Pterocarpus rotundifolius

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Distribution

This plant exhibits a widespread distribution across various tropical regions of the African continent. In West-Central Tropical Africa, it can be found within the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Its range extends into East Tropical Africa, specifically documented in Tanzania. Furthermore, the species is prevalent in South Tropical Africa, appearing in the nation of Angola. Finally, its presence is also confirmed in the southern territories of Malawi and Mozambique.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Pterocarpus rotundifolius is characterized by its ability to inhabit a diverse vertical gradient within its natural habitat, spanning a broad elevational range from sea level up to a maximum altitude of 1550 m AMSL. This wide distribution from 0 m AMSL suggests a high degree of adaptability to varying topographical pressures and atmospheric conditions. By occupying niches ranging from lowland coastal or riverine environments to higher-altitude montane zones, the species demonstrates resilience to fluctuating temperature regimes and varying levels of humidity. Such an expansive elevational range allows the plant to interact with a variety of soil types and microclimates, facilitating its integration into diverse ecological communities across different altitudinal strata.

Elevational range max:

1550 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

0 m AMSL

Life history

The life history of Pterocarpus rotundifolius is characterized by its status as a perennial species, allowing it to persist in its environment over many years. As a long-lived woody plant, it follows a developmental trajectory that moves from seed germination through a juvenile phase to a mature reproductive stage, maintaining its presence in the ecosystem through repeated seasonal growth cycles. Unlike annuals or biennials that complete their life cycle in a single or double growing season, this perennial plant invests significant energy into structural longevity and robust root systems, which support its continuous survival and periodic flowering and fruiting cycles over an extended lifespan.

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Pterocarpus rotundifolius is characterized by its growth form as a woody tree. As a terrestrial species, it grows independently without acting as a parasite or an epiphyte. The plant exhibits a robust structure, functioning as a self-supporting organism rather than a climbing liana or vine. In terms of stature, it reaches a minimum height of 3 m, with an average plant height of approximately 12 m, and can attain a maximum height of up to 20 m.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

20 m

Plant height mean:

12 m

Plant height min:

3 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Pterocarpus rotundifolius is characterized by a C3 photosynthetic pathway, a mechanism where carbon dioxide is fixed directly into the Calvin cycle via the enzyme RuBisCO, typically occurring in environments where water availability allows for consistent stomatal conductance. Furthermore, this species does not function as a nitrogen fixer, meaning it lacks the symbiotic relationship with diazotrophic bacteria required to convert atmospheric nitrogen into usable forms, and must instead rely on the uptake of nitrates and ammonium present in the soil substrate to meet its nutritional requirements for growth and development.

Nitrogen fixer :

no

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Reproduction

The reproduction of Pterocarpus rotundifolius is characterized by a biotic pollination syndrome, relying on living organisms to facilitate the transfer of pollen. Specifically, the plant utilizes insect-mediated pollination, with bees serving as a primary pollinator species. Following successful fertilization, the plant produces seeds with a highly consistent mass; the seed mass is recorded at a uniform 0.25444 g, which serves as both the minimum, maximum, and mean value for the species.

Pollination syndrome :

insect

Pollination syndrome :

bee

Pollination syndrome :

biotic

Seed mass mean:

0.25444 g

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Pterocarpus rotundifolius 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. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)