Pityrocarpa moniliformis

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Piptadenia moniliformis
• Stryphnodendron piptadenioides
• Stryphnodendron consimile

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant, Pityrocarpa moniliformis, belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. It is further classified under the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Fabales, placing it within the family Fabaceae. Finally, it is identified under the specific genus Pityrocarpa.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant is primarily distributed across the vast landscapes of Western South America. Within this region, it can be found growing in Bolivia. Its presence also extends significantly into the country of Brazil. Specifically, it inhabits the Northeast region of Brazil. Additionally, the species is documented to occur within the Southeast portion of Brazil.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Pityrocarpa moniliformis is characterized by its presence in specific Brazilian biomes, primarily occupying the Caatinga (strictu sensu), the Carrasco, and the Floresta Estacional Decidual. Within these environments, the species adapts to distinct moisture regimes and vegetation structures, ranging from the semi-arid, thorny shrublands of the Caatinga to the seasonal deciduous forests where vegetation undergoes periodic leaf shedding in response to climatic fluctuations. Its distribution across these varied habitats suggests a capacity to thrive in regions defined by seasonal rainfall patterns and specific soil compositions typical of these transitional and dry forest ecosystems.

Habitat :

Caatinga (stricto sensu), Carrasco, Floresta Estacional Decidual

Life history

The life history of Pityrocarpa moniliformis is characterized by its classification as a perennial plant, meaning it persists through multiple growing seasons rather than completing its life cycle in a single year. Throughout its existence, the plant exhibits a deciduous growth habit, shedding its foliage periodically as part of its natural seasonal cycle.

Deciduousness :

deciduous

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Pityrocarpa moniliformis is characterized by its growth form as a woody tree, reaching a mean height of approximately 7 m and a maximum height of up to 8 m. This plant is strictly terrestrial in its habitat, functioning neither as an aquatic nor a semiaquatic species, and it does not exhibit epiphytic behavior, remaining terrestrial throughout its life cycle. As a self-supporting organism, it does not function as a climber, liana, or vine, nor does it rely on other structures for support. Furthermore, the species is an independent organism that does not act as a parasite, maintaining its own nutritional requirements through its woody structure.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

8 m

Plant height mean:

7 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Pityrocarpa moniliformis is characterized by a C3 photosynthetic pathway, which dictates its carbon fixation processes and metabolic efficiency within its native ecological niche. In addition to its specific photosynthetic mechanism, the plant functions as a nitrogen fixer, utilizing biological processes to convert atmospheric nitrogen into forms usable for its growth and development.

Nitrogen fixer :

yes

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Reproduction

The reproduction of Pityrocarpa moniliformis is characterized by a biotic pollination syndrome, specifically relying on insects to facilitate the transfer of pollen. This insect-mediated pollination process ensures the genetic diversity and successful fertilization necessary for the production of its seeds. The resulting seeds exhibit specific morphological weight characteristics, with a recorded minimum seed mass of 0.02679 g and a maximum seed mass of 0.03723 g. On average, the seed mass for this species is approximately 0.03374 g, reflecting a relatively consistent reproductive output in terms of seed size and investment.

Pollination syndrome :

insect

Pollination syndrome :

biotic

Seed mass max:

0.03723 g

Seed mass mean:

0.03374 g

Seed mass min:

0.02679 g

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Pityrocarpa moniliformis 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 leaf.

Leaf

1. Journal of toxicology and environmental health. Part A

Chemicals

Pityrocarpa moniliformis has 4 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Flavonoids, Saponins, Steroids, Triterpenes.

Flavonoids

1. Journal of toxicology and environmental health. Part A

Saponins

1. Journal of toxicology and environmental health. Part A

Steroids

1. Journal of toxicology and environmental health. Part A

Triterpenes

1. Journal of toxicology and environmental health. Part A

Preparations

Pityrocarpa moniliformis has 3 reported preparations identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include cyclohexane [EP1], ethyl acetate [EP2], methanol [EP3].

Cyclohexane [ep1]

1. Journal of toxicology and environmental health. Part A

Ethyl acetate [ep2]

1. Journal of toxicology and environmental health. Part A

Methanol [ep3]

1. Journal of toxicology and environmental health. Part A