Vigna lasiocarpa

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Phaseolus lasiocarpus var. igatimianus
• Phaseolus pilosus var. lasiocarpus
• Phaseolus hirsutus
• Mucuna lignosa
• Phaseolus lasiocarpus
• Phaseolus pilosus
• Phaseolus balansae
• Phaseolus lasiocarpus var. balansae

Sources: Wikidata

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. Under the subclass Magnoliidae, it is classified in the order Fabales and the family Fabaceae. Finally, it is identified by the genus Vigna.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a wide geographical distribution spanning multiple regions of North and Central America. In Mexico, its presence is noted across the Gulf, the Southwest, and the Southeast regions. The species also extends its range southward into Central America. Specifically, it can be found growing within the borders of Belize. Additionally, its natural habitat includes the tropical landscapes of Costa Rica.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Vigna lasiocarpus is characterized by a broad altitudinal adaptability, allowing it to thrive across diverse topographic gradients. This species is found at elevations ranging from a minimum of 0 m AMSL to a maximum of 1450 m AMSL, demonstrating its capacity to inhabit both lowland coastal or riparian zones and mid-elevation hilly terrains. Such a wide elevational range suggests a high degree of ecological plasticity, enabling the plant to colonize various microclimates and soil types within these vertical limits. Its distribution pattern reflects an ability to endure varying atmospheric pressures and temperature fluctuations associated with increasing altitude, making it a resilient component of its native ecosystems.

Elevational range max:

1450 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

0 m AMSL

Morphology

The morphology of Vigna lasiocarpa is characterized by its growth form as a non-woody herb, specifically functioning as a vine. As a climbing plant, it exhibits obligatory climbing behavior, utilizing its structure to ascend through external support rather than being self-supporting. The plant is strictly terrestrial in its ecological habit, lacking any epiphytic or aquatic tendencies, and it functions as an independent organism without any parasitic requirements. Its physical structure is defined by its herbaceous, non-woody nature, which is typical for this climbing legume species.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

vine

Climber :

obligatory

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

herb

Parasite :

independent

Woodiness :

non-woody

Physiology

The physiology of Vigna lasiocarpa is primarily characterized by its utilization of the C3 photosynthetic pathway, which dictates its metabolic approach to carbon fixation and energy production. As a C3 plant, the initial fixation of atmospheric carbon dioxide occurs through the enzyme Rubisco, leading to the direct formation of a three-carbon compound, 3-phosphoglycerate, within the mesophyll cells. This metabolic strategy influences the plant's water-use efficiency and its adaptive responses to varying environmental conditions, such as light intensity and temperature. Furthermore, its physiological processes are integrated with typical legume characteristics, including efficient nutrient cycling and growth patterns optimized for its specific ecological niche.

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Vigna lasiocarpa has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include kaempferol, quercetin.

kaempferol

1. Phytochemistry

quercetin

1. Phytochemistry