Tephrosia virginiana

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Distribution

This plant, known as Tephrosia virginiana, exhibits a specific geographical distribution within the North-Central United States. Its presence can be documented across several key states in this particular region. Specifically, it is found growing in the landscapes of Illinois and Iowa. Furthermore, the species extends its range into the states of Kansas and Minnesota. Finally, the documented distribution includes Missouri, completing its regional footprint in the North-Central U.S.A.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Tephrosia virginiana is characterized by its status as a perennial species, meaning it persists through multiple growing seasons rather than completing its life cycle in a single year. As a long-lived plant, it establishes a robust presence in its ecosystem, often utilizing a woody base or significant root systems to survive periods of dormancy. Its reproductive strategy allows it to contribute to population stability over several years, though its growth patterns may exhibit variability depending on environmental conditions and resource availability. This perennial nature enables the plant to re-emerge seasonally, providing consistent floral resources and maintaining its ecological niche within its native habitats.

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Tephrosia virginiana is characterized by its distinct growth form and structural habits. It is primarily classified as a forb, though it exhibits a growth form consistent with a herb. In terms of its physical structure, the plant displays variable woodiness, meaning its stems may transition from herbaceous to more lignified textures depending on age and environmental conditions. Regarding its climbing capacity, the species is categorized as a self-supporting plant, as it does not rely on external structures for upward progression through obligatory or facultative climbing mechanisms.

Climber :

self-supporting

Growth form :

herb

Growth form :

forb

Woodiness :

variable

Physiology

The physiology of Tephrosia varginiana is characterized by a fundamental metabolic framework centered around a C3 photosynthetic pathway. As a C3 plant, its carbon fixation process relies on the direct carboxylation of ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate (RuBP) by the enzyme RuBisCO, leading to the initial formation of a three-carbon compound, 3-phosphoglycerate. This metabolic strategy dictates the plant's gas exchange patterns and water-use efficiency, as it lacks the specialized Kranz anatomy or temporal separation of carbon fixation found in C4 or CAM species. Consequently, the plant's physiological performance, including its rate of biomass accumulation and photosynthetic efficiency, is highly sensitive to environmental variables such as temperature and light intensity, particularly regarding the potential for photorespiration when stomatal conductance is limited under high-temperature or water-stressed conditions.

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Reproduction

The reproduction of Tephrosia virginiana is primarily driven by its seasonal flowering cycle, which dictates its reproductive availability within its ecosystem. The flowering period typically commences in May and extends through the warmer months, concluding around August. This specific window of anthesis ensures that the plant's reproductive efforts are synchronized with environmental conditions favorable for pollination and subsequent seed development.

Flowering time :

May

Flowering time :

Aug

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Tephrosia virginiana has 4 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Deguelin, Dehydrorotenone, Tephrosin, rotenone.

Deguelin

1. Dr. Duke

Dehydrorotenone

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Tephrosin

1. Dr. Duke

rotenone

1. Dr. Duke

Activities

Tephrosia virginiana has 16 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Acaricide, Antifeedant, Antitumor, Bruchicide, Bruchidoside.

Acaricide

1. Dr. Duke

Antifeedant

1. Dr. Duke

Antitumor

1. Dr. Duke

Bruchicide

1. Dr. Duke

Bruchidoside

1. Dr. Duke

Convulsant

1. Dr. Duke

Cytotoxic

1. Dr. Duke

Ectoparasiticide

1. Dr. Duke

Insecticide

1. Dr. Duke

Irritant

1. Dr. Duke