Lotus pedunculatus
Lotus pedunculatus · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (0 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Lotus pedunculatus is a fascinating aquatic plant that plays a unique role in its natural ecosystem. This species is notably characterized by the presence of specific chemical compounds, including condensed tannins. For various applications, the plant can be utilized in several preparations such as fresh, cut and fed fresh, or as fresh-minced material. These different forms allow for diverse uses in both research and practical settings. Understanding the chemical makeup and preparation methods of this plant is essential for its effective study.
- Synonyms
- Lotus Corniculatus Proles Pedunculatus · Lotus Corniculatus Var. Pedunculatus
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Fabaceae
- Distribution
- Asia-Temperate
- Plant Parts
- Not available
Classification
Common Names
Lotus pedunculatus is known by a diverse array of regional names that reflect its varied cultural significance. In certain areas, it is referred to as Alfalfa Chilota or the descriptive Bacwn ac Wyau. The plant also carries the unique identifier Bahnowy ledźbjenc within specific linguistic traditions. Furthermore, it is recognized by the names Bysedd y Diafol and Carwbys Mwyaf. These many titles highlight the deep connection between the species and the different communities that encounter it.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Lotus pedunculatus is a botanical subject frequently identified through various taxonomic classifications. Within scientific literature, this species is recognized under the synonym Lotus corniculatus proles pedunculatus. It is also closely associated with the designation Lotus corniculatus var. pedunculatus in many records. These overlapping names reflect the complex historical efforts to categorize the plant's unique variations. Understanding these relationships is essential for researchers navigating the nuances of botanical nomenclature.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Lotus pedunculatus belongs to the vast kingdom Plantae, representing a diverse group of multicellular organisms. Within this kingdom, it is classified under the class Equisetopsida, highlighting its structural characteristics. This species is further organized into the order Fabales, which connects it to a specific lineage of flowering plants. It falls under the family Fabaceae, a group well known for its distinctive legume structures. Ultimately, its taxonomic journey concludes within the genus Lotus, defining its unique biological identity.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Lotus |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Lotus pedunculatus exhibits a broad geographical range that spans several key regions across the African continent. Its distribution includes vast stretches of Northern Africa, specifically within countries such as Algeria and Egypt. Beyond the mainland, the species is widely found throughout the Macaronesia archipelago. This includes significant populations located in the Azores, the Canary Islands, and Madeira. Together, these interconnected habitats highlight the plant's ability to thrive across diverse Atlantic and African landscapes.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Lotus pedunculatus is a distinctive herb characterized by its sturdy, self-supporting growth form. This aquatic plant typically reaches a maximum height of 1 meter, though its stature can vary significantly depending on environmental conditions. While it can grow as small as 0.1 meters, many specimens maintain a more substantial presence. In many instances, the plant establishes a consistent height starting around 0.321 meters. These varying dimensions highlight the adaptable nature of this species within its habitat.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Compounds
Lotus pedunculatus contains condensed tannins, which play a significant role in influencing the nutritional value and biological activity of the plant. These tannins can depress metabolizable energy intake in sheep by reducing voluntary intake and slowing the digestion of leaf proteins like Rubisco in the rumen. However, they also provide unique benefits, such as reducing the degradation of sulfur amino acids and increasing the utilization of cystine for body synthetic reactions. Beyond nutrition, the condensed tannins extracted from this species exhibit inhibitory activity against various parasites, including deer lungworms and gastrointestinal nematodes. Consequently, the presence of these tannins creates a complex balance between limiting certain digestive processes and providing protective anthelmintic effects.
Conditions
Lotus pedunculatus effectively reduces O. circumcincta burdens and has been shown to treat Trichostrongylus colubriformis infections in lambs. The plant also influences protein metabolism by treating the solubilization and degradation of Rubisco within the rumen. Specifically, its condensed tannins act to slow the degradation of Rubisco by rumen microorganisms without altering its solubilization. Furthermore, Lotus pedunculatus treats the degradation of S amino acids to inorganic sulphide, which helps reduce the loss of reducible sulphur.
Preparations
Lotus pedunculatus is prepared as fresh forage and is frequently cut and fed fresh to sheep in nutritional studies. In certain experimental settings, the plant is prepared as fresh-minced lotus to better evaluate protein solubilization and degradation in fresh forages. Research also utilizes Lotus pedunculatus as a source from which condensed tannins are extracted to test inhibitory activity against various parasite larvae. These different preparation methods allow for a comprehensive understanding of the plant's role in both animal nutrition and anthelmintic potential.