Pentaclethra macroloba

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Dichrostachys macrostachya
• Pentaclethra filamentosa
• Acacia aspidioides
• Pentaclethra brevifila
• Cailliea macrostachya
• Mimosa macroloba
• Acacia macroloba
• Entada wrbaeana

Regional and Traditional Names

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Fabales, it is classified under the family Fabaceae. It is specifically identified by its genus, Pentaclethrra, and its species name, Pentaclethrra macroloba.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a widespread distribution across several regions of Central America and the Caribbean. Within Central America, its presence is documented in the nations of Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and Panamá. Moving toward the Caribbean, the species can be found inhabiting the islands of Trinidad and Tobago. Additionally, its range extends to the various islands comprising the Windward Islands. Consequently, the geographical footprint of Pentaclethra macrolobia spans multiple diverse island ecosystems.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Pentaclethra macroloba is characterized by its occurrence in diverse humid environments, specifically within Floresta de Igapó and Floresta Ombrófila (also known as Floresta Pluvial). This species thrives across a broad altitudinal gradient, ranging from sea level (0 m AMSL) up to a maximum elevation of 1000 m AMSL.

Elevational range max:

1000 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

0 m AMSL

Habitat :

Floresta de Igapó, Floresta Ombrófila (= Floresta Pluvial)

Life history

The life history of Pentaclethra macroloba is characterized by its status as a perennial species, allowing it to maintain a stable presence within its ecosystem over many years. Throughout its long lifespan, the plant exhibits an evergreen habit, meaning it retains its foliage continuously rather than shedding it seasonally, which facilitates ongoing photosynthetic activity.

Deciduousness :

evergreen

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Pentaclethra macroloba is characterized by its robust growth form as a woody tree, reaching a mean height of approximately 12 meters, though it can attain a maximum height of up to 20 meters. This species is strictly terrestrial in its habitat, neither aquatic nor epiphytic, and functions as an independent organism without parasitic tendencies. In terms of structural support, it is categorized as a self-supporting plant rather than a climber, liana, or vine, maintaining a stable and upright stature throughout its development.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

20 m

Plant height mean:

12 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Pentaclethra macroloba is characterized by its efficient carbon assimilation and nutrient acquisition strategies. It utilizes the C3 photosynthetic pathway, a common metabolic process in many tropical woody species, which involves the direct fixation of atmospheric carbon dioxide through the Calvin cycle. Furthermore, the plant exhibits a specialized capacity for soil enrichment through its role as a nitrogen fixer; by engaging in symbiotic relationships with nitrogen-fixing bacteria, it is able to convert atmospheric nitrogen into a bioavailable form, thereby enhancing its own growth and contributing to the fertility of its surrounding ecosystem.

Nitrogen fixer :

yes

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Reproduction

The reproduction of Pentaclethrha macroloba is characterized by a biotic pollination syndrome, primarily facilitated by insects, with a specific reliance on bees to ensure successful fertilization. The plant exhibits a reproductive strategy where self-fertilization is absent, necessitating the involvement of these pollinators for genetic exchange. Following successful fertilization, the plant produces relatively large seeds, with a minimum seed mass of 5.19 g, a mean mass of 5.84 g, and a maximum mass reaching 6.49 g. These seeds vary significantly in size, possessing a seed length that ranges from a minimum of 50 mm to a maximum of 100 mm. Once mature, the dispersal of these seeds follows a hydrochorous syndrome, meaning they are primarily dispersed by water currents to colonize new habitats.

Dispersal syndrome :

hydrochorous

Pollination syndrome :

insect

Pollination syndrome :

bee

Pollination syndrome :

biotic

Seed length max:

100 mm

Seed length min:

50 mm

Seed mass max:

6.49 g

Seed mass mean:

5.84 g

Seed mass min:

5.19 g

Self fertilization :

absent

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Pentaclethra macroloba has 5 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Ash, PHOSPHORUS, SODIUM, Tannin, ZINC.

Ash

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)

Tannin

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

ZINC

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

Activities

Pentaclethra macroloba has 4 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antiinflammatory, Antimicrobial, Emollient, Moisturizing.

Antiinflammatory

1. International journal of pharmaceutical compounding

Antimicrobial

1. International journal of pharmaceutical compounding

Emollient

1. International journal of pharmaceutical compounding

Moisturizing

1. International journal of pharmaceutical compounding

Conditions

Pentaclethra macroloba has 2 reported investigations on conditions identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include Acinetobacter baumannii, wound infection.

Acinetobacter baumannii

1. SpringerPlus

Wound infection

1. International journal of pharmaceutical compounding

Preparations

Pentaclethra macroloba has 1 reported preparations identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include aqueous extracts.

Aqueous extracts

1. SpringerPlus