Lotus japonicus

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Lotus corniculatus f. semibarbatus
• Lotus corniculatus subsp. japonicus
• Lotus corniculatus f. hirtellus
• Lotus corniculatus var. japonicus

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. Classified under the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Fabales, it is a member of the family Fabaceae. It is specifically identified by the genus Lotus.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant is primarily distributed across the regions of Eastern Asia. Within this area, its presence is noted in the nation of Japan. It can also be found growing in Korea and the islands of Nansei-shoto. Furthermore, the species extends its range to include Taiwan. These specific locations define the natural geographical footprint of Lotus japonicus.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Lotus japonicus is characterized by its adaptation to specific altitudinal gradients, thriving within a defined vertical niche. This species is primarily found inhabiting environments situated between an elevational range minimum of 1800 m AMSL and an elevational range maximum of 3000 m AMSL. Within this specialized montane or sub-alpine belt, the plant interacts with unique microclimatic conditions dictated by its high-altitude positioning, which influences its growth patterns and biological interactions.

Elevational range max:

3000 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

1800 m AMSL

Life history

The life history of Lotus japonicus is characterized by its classification as a hemicryptophyte, a life form where the perennating buds are located at or just below the soil surface, protected by leaf litter or soil. Within the broader spectrum of botanical life forms, it is specifically identified as a hemicryptophyte, distinguishing it from other growth strategies such as phanerophytes, chamaephytes, cryptophytes, or therophytes. This life history strategy allows the plant to endure seasonal environmental fluctuations by maintaining dormant buds near the ground level, facilitating its perennial nature and ability to regrow following unfavorable periods.

Life form :

hemicryptophyte

Morphology

The morphology of Lotus japonicus is characterized by its growth habit as a terrestrial plant, functioning as an obligate member of this life form rather than an epiphyte. Structurally, the plant is categorized as non-woody, lacking the secondary xylem development associated with woody species.

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Woodiness :

non-woody

Physiology

The physiology of Lotus japonicus is characterized by its metabolic efficiency and specialized nitrogen-fixing capabilities, which are fundamental to its survival in diverse soil environments. As a model legume, its primary energy acquisition is driven by a C3 photosynthetic pathway, where carbon dioxide is fixed directly via the enzyme Rubisco within the mesophyll cells. This C3 metabolism dictates its water-use efficiency and temperature sensitivity during carbon assimilation. Beyond carbon fixation, the plant exhibits complex physiological adaptations related to nutrient acquisition, most notably through a highly coordinated symbiotic relationship with rhizobia. This symbiosis involves the physiological restructuring of root tissues to form nodules, where specialized metabolic processes facilitate the conversion of atmospheric nitrogen into bioavailable forms. Furthermore, the plant's physiological framework includes intricate signaling pathways for root development and nutrient sensing, allowing it to dynamically respond to varying levels of phosphorus and nitrogen in the rhizosphere.

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Reproduction

Reproduction in Lotus japonicus is characterized by the production of specialized seeds that exhibit specific morphological and mass-related variations. The reproductive output of this species is defined by a precise seed mass profile, where the average seed mass (Seed_mass_mean) is recorded at 0.00107 g. Within a given population or developmental cycle, the mass of these seeds fluctuates within a narrow range, reaching a maximum seed mass (Seed_mass_max) of 0.00116 g and a minimum seed mass (Seed_mass_min) of 0.00098 g. These quantitative traits indicate a highly consistent reproductive strategy regarding the energy investment per individual seed.

Seed mass max:

0.00116 g

Seed mass mean:

0.00107 g

Seed mass min:

0.00098 g

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Lotus japonicus has 7 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Cytokinin, L-Phe, L-phenylalanine, Methyl jasmonate, PA.

Cytokinin

1. BMC biology

L-Phe

1. Enzyme and microbial technology

L-phenylalanine

1. Enzyme and microbial technology

Methyl jasmonate

1. PloS one

PA

1. Plant cell reports

PAS

1. Plant cell reports

Uricase

1. Molecular plant-microbe interactions : MPMI

Conditions

Lotus japonicus has 1 reported investigations on conditions identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include phenylketonuria.

Phenylketonuria

1. Enzyme and microbial technology

Preparations

Lotus japonicus has 1 reported preparations identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include 70% ethanol extracts.

70% ethanol extracts

1. International journal of medicinal mushrooms