterized by its robust growth form as a woody tree, typically reaching a mean and maximum height of approximately 15 meters. It is a terrestrial species that functions as an independent organism, meaning it does not exhibit parasitic behavior. Unlike climbing plants or lianas, this species is strictly self-supporting and does not require external structures for vertical growth. As a non-epiphytic, terrestrial plant, it maintains a stable, upright structure throughout its life cycle.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Plant height mean:

15 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Inga stipularis is characterized by its utilization of the C3 photosynthetic pathway, a process wherein carbon dioxide is fixed directly through the Calvin cycle without the specialized CO2-concentrating mechanisms found in C4 or CAM plants. This metabolic approach is typical of many woody legumes inhabiting tropical or sub-tropical environments. Furthermore, a defining physiological feature of this species is its capacity to function as a nitrogen fixer; through a symbiotic relationship with rhizobial bacteria housed within specialized root nodules, the plant is able to convert atmospheric nitrogen into bioavailable forms, thereby enhancing its nutrient uptake and supporting growth in nitrogen-limited soils.

Nitrogen fixer :

yes

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Reproduction

The reproduction of Inga stipularis is characterized by a dispersal syndrome that is primarily zoochorous, although the species exhibits a broad ecological strategy that can include anemochorous, autochorous, hydrochorous, and unspecialized methods. The seeds produced by this plant are remarkably consistent in size, possessing a uniform seed volume with a minimum, maximum, and mean value of 280 mm³.

Dispersal syndrome :

zoochorous

Seed volume max:

280 mm³

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Inga stipularis has 4 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include FRAP, Sec, TFC, TPC.

FRAP

1. GSC biological and pharmaceutical sciences

Sec

1. GSC biological and pharmaceutical sciences

TFC

1. GSC biological and pharmaceutical sciences

TPC

1. GSC biological and pharmaceutical sciences