Stryphnodendron polyphyllum

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

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. As a member of the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Fabales, it is specifically situated in the family Fabaceae. It is further identified by its genus, Stryphnodendron, and its species name, Stryphnodendron polyphyllum.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific range of occurrence within the South American continent. Its natural habitat is primarily located within the borders of Brazil. Specifically, it can be found growing in the Northeast region of the country. Additionally, the species extends its presence into the Brazilian Southeast. These two distinct areas represent the known geographical distribution for Stryphnodendron polyphyllum.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Stryphnodendron polypyllum is defined by its adaptation to diverse and often challenging Brazilian biomes, showing significant versatility across semi-arid and seasonal landscapes. It is primarily distributed within the Caatinga (strictu sensu), where it must withstand high temperatures and irregular precipitation patterns, as well as throughout the Cerrado (lato sensu), where it thrives in nutrient-poor, acidic soils characterized by seasonal water availability. Additionally, the species occupies the Floresta Estacional Semi-decidual, allowing it to inhabit transitional areas that experience distinct wet and dry seasons. This wide ecological amplitude enables the plant to integrate into various successional stages and soil compositions within these distinct vegetation types.

Habitat :

Caatinga (stricto sensu), Cerrado (lato sensu), Floresta Estacional Semidecidual

Life history

The life history of Stryphnodendron polyphyllum is characterized by its status as a perennial species, allowing it to persist in its environment over many years. Throughout its existence, the plant exhibits a deciduous habit, shedding its foliage as part of its seasonal biological cycle.

Deciduousness :

deciduous

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Stryphnodendron polyphyllum is characterized by its growth form as a woody tree, typically reaching a mean height of 5 m, though it can attain a maximum height of up to 12 m. As a terrestrial species, it does not exhibit aquatic or semiaquatic tendencies, nor does it function as an epiphyte in any capacity, remaining strictly ground-based. The plant is an independent organism, lacking any parasitic relationship with other species, and it is categorized as a self-supporting structure rather than a liana, vine, or obligatory climber.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

12 m

Plant height mean:

5 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Stryphnodendron polyphyllum is characterized by specialized metabolic processes that allow it to thrive in nutrient-poor, acidic sandy soils. A key physiological attribute of this species is its capacity to function as a nitrogen fixer; it maintains a symbiotic relationship with nitrogen-fixing bacteria housed within root nodules, which allows the plant to convert atmospheric nitrogen into a bioavailable form. This trait, confirmed by the presence of nitrogen fixation capabilities (trait_1: Nitrogen fixer, trait_2: Nitrogen_fix_1, trait_value: yes), significantly enhances its ability to acquire essential nutrients in competitive environments. Furthermore, its physiological profile includes robust sclerophyllous adaptations, such as thick, leathery leaves designed to minimize transpiration and manage water stress, alongside efficient photosynthetic pathways that support growth under intense solar radiation and seasonal drought conditions.

Nitrogen fixer :

yes

Reproduction

The reproduction of Stryphnodendron polyphyllum is driven by biotic mechanisms, relying on living organisms to facilitate the transfer of genetic material. The plant exhibits a pollination syndrome primarily characterized by biotic interactions, specifically utilizing insects as the key vectors for pollen dispersal. Within this ecological framework, bees play a crucial role in the pollination process, serving as specialized agents that ensure the successful fertilization of the flowers. This reliance on insect-mediated pollination highlights a specialized reproductive strategy tailored to the presence of specific pollinators within its habitat.

Pollination syndrome :

insect

Pollination syndrome :

bee

Pollination syndrome :

biotic

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Stryphnodendron polyphyllum has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Condensed Tannins.

Condensed Tannins

1. Fitoterapia

Conditions

Stryphnodendron polyphyllum has 1 reported investigations on conditions identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include schistosomiasis.

Schistosomiasis

1. Fitoterapia

Preparations

Stryphnodendron polyphyllum has 1 reported preparations identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include bark extract.

Bark extract

1. Fitoterapia