Samanea inopinata

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Pithecellobium inopinatum
• Albizia inopinata
• Pithecellobium nuriense
• Serianthes inopinata

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. Specifically, its taxonomic identity is defined by the genus Samanea, with the species being Samanea inoquinata.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific distribution across several key regions of the South American continent. In Northern South America, its presence is documented within the borders of Guyana. The species is also found extending into Venezuela, which forms a significant part of its northern range. Moving into Brazil, the plant is widely distributed throughout the northern part of the country. Furthermore, it can be located across the northeastern regions of Brazil, completing its regional footprint.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Samanea inopinata is characterized by its occurrence within specific tropical and subtropical biomes, primarily thriving in the Caatinga (strictu sensu) and the Floresta Estacional Decidual. In these environments, the species is adapted to seasonal moisture fluctuations, playing a structural role in the vegetation through its ability to withstand periods of drought typical of the Caatinga while also integrating into the more seasonally dry deciduous forests. Its distribution and survival are closely tied to these distinct ecological niches, where it interacts with specialized soil compositions and local microclimates to maintain its presence within these semi-arid and seasonal forest ecosystems.

Habitat :

Caatinga (stricto sensu), Floresta Estacional Decidual

Morphology

The morphology of Samanea inopinata is characterized by its robust growth form as a woody tree, reaching a maximum plant height of approximately 20 m. As an independent organism, it does not function as a parasite and maintains a terrestrial habit, distinguishing it from aquatic or semiaquatic species. The plant is strictly terrestrial in its epiphytic status, lacking any hemi-epiphytic or facultative epiphytic tendencies. Structurally, it is a self-supporting species, meaning it does not exhibit climbing behaviors such as those seen in lianas, vines, or obligatory/facultative climbers. Its architecture is defined by a solid, woody stem structure typical of large forest trees, providing the necessary stability to support its significant vertical stature.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

20 m

Woodiness :

woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Samanea inopinata 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. Fitoterapia

Activities

Samanea inopinata has 3 reported activities identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Chronotropic, Hypotensive, Vasorelaxant.

Chronotropic

1. Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology

Hypotensive

1. Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology

Vasorelaxant

1. Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology