Mucuna macrocarpa
Mucuna macrocarpa · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (0 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Mucuna macrocarpa is a vigorous climbing legume renowned for its impressive ability to restore vitality to depleted soils. Through its deep rooting systems and nitrogen-fixing capabilities, this plant serves as a powerful tool for ecological rejuvenation. It effectively suppresses weeds and improves soil structure, creating a fertile foundation for subsequent crops. By integrating this species into agroforestry systems, land managers can reverse degradation and promote long-term biodiversity. Ultimately, its role in revitalizing tired landscapes makes it an essential component of sustainable agricultural practices.
- Synonyms
- Stizolobium Macrocarpum · Pillera Macrocarpa
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Fabaceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Not available
Classification
Common Names
Mucuna macrocarpa is widely recognized by its English common name, the long-fruited mucuna. In Thailand, this distinctive climbing plant is locally known as สะบ้าลิง. As it traverses different regions, its identity shifts, appearing in Japanese contexts as either イルカンダ or ウジルカンダ. Furthermore, the species is identified in Chinese botanical circles as 大果油麻藤. These diverse naming conventions highlight the plant's wide geographical distribution and cultural significance across Asia.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Mucuna macrocarpa is a plant species that is recognized under several different botanical names. In various scientific databases, it is documented as having the synonym Pillera macrocarpa. Furthermore, the plant is also referred to by the synonym Stizolobium macrocarpum. These overlapping names highlight the complex taxonomic history often found within the legume family. Understanding these various classifications is essential for researchers tracking the plant's true identity.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Mucuna macrocarpa is a distinct botanical species belonging to the vast kingdom Plantae. Within this biological kingdom, it is classified under the class Equisetopsida. Its evolutionary lineage continues through the order Fabales, which places it among a specific group of flowering plants. Furthermore, this species is a member of the diverse family Fabaceae, known commonly as the legume family. Ultimately, its specific scientific identity is defined by its placement within the genus Mucuna.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Mucuna |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Mucuna macrocarpa is a plant species widely distributed across the temperate regions of Asia. Its presence is notably recorded throughout various parts of China, including the South-Central, Southeast, and Hainan regions. The species also extends its reach into Eastern Asia, where it can be found growing in Japan. Specifically, its habitat includes the unique ecosystems of the Nansei-shoto islands. This broad geographical range highlights the plant's ability to thrive across diverse Asian landscapes.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Mucuna macrocarpa relies on other plants for structural support through its obligatory climbing habit. This specialized growth form allows the vine to ascend toward the sunlight by utilizing surrounding vegetation as a trellis.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Compounds
Mucuna macrocarpa is a plant species that has long been utilized in Thai folklore for its purported aphrodisiac properties. Research indicates that the seeds of this plant contain significant amounts of L-dopa, a compound that can lead to serious adverse health effects if consumed. Due to these potential risks, regulatory bodies like the FDA in several countries have legally banned its use in foods, dietary supplements, and nutraceuticals. To ensure consumer safety, scientists are now employing advanced techniques such as HPLC analysis to detect the presence of L-dopa in herbal products. By combining this chemical profiling with DNA barcoding, authorities can more effectively identify prohibited species and monitor the safety of the herbal supplement market.
Conditions
Mucuna macrocarpa exhibits androgenic effects in males and is traditionally utilized for its aphrodisiac properties. The application of salicylic acid to this species can treat cultivation-dependent variations in the accumulation and yield of its medicinal components. Furthermore, such treatments help to treat the basal diameter (BD) by significantly increasing it during seedling growth. Salicylic acid also works to treat the balance in leaves by regulating endogenous hormone content and nutrient levels. Through these physiological adjustments, the plant's overall medicinal profile and growth are enhanced.