Mucuna monosperma

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Carpopogon anguineus
• Stizolobium monospermum
• Carpopogon monospermus

Sources: Wikidata

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae, it falls under the order Fabales and the family Fabaceae. Ultimately, its taxonomic identity is defined by the genus Mucuna, specifically the species Mucuna monosperma.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant, Mucuna monospermma, exhibits a widespread presence across various regions of the Indian Subcontinent. It is commonly documented throughout the vast territories of India and its neighboring country, Bangladesh. Within the subcontinent, its range extends into the unique ecological landscapes of Assam. Furthermore, the species can be found inhabiting the high-altitude environments of the East Himalaya. Finally, its geographical distribution reaches as far south as the island nation of Sri Lanka.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Morphology

The morphology of Mucuna monosperma is characterized by its growth habit as an obligatory climber, utilizing specialized structures to ascend surrounding vegetation. The plant features robust, twining stems that facilitate its climbing mechanism, allowing it to reach higher light intensities within its habitat. Its foliage typically consists of trifoliate leaves, a common characteristic of the Fabaceae family, with leaflets that provide a broad surface area for photosynthesis. The reproductive structures include large, often showy flowers that are adapted for specific pollinators, eventually developing into distinctive pods. These pods are typically woody or leathery and contain a single, prominent seed, which is the namesake feature of the species. The overall architecture of the plant is highly dependent on physical support, reflecting its specialized evolutionary niche as a climbing vine.

Climber :

obligatory

Physiology

The physiology of Mucuna monosperma is characterized by a highly efficient symbiotic relationship with soil bacteria, most notably within the Rhizobiaceae family, which allows the plant to function as a nitrogen fixer. This physiological capability is facilitated through the development of specialized root nodules where atmospheric nitrogen is converted into ammonia, a process that significantly enhances the plant's ability to thrive in nitrogen-poor soils. By integrating this nitrogen fixation mechanism, the plant maintains a robust metabolic rate, supporting rapid vegetative growth and the synthesis of complex proteins and alkaloids. This nitrogen-rich internal environment supports the energy-intensive production of bioactive secondary metabolites, which are essential for its medicinal properties, while simultaneously contributing to the enrichment of the surrounding rhizosphere through the cycling of organic nitrogen.

Nitrogen fixer :

yes

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Mucuna monosperma has 19 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Ash, COPPER, IRON, L-dopa, MAGNESIUM.

Ash

1. Plant foods for human nutrition (Dordrecht, Netherlands)

COPPER

1. Plant foods for human nutrition (Dordrecht, Netherlands)

IRON

1. Plant foods for human nutrition (Dordrecht, Netherlands)

L-dopa

1. Plant foods for human nutrition (Dordrecht, Netherlands)

MAGNESIUM

1. Plant foods for human nutrition (Dordrecht, Netherlands)

MANGANESE

1. Plant foods for human nutrition (Dordrecht, Netherlands)

PHOSPHORUS

1. Plant foods for human nutrition (Dordrecht, Netherlands)

SODIUM

1. Plant foods for human nutrition (Dordrecht, Netherlands)

Tannins

1. Plant foods for human nutrition (Dordrecht, Netherlands)

ZINC

1. Plant foods for human nutrition (Dordrecht, Netherlands)