Ptycholobium contortum

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Sylitra contorta
• Tephrosia contorta

Sources: Wikidata

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. It is categorized within the order Fabales and the family Fabaceae. Specifically, it is classified under the genus Ptycholobium as Ptycholobium contortum.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific distribution pattern across several regions of the African continent. In South Tropical Africa, it can be found growing within the borders of Zimbabwe. Its presence also extends into the Southern Africa region, specifically within Botswana. Additionally, the species is located in the Southern Africa territory of the Northern Provinces. These locations highlight the various habitats where the plant is naturally occurring.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Ptychobolium contortum is characterized by its specific distribution across varying topographic gradients, typically occupying mid-altitude landscapes. This species thrives within a defined altitudinal belt, ranging from a minimum elevation of 275 m AMSL to a maximum elevation of 1100 m AMSL. Within this vertical range, the plant adapts to the specific microclimates, moisture availability, and soil compositions present in these subtropical or tropical montane environments. Its presence across this 825-meter elevation gradient suggests a specialized niche capability, allowing it to colonize diverse ecological zones as long as they fall within these specific atmospheric and thermal parameters.

Elevational range max:

1100 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

275 m AMSL

Life history

The life history of Ptycholobium contortum is characterized by its status as a perennial species, allowing it to persist in its environment through multiple growing seasons. As a long-lived woody plant, it follows a developmental trajectory that moves from seedling establishment to a sustained mature phase, rather than completing its cycle within a single year or two. This perennial nature enables the plant to invest significant resources into structural growth and reproductive stability, ensuring its long-term presence within its ecological niche.

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Ptycholobium contortum is characterized by a herbaceous growth form, manifesting as a non-woody herb. This plant typically exhibits a relatively low stature, with a plant height ranging from a minimum of 0.2 m to a maximum of 0.8 m. In terms of its ecological habit and structural support, it is a self-supporting species rather than a climber, and it functions as an independent organism without parasitic tendencies. Although it can exist in various moisture regimes, its primary habitat is classified as terrestrial, distinguishing it from strictly aquatic or semiaquatic life forms, and it does not exhibit epiphytic behavior.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

herb

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

0.8 m

Plant height min:

0.2 m

Woodiness :

non-woody

Reproduction

The reproduction of Ptycholobium contortum is characterized by the production of relatively small seeds that exhibit specific variations in weight. Quantitative analysis of the seed mass reveals a mean weight of 0.005575 g, indicating a highly standardized reproductive output. Within the population, the seed mass fluctuates between a minimum value of 0.0044 g and a maximum value of 0.00675 g, reflecting a narrow range of morphological diversity in the individual reproductive units.

Seed mass max:

0.00675 g

Seed mass mean:

0.005575 g

Seed mass min:

0.0044 g

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Ptycholobium contortum has 5 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Betulin, Epunctanone, Mundulea lactone, Seputhecarpan A, Seputheisoflavone.

Betulin

1. Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology

Epunctanone

1. Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology

Mundulea lactone

1. Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology

Seputhecarpan A

1. Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology

Seputheisoflavone

1. Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology