Senna macranthera

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Cassia macranthera

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 a member of the Fabaceae family. It is specifically classified under the genus Senna, with its species name being macranthera.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a diverse range of locations across the South American continent. In Northern South America, its presence is noted within the borders of Venezuela. Moving toward the western side of the continent, it can be found growing in Colombia. The species also extends its reach into Ecuador and Peru. Finally, its geographical distribution includes the territory of Bolivia in Western South America.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Senna macranthera is characterized by its remarkable adaptability to diverse and varied environmental conditions across a wide altitudinal spectrum. This species thrives at elevations ranging from sea level (0 m AMSL) up to a maximum of 2450 m AMSL, allowing it to colonize both lowland and montane landscapes. Its habitat preferences are highly eclectic, encompassing a multitude of distinct ecosystems including the semi-arid Caatinga (strictu sensu), the seasonal Cerrado (lato sensu), and the Carrasco. Furthermore, it is found within more humid environments such as riparian forests (Floresta Ciliar ou Galeria) and ombrophilous forests (Floresta Ombrófila/Pluvial), as well as anthropogenic areas (Área Antrópica), demonstrating a high degree of ecological plasticity in both natural and disturbed landscapes.

Elevational range max:

2450 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

0 m AMSL

Habitat :

Área Antrópica, Caatinga (stricto sensu), Carrasco, Cerrado (lato sensu), Floresta Ciliar ou Galeria, Floresta Ombrófila (= Floresta Pluvial)

Life history

The life history of Senna macranthera is characterized by its status as a perennial species, allowing the plant to persist through multiple growing seasons and establish a long-term presence within its ecological niche. As a perennial, it avoids the complete senescence typical of annuals, instead focusing on continuous vegetative growth and periodic reproductive cycles that can span several years. This lifecycle enables the plant to accumulate biomass over time, facilitating more robust flowering events and increasing its capacity for seed production compared to short-lived species. The longevity inherent in its perennial nature allows Senna macranthera to adapt to seasonal environmental fluctuations, ensuring survival and stability within its native habitat.

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Senna macranthera is characterized by its robust growth form, primarily developing as a woody tree. This species is a terrestrial plant that functions independently, showing no parasitic behavior. In terms of stature, it is a significant specimen, reaching a mean plant height of approximately 7 meters, with the potential to attain a maximum height of up to 12 meters. Although it possesses a sturdy, woody structure, it is categorized as a self-supporting organism rather than a liana, vine, or climber, maintaining its vertical integrity without the need for external support.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

12 m

Plant height mean:

7 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Senna macranthera is characterized by a C3 photosynthetic pathway, which dictates its carbon fixation processes and metabolic efficiency. The plant functions as a nitrogen fixer, indicating a symbiotic relationship with nitrogen-fixing bacteria that allows it to enrich the soil and support its own nutrient requirements. In terms of its structural composition, the stem exhibits a highly consistent Stem Specific Density (SSD), with a measured mean, minimum, and maximum value all precisely recorded at 500 mg/cm³.

Nitrogen fixer :

yes

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Stem specific density (SSD) min:

500 mg/cm³

Reproduction

The reproduction of Senna macranthera is characterized by a biotic pollination syndrome, primarily relying on insects to facilitate the transfer of pollen. The plant produces dry fruits that house its seeds, which exhibit highly consistent physical dimensions. Each seed maintains a uniform volume of 180 mm³, with both the minimum and maximum recorded values, as well as the mean seed volume, settling at this exact measurement. Furthermore, the seeds are uniform in mass, with the minimum, maximum, and mean seed mass all recorded at 0.03088 g, indicating a highly standardized seed production process within the species.

Fruit dryness :

dry

Pollination syndrome :

insect

Pollination syndrome :

biotic

Seed mass mean:

0.03088 g

Seed volume max:

180 mm³

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Senna macranthera 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 root.

Root

1. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM

Activities

Senna macranthera has 1 reported activities identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Laxative.

Laxative

1. Natural product research

Conditions

Senna macranthera has 2 reported investigations on conditions identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include bovine mastitis, constipation.

Bovine mastitis

1. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM

Constipation

1. Natural product research