Swartzia langsdorffii

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Tounatea langsdorffii
• Swartzia brasiliensis

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 further categorized into the family Fabaceae. Ultimately, it is identified by the genus Swartzia.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant is characterized by a specific and limited geographical range. According to current botanical records, it is found within the South American continent. Specifically, its presence is documented in the country of Brazil. Within that nation, the species is localized to the Southeast region. Therefore, its natural distribution is primarily centered in this particular Brazilian territory.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Swartzia langsdorffii is fundamentally defined by its occurrence within the Floresta Ombrófila, also known as the tropical rainforest or pluvial forest. This habitat provides the specific environmental conditions necessary for its survival, characterized by high levels of annual precipitation and consistent humidity levels that support a dense, multi-layered canopy. Within this ecosystem, the plant exists in a complex biotic environment where nutrient cycling is rapid due to constant moisture and warm temperatures. The structural complexity of the rainforest influences its microclimate, offering varying degrees of light availability, shade, and soil moisture, which are critical for its physiological processes and reproductive cycles.

Habitat :

Floresta Ombrófila (= Floresta Pluvial)

Life history

The life history of Swartzia langsdorffii is characterized by its status as a perennial organism, allowing it to persist in its environment through multiple growing seasons. Throughout its existence, the plant maintains an evergreen habit, ensuring that its foliage remains functional and present across different periods rather than shedding leaves seasonally. This combination of a long-lived lifecycle and continuous leaf retention defines its fundamental biological strategy and presence within its ecological niche.

Deciduousness :

evergreen

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Swartzia langsdorffii is characterized by its growth form as a woody tree, which functions as an independent organism rather than a parasite. This species is a terrestrial plant that does not exhibit epiphytic behavior, growing instead within soil-based environments. As a self-supporting structure, it does not utilize climbing mechanisms such as vines or lianas. The plant reaches significant dimensions, with an average height of approximately 12 meters and the potential to reach a maximum height of 17 meters.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

17 m

Plant height mean:

12 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Swartzia langsdorffii is characterized by a C3 photosynthetic pathway, utilizing the standard Calvin cycle to fix atmospheric carbon dioxide during the light-independent reactions. Furthermore, this species functions as a nitrogen fixer, possessing the biological capacity to convert atmospheric nitrogen into a usable form, which enhances its nutrient uptake and survival in nitrogen-limited environments.

Nitrogen fixer :

yes

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Swartzia langsdorffii has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Swartziarboreol C.

Swartziarboreol C

1. Journal of natural products

Preparations

Swartzia langsdorffii has 2 reported preparations identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include petroleum ether extract of the roots, root extracts.

Petroleum ether extract of the roots

1. Journal of natural products

Root extracts

1. Journal of natural products