Atro (Macroptilium atropurpureum, Symb. Antill. 9: 457 (1928))

Family: Fabaceae

Author: (DC.) Urb.

Bibliography: Symb. Antill. 9: 457 (1928)

Year: 1928

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Macroptilium

Vegetable: False

Observations: Mexico to W. South America and Tobago

Description

Atro, scientifically known as Macroptilium atropurpureum, is a prominent member of the Fabaceae family. This verdant species exhibits intriguing botanical characteristics and holds a significant place within its native habitats, which extend from Mexico to Western South America, and the island of Tobago. Described with scholarly attention by (DC.) Urb. in the comprehensive botanical work Symb. Antill. in the year 1928, Atro has since been a subject of considerable botanical interest.

Macroptilium atropurpureum is recognized for its role within its ecosystems, commonly associated with the nitrogen-fixing family Fabaceae. This biological function contributes to soil fertility, making it an important plant for ecological restoration and agricultural purposes. The plant’s adaptability and resilience are noteworthy, flourishing in various climatic conditions found across its wide geographical range.

The distinct appearance of Atro, characterized by its lush, green foliage and often striking, purplish flower pigmentation, adds to its visual appeal and ecological value. It’s not uncommon to find this species thriving in fields, meadows, and along roadsides, where its hardy nature allows it to prevail even in less-than-ideal soil conditions.

Research and observation of Macroptilium atropurpureum underscore its significance not only in natural ecosystems but also in managed landscapes where biodiversity and sustainable agricultural practices are prioritized. This multifaceted plant continues to be a focal point in studies addressing plant resilience, ecosystem dynamics, and agricultural integration.

Overall, Atro is both a resilient and visually striking species that plays a vital role within its native regions, supporting ecological balance and enriching soil health through its natural biological processes.

Common Names

Eng: purple bushbean, atro, purple-bean, surple-bean
Deu: purpurbohne
Spa: conchito
Fra: siratro
En: Atro, Surple-bean, Purple-bean, Purple bushbean, Siratro, Purple Bush-Bean, Squirrel’s-foot Fern, Purple Bean
Zh: Zi hua da yi dou, 紫花大翼豆
Fr: Siratro
De: Purpurbohne
Ja: Kurobana-tsuru-azuki
Es: Conchito
Zh-tw: 紫花大翼豆, 賽芻豆
Zh-hant: 紫花大翼豆

Synonyms

• Phaseolus semierectus var. atropurpureus ((DC.) M.Gómez)
• Phaseolus atropurpureus var. pseuderythroloma (Hassl.)
• Phaseolus atropurpureus var. sericeus (A.Gray)
• Phaseolus affinis (Piper)
• Phaseolus atropurpureus var. genuinus (Hassl.)
• Phaseolus dysophyllus (Benth.)
• Phaseolus atropurpureus var. vestitus ((Hook.) Hassl.)
• Phaseolus atropurpureus (DC.)
• Phaseolus schiedeanus (Schltdl.)
• Phaseolus canescens (M.Martens & Galeotti)
• Phaseolus atropurpureus var. canescens ((M.Martens & Galeotti) Hassl.)
• Phaseolus vestitus (Hook.)
• Phaseolus atropurpureus f. intermedius (Hassl.)

Distribution

• Belize (native)
• Bolivia (native)
• Colombia (native)
• Costa Rica (native)
• Ecuador (native)
• El Salvador (native)
• French Guiana (native)
• Galápagos (native)
• Honduras (native)
• Mexico Central (native)
• Mexico Gulf (native)
• Mexico Northeast (native)
• Mexico Northwest (native)
• Mexico Southeast (native)
• Mexico Southwest (native)
• Nicaragua (native)
• Panamá (native)
• Peru (native)
• Trinidad-Tobago (native)
• Venezuela (native)
• Andaman Is. (introduced)
• Angola (introduced)
• Arizona (introduced)
• Bahamas (introduced)
• Brazil North (introduced)
• Brazil Northeast (introduced)
• Brazil South (introduced)
• Brazil Southeast (introduced)
• Brazil West-Central (introduced)
• Burkina (introduced)
• Caroline Is. (introduced)
• China Southeast (introduced)
• Christmas I. (introduced)
• Cocos (Keeling) Is. (introduced)
• Cook Is. (introduced)
• Cuba (introduced)
• Dominican Republic (introduced)
• Ethiopia (introduced)
• Florida (introduced)
• Gabon (introduced)
• Hawaii (introduced)
• India (introduced)
• Kenya (introduced)
• Leeward Is. (introduced)
• Lesser Sunda Is. (introduced)
• Line Is. (introduced)
• Madagascar (introduced)
• Marianas (introduced)
• Mauritius (introduced)
• Mexican Pacific Is. (introduced)
• Myanmar (introduced)
• Nansei-shoto (introduced)
• New Caledonia (introduced)
• New Guinea (introduced)
• New South Wales (introduced)
• Northern Territory (introduced)
• Puerto Rico (introduced)
• Queensland (introduced)
• Rodrigues (introduced)
• Réunion (introduced)
• South China Sea (introduced)
• Sri Lanka (introduced)
• St.Helena (introduced)
• Taiwan (introduced)
• Texas (introduced)
• Tubuai Is. (introduced)
• Uganda (introduced)
• Western Australia (introduced)
• Windward Is. (introduced)
• Zimbabwe (introduced)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Feb 12, 2016 by Hugo SANTACREU (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 23, 2016 by Hugo SANTACREU (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 1, 2016 by Hugo SANTACREU (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 11, 2022 by Oliveira Vander (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 12, 2016 by Hugo SANTACREU (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Apr 16, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Hugo SANTACREU (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 11, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Sylvain PIRY (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 28, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Maxime JACQUOT (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 25, 2016 by Tela Botanica − _ (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 21, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Hugo SANTACREU (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Dec 30, 2020 by Niki Thrower (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 19, 2016 by laurence comte (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 16, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Hugo SANTACREU (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 16, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Hugo SANTACREU (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 16, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Hugo SANTACREU (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Feb 20, 2020 by Espinoza-Zevallos Marco Elías (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 28, 2022 by Zumbado Manuel (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jun 28, 2013 by Maxime JACQUOT (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 28, 2013 by Maxime JACQUOT (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 11, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Sylvain PIRY (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 11, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Sylvain PIRY (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Mar 19, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Sylvain PIRY (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2945047)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:57174-3)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Macroptilium atropurpureum (DC.) Urb.)

Specifications

Growth form: Thicket Forming

Growth habit: Vine, Forb/herb

Growth rate: Rapid

Growth

Ph maximum: 8.0

Ph minimum: 5.0