Leptolobium panamense

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Distribution

This plant exhibits a diverse geographical distribution spanning two major tropical regions. In West-Central Tropical Africa, its presence is documented within the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Its reach extends significantly into Mexico, where it can be found throughout the Northeast. Additionally, the species occupies various territories across the Mexican Gulf and the Southwest. Finally, the plant is also distributed across the Southeast region of Mexico.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Leptolobium panamense is defined by its preference for forest environments, where it establishes itself within diverse woodland ecosystems. This species exhibits a broad altitudinal distribution, occupying a vertical range that extends from sea level up to a maximum elevation of 1000 m AMSL. This ability to thrive from low-lying coastal or lowland forest zones to mid-elevation montane regions suggests a degree of adaptability to varying moisture levels and temperature gradients characteristic of tropical or subtropical forest strata.

Elevational range max:

1000 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

0 m AMSL

Habitat :

forest

Life history

The life history of Leptolobium panamense is characterized by its status as a perennial species, allowing it to persist in its habitat through multiple growing seasons. As a perennial, it avoids the complete die-back seen in annuals, instead maintaining a stable presence within its ecological niche. This long-term life cycle enables the plant to invest energy into structural development and robust root systems, which support its survival and reproductive capacity over extended periods. Through this perennial growth pattern, the plant can withstand seasonal fluctuations and establish a continuous presence within its environment.

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Leptolobium panamense is characterized by a robust growth form, primarily manifesting as a large tree that can reach an average height of approximately 30 meters. As a woody species, it possesses a solid structural integrity, functioning as a self-supporting plant rather than a climber, liana, or vine. It is a terrestrial organism, maintaining an independent existence without acting as a parasite or an epiphyte.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Plant height mean:

30 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Leptolobium panaense is characterized by a C3 photosynthetic pathway, utilizing the standard Calvin cycle for carbon fixation. The plant exhibits a mean Specific Leaf Area (SLA) of 297.077 cm²/g, indicating a specific leaf morphology that balances surface area for light interception relative to its biomass. Furthermore, this species does not function as a nitrogen fixer, relying instead on external soil nutrient availability for its nitrogen requirements.

Nitrogen fixer :

no

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Specific Leaf Area (SLA) mean:

297.077 cm²/g

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Leptolobium panamense has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Lupeol, Sweetinine.

Lupeol

1. Dr. Duke

Sweetinine

1. Dr. Duke

Activities

Leptolobium panamense has 21 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include AntiEBV, Antiangiogenic, Antiedemic, Antiflu, Antihyperglycemic.

AntiEBV

1. Dr. Duke

Antiangiogenic

1. Dr. Duke

Antiedemic

1. Dr. Duke

Antiflu

1. Dr. Duke

Antihyperglycemic

1. Dr. Duke

Antiinflammatory

1. Dr. Duke

Antilithic

1. Dr. Duke

Antimalarial

1. Dr. Duke

Antioxalate

1. Dr. Duke

Antioxidant

1. Dr. Duke