Ujjain Desmodium Tree

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• Ujjain Desmodium Tree

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Ougeinia dalbergioides
• Desmodium oojeinense
• Dalbergia oojeinensis

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. As a member of the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Fabales, it is classified under the family Fabaceae. It is further identified by its specific genus, Ougeinia, and its species name, Ougeinia oojeinensis.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant is widely distributed across several key regions within the Indian Subcontinent. It can be found growing throughout the diverse landscapes of India. Additionally, its presence extends into the mountainous terrain of Nepal. The species is also documented within the specific ecological zones of the West Himalaya. Furthermore, its geographical range includes the territory of Pakistan and the state of Assam.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Ougeinia oojeinensis is characterized by its status as a perennial species, meaning it maintains its vegetative structures and continues to grow through multiple growing seasons rather than completing its life cycle in a single year. As a long-lived perennial, the plant establishes a robust root system that allows it to endure seasonal fluctuations and re-emerge annually. This life cycle enables the plant to invest significant energy into structural development and reproductive maturity over several years, contributing to its stability within its specific ecological niche.

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Ougeinia oojeinensis is characterized by its robust growth form, specifically functioning as a large tree. This woody species typically reaches a significant plant height, with a mean stature of approximately 10 m. It is a terrestrial plant that grows in an independent manner, rather than acting as a parasite. In terms of its structural habit, it is classified as a self-supporting plant, meaning it does not rely on climbing or vining mechanisms to maintain its upright stature.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Plant height mean:

10 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Ougeinia oojeinenis is characterized by a C3 photosynthetic pathway, a common metabolic strategy in many woody species that involves the direct fixation of carbon dioxide through the Calvin cycle. Furthermore, the plant functions as a nitrogen fixer, possessing the biological capacity to convert atmospheric nitrogen into a usable form, which enhances its nutrient acquisition and growth potential in various soil environments.

Nitrogen fixer :

yes

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Reproduction

The reproduction of Ougeinia oojeinensis is characterized by the production of fruits classified as pods, which are capable of dehiscence to release their seeds. The seeds themselves exhibit a highly consistent mass, with a recorded mean, minimum, and maximum value of 0.03546 g. Following release, the plant employs an anemochorous dispersal syndrome, utilizing wind as the primary mechanism to transport its seeds away from the parent plant.

Dehiscence :

dehiscent

Dispersal syndrome :

anemochorous

Fruit type :

pod

Seed mass mean:

0.03546 g

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Ougeinia oojeinensis has 3 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include 2',4',5,7-tetrahydroxy-6-methyl isoflavone, 2',4',8-trihydroxy-6-methoxy-7-methyl isoflavone, genistein.

2',4',5,7-tetrahydroxy-6-methyl isoflavone

1. Phytochemical analysis : PCA

2',4',8-trihydroxy-6-methoxy-7-methyl isoflavone

1. Phytochemical analysis : PCA

genistein

1. Phytochemical analysis : PCA

Preparations

Ougeinia oojeinensis has 1 reported preparations identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include heartwood extract.

Heartwood extract

1. Phytochemical analysis : PCA