Lonchocarpus cultratus

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Lonchocarpus guilleminianus
• Lonchocarpus neuroscapha var. pubiger
• Pterocarpus cultratus
• Neuroscapha pubigera
• Lonchocarpus neuroscapha
• Neuroscapha martiana
• Neuroscapha guilleminiana
• Lonchocarpus neuroscapha var. glabrescens
• Lonchocarpus neuroscapha var. martianus
• Derris guilleminiana
• Lonchocarpus neuroscapha var. longiracemosus
• Derris guilleminiana var. pubigera

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. Following its classification through the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Fabales, it is a member of the Fabaceae family. Finally, it is identified under the specific genus Lonchocarpus.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a diverse geographical distribution across the South American continent. In Western South America, its presence is documented within the territories of both Bolivia and Peru. The species also extends significantly into Brazil, spanning multiple distinct regions. Specifically, it can be found throughout the West-Central, Northeast, and Southeast parts of Brazil. Consequently, its range encompasses a wide variety of ecological zones across these nations.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Lonchocarpus cultratus is intrinsically linked to the specific environmental conditions of the Floresta Estacional Semidecidual. Within this biome, the plant thrives in a seasonal climate characterized by distinct wet and dry periods, which dictates its physiological rhythms and phenological cycles. The vegetation structure of this seasonal semi-deciduous forest provides a complex canopy layer that influences light availability, temperature fluctuations, and moisture retention in the soil. As a component of this ecosystem, Lonchocarpus cultratus interacts with a diverse assemblage of flora and fauna, playing a role in nutrient cycling and providing resources within the stratified layers of the forest. Its survival and distribution are closely tied to the seasonal shedding of leaves by surrounding vegetation, a characteristic feature of its habitat that modulates the microclimate and soil organic matter input.

Habitat :

Floresta Estacional Semidecidual

Life history

The life history of Lonchocarpus cultratus is characterized by its classification as a perennial organism, meaning it persists through multiple growing seasons rather than completing its life cycle in a single year. This long-lived nature allows the plant to establish a stable presence within its ecosystem, undergoing repeated cycles of vegetative growth and reproductive phases over several years. Unlike annuals or biennials that face mortality following seed production, this perennial species invests in robust structural development to sustain itself across varying seasonal conditions.

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Lonchocarpus cultratus is characterized by its stature as a woody tree, exhibiting a significant growth form that allows it to reach a mean height of 15 meters, with maximum heights extending up to 30 meters. As a terrestrial species, it does not exhibit aquatic or semiaquatic tendencies, nor does it function as an epiphyte, maintaining a strictly terrestrial existence. The plant is an independent organism, showing no parasitic behavior, and it possesses a self-supporting growth habit rather than acting as a climbing liana or vine.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

30 m

Plant height mean:

15 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Lonchocarpus cultratus is characterized by its capacity for biological nitrogen fixation, a metabolic process facilitated through a symbiotic relationship with specialized soil bacteria. As a nitrogen fixer, the plant possesses the physiological machinery to convert atmospheric nitrogen into a bioavailable form, such as ammonia, which is then assimilated into organic compounds like amino acids and proteins. This trait is typically driven by the presence of root nodules that host diazotrophic microorganisms, allowing the plant to thrive in nitrogen-limited environments by reducing its reliance on soil nitrates. This efficient nitrogen metabolism supports robust vegetative growth and enhances the plant's overall nutrient cycling capabilities within its ecosystem.

Nitrogen fixer :

yes

Reproduction

The reproduction of Lonchocarpus cultratus is characterized by a biotic pollination syndrome, relying primarily on animal vectors to facilitate the transfer of pollen. Specifically, the plant exhibits an insect-mediated pollination strategy, involving various insect types as key pollinators to ensure successful fertilization. Following pollination, the plant produces seeds that exhibit a highly uniform size distribution; the seed length is remarkably consistent, with a mean, minimum, and maximum value all recorded at 8.823 mm.

Pollination syndrome :

insect

Pollination syndrome :

biotic

Seed length mean:

8.823 mm

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Lonchocarpus cultratus has 11 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include isocordoin, 4-Hydroxyderricin, 4-Hydroxyisocordoin, 4-Hydroxylonchocarpin, 4-hydroxy-n-methylproline.

isocordoin

1. Il Farmaco; edizione scientifica
2. Natural product research

4-Hydroxyderricin

1. Il Farmaco; edizione scientifica

4-Hydroxyisocordoin

1. Il Farmaco; edizione scientifica

4-Hydroxylonchocarpin

1. Il Farmaco; edizione scientifica

4-hydroxy-n-methylproline

1. Natural product research

8-Prenylpinocembrin

1. Natural product research

Cordoin

1. Il Farmaco; edizione scientifica

Derricin

1. Il Farmaco; edizione scientifica

LUPENONE

1. Natural product research

Lupeol

1. Natural product research