Horse gram

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• Horse gram
• Madras gram
• horse gram

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Kerstingiella uniflora
• Glycine uniflora
• Dolichos uniflorus

Regional and Traditional Names

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and is classified under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. It is further categorized under the order Fabales and the family Fabaceae. Finally, it is identified by the genus Macrotyloma, specifically as the species Macrotylomma uniflorum.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a diverse geographical distribution across several regions of the African continent. In West Tropical Africa, its presence is documented in both Guinea and Senegal. Moving toward the center of the continent, it can be found within West-Central Tropical Africa. Specifically, its range extends to Cameroon and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Additionally, the species is recorded in the West-Central Tropical African region of Rwanda.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Macrotylomum uniflorum is characterized by its adaptation to specific altitudinal gradients and distinct vegetation types. It primarily thrives within grassland savanna habitats, where it integrates into the open landscape of these ecosystems. The plant occupies a defined vertical niche, with its distribution ranging from an elevation of 600 m AMSL to a maximum of 1460 m AMSL.

Elevational range max:

1460 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

600 m AMSL

Habitat :

grassland savanna

Life history

The life history of Macrotyloma uniflorum is characterized by a variable lifecycle that can manifest as an annual, biennial, or perennial, depending on the environmental conditions and specific cultivation practices. As a legume, its development begins with the germination of seeds, leading to the growth of a climbing or bushy herbaceous plant that utilizes tendrils for structural support. Throughout its life cycle, the plant undergoes distinct vegetative and reproductive phases, progressing from seedling establishment to the production of inflorescences. The reproductive stage involves the flowering and subsequent development of pods containing small, nutritious seeds, which serve as the primary mechanism for dispersal and the continuation of the species. The ability of the plant to exhibit a perennial nature allows it to persist across multiple growing seasons in favorable habitats, while its capacity to act as an annual or biennial ensures rapid colonization and adaptation to varying climatic cycles.

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Macrotyloma uniflorum is characterized by its growth form as a non-woody herb. It functions as a terrestrial plant and exhibits a climbing habit, specifically acting as a vine that can also be self-supporting. As an independent organism, it does not exhibit parasitic or epiphytic behavior, maintaining a strictly terrestrial existence. The plant typically reaches a height ranging from a minimum of 0.6 m to a maximum of 1 m, with an average plant height of approximately 0.75 m.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

vine

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

herb

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

1 m

Plant height mean:

0.75 m

Plant height min:

0.6 m

Woodiness :

non-woody

Physiology

The physiology of Macrotyloma uniflorum is characterized by a C3 photosynthetic pathway, which dictates its carbon fixation process through the enzyme Rubisco under standard environmental conditions. As a member of the Fabaceae family, the plant exhibits a highly efficient nitrogen metabolism facilitated by its role as a nitrogen fixer; it establishes a symbiotic relationship with rhizobial bacteria within its root nodules to convert atmospheric nitrogen into bioavailable forms, thereby enhancing soil fertility and supporting its own protein synthesis.

Nitrogen fixer :

yes

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Reproduction

The reproduction of Macrotylomum uniflorum is characterized by a biotic pollination syndrome, primarily driven by insect vectors to facilitate fertilization. This reproductive process is supported by the presence of self-fertilization, ensuring seed production even in varying environmental conditions. The resulting seeds exhibit highly consistent physical properties, with a recorded seed mass mean, maximum, and minimum all measured at 0.0306 g.

Pollination syndrome :

insect

Pollination syndrome :

biotic

Seed mass mean:

0.0306 g

Self fertilization :

present

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Macrotyloma uniflorum has 1 reported plant parts identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include seed.

Seed

1. Journal of molecular biology

Chemicals

Macrotyloma uniflorum has 15 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include CHLOROPHYLL, Epicatechin, FAT, Flavonoids, IRON.

CHLOROPHYLL

1. Applied biochemistry and biotechnology

Epicatechin

1. Combinatorial chemistry & high throughput screening

FAT

1. Journal of food science

Flavonoids

1. Journal of food science

IRON

1. Critical reviews in food science and nutrition

MOLYBDENUM

1. Critical reviews in food science and nutrition

Malondialdehyde

1. Applied biochemistry and biotechnology

Stachyose

1. Journal of chromatography. A

Tannins

1. Journal of food science

Trypsin inhibitor

1. Critical reviews in food science and nutrition

Activities

Macrotyloma uniflorum has 11 reported activities identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant, Analgesic, Anticarcinogenic, Antidiabetic, Antihyperglycemic.

Antioxidant

1. Pakistan journal of pharmaceutical sciences
2. Journal of food science

Analgesic

1. Pakistan journal of pharmaceutical sciences

Anticarcinogenic

1. Journal of food science

Antidiabetic

1. Journal of food science

Antihyperglycemic

1. Pakistan journal of pharmaceutical sciences

Antihypertensive

1. Pakistan journal of pharmaceutical sciences

Antimicrobial

1. Journal of food science

Cardioprotective

1. Journal of food biochemistry

Diuretic

1. Pakistan journal of pharmaceutical sciences

Hemagglutinin

1. Critical reviews in food science and nutrition

Medicinal Uses

Macrotyloma uniflorum has 15 reported medicinal uses identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Inflammation, Pain, analgesic, antihyperglycemic, antihypertensive.

Most Reported Uses

Preparations