Senegalia laeta

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Acacia modesta var. laeta
• Acacia senegal var. laeta
• Acacia trentiniani
• Acacia laeta

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta within the class Equisetopsida. Following its placement in the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Fabales, it is a member of the Fabaceae family. Finally, its specific taxonomic identification is found within the genus Senegalia, specifically as the species Senegalia laeta.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a wide geographical distribution across several distinct regions of the African continent. In Northern Africa, its presence is noted within the territories of Algeria and Egypt. Moving toward the western regions, it can be found throughout West Tropical Africa. Specifically, the species thrives in the countries of Burkina and Mali. Additionally, its range extends into the West Tropical African nation of Mauritania.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Senegalia laeta is characterized by a perennial lifecycle, allowing the plant to persist in its environment over multiple growing seasons. Functioning as a phanerophyte, its regenerative buds are elevated above the ground level, a structural strategy that aids in its survival and growth patterns. Specifically, it exhibits the characteristics of a phanerophyte, maintaining its vital parts in a protected, elevated position relative to the soil surface.

Life form :

phanerophyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Senegalia laeta is characterized by its stature as a large, woody tree that can reach an average height of approximately 6 meters. As a terrestrial species, it grows independently in its environment without being an epiphyte or a parasite, functioning as a self-supporting plant rather than a climbing liana or vine. Its structural integrity is defined by its woody nature, providing the necessary stability for its tree-like growth form.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Plant height mean:

6 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Senegalia laeta is characterized by a C3 photosynthetic pathway, which facilitates carbon fixation through the Calvin cycle, a common adaptation for plants in varying environmental conditions. Furthermore, this species functions as a nitrogen fixer, establishing symbiotic relationships with rhizobia bacteria within its root nodules to convert atmospheric nitrogen into a bioavailable form, thereby enhancing its nutrient acquisition and growth capabilities in nitrogen-limited soils.

Nitrogen fixer :

yes

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Reproduction

The reproduction of Senegalia laeta is characterized by a biotic pollination syndrome, primarily driven by insect vectors to facilitate successful fertilization. This reliance on biotic agents indicates a specialized reproductive strategy where insects play a crucial role in the transfer of pollen. Following successful pollination, the plant produces seeds with specific morphological characteristics regarding their mass. The seed mass within the population exhibits a range of values, with a minimum recorded mass of 0.07539 g and a maximum of 0.09822 g. On average, the seed mass for this species is approximately 0.081908 g, reflecting a consistent investment in progeny size to ensure successful germination and establishment.

Pollination syndrome :

insect

Pollination syndrome :

biotic

Seed mass max:

0.09822 g

Seed mass mean:

0.081908 g

Seed mass min:

0.07539 g

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Senegalia laeta 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

Chemicals

Senegalia laeta has 3 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Flavonoids, Procyanidins, polyphenols.

Flavonoids

1. Fitoterapia

Procyanidins

1. Fitoterapia

polyphenols

1. Fitoterapia

Preparations

Senegalia laeta has 1 reported preparations identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include leaf methanolic extracts.

Leaf methanolic extracts

1. Fitoterapia