Round-leaf cassia (Chamaecrista rotundifolia, Pittonia 4: 31 (1901))

Family: Fabaceae

Author: (Pers.) Greene

Bibliography: Pittonia 4: 31 (1901)

Year: 1901

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Chamaecrista

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: Mexico to Trop. America

Description

Round-leaf cassia, known scientifically as Chamaecrista rotundifolia, is a noteworthy species within the Fabaceae family. This vibrant plant primarily resides in regions stretching from Mexico through Tropical America, thriving in climates that support its growth and propagation.

Chamaecrista rotundifolia is an interesting plant, not only for its distinctive round leaves but also for its adaptability to various environments within its geographical range. The round-leaf cassia’s leaves, which serve as its most defining characteristic, are a vivid green and rounded, providing a stark contrast to the slender and elongated leaves seen in many other plant species within the Fabaceae family.

The historical documentation of Chamaecrista rotundifolia dates back to the early 20th century. The formal scientific recognition of the species can be traced to its first mention in “Pittonia”, a scientific publication, where it was described in volume 4 on page 31 in 1901. The noted botanist Greene is credited with the authorship, following the initial classification by Persoon.

In addition to its botanical significance, Round-leaf cassia has ecological importance within its native ranges. It plays a role in the nitrogen cycle, a common trait among members of the Fabaceae family, due to its ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen through symbiotic relationships with root-dwelling bacteria. This characteristic makes it a valuable plant in various natural and agricultural ecosystems, where it can enhance soil fertility and support the growth of other plants.

Round-leaf cassia’s resilience and adaptability have allowed it to flourish across a wide stretch of tropical America, from the diverse landscapes of Mexico down through the myriad ecosystems of the tropical Americas. This widespread distribution highlights not only the ecological versatility of the plant but also its potential as a species of interest for further botanical studies and conservation efforts.

In summary, Round-leaf cassia (Chamaecrista rotundifolia) stands out as a fascinating member of the Fabaceae family, with its distinct round leaves, wide geographical distribution, and significant ecological role. Documented scientifically over a century ago, it continues to be a subject of interest and importance in the study of tropical flora.

Common Names

Eng: round-leaf cassia, roundleaf sensitive pea
En: Round-leaf cassia, Roundleaf sensitive pea, Roundleaf Sensitive-pea
Zh: 圆叶山扁豆

Synonyms

• Cassia bifoliolata var. rotundifolia ((Pers.) Desv.)
• Cassia rotundifolia (Pers.)

Distribution

• Argentina Northeast (native)
• Belize (native)
• Bolivia (native)
• Brazil North (native)
• Brazil Northeast (native)
• Brazil South (native)
• Brazil Southeast (native)
• Brazil West-Central (native)
• Colombia (native)
• Costa Rica (native)
• Cuba (native)
• Ecuador (native)
• Guyana (native)
• Honduras (native)
• Jamaica (native)
• Mexico Central (native)
• Mexico Gulf (native)
• Mexico Northeast (native)
• Mexico Northwest (native)
• Mexico Southeast (native)
• Mexico Southwest (native)
• Nicaragua (native)
• Panamá (native)
• Paraguay (native)
• Puerto Rico (native)
• Uruguay (native)
• Venezuela (native)
• Benin (introduced)
• Florida (introduced)
• Gabon (introduced)
• Gambia (introduced)
• Ghana (introduced)
• India (introduced)
• Myanmar (introduced)
• New South Wales (introduced)
• Nigeria (introduced)
• Norfolk Is. (introduced)
• Northern Territory (introduced)
• Queensland (introduced)
• Togo (introduced)
• Western Australia (introduced)
• Zimbabwe (introduced)

Additional Images

Habit

Taken Dec 5, 2019 by Sylvain Piry (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Marco Schmidt (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Mark Hyde (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Marco Schmidt (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Mark Hyde (cc-by-nc)

Leaf

Taken Feb 8, 2022 by Flor Alex (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 2, 2021 by Matthew Horrigan (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 8, 2020 by Gomes Alex (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 8, 2022 by Omodot Umoh (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Mark Hyde (cc-by-nc)

Flower

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Marco Schmidt (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Aug 17, 2008 by EOL − Alex V. Popovkin (cc-by)

Taken Aug 17, 2008 by EOL − Alex V. Popovkin (cc-by)

Taken Aug 17, 2008 by EOL − Alex V. Popovkin (cc-by)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Mark Hyde (cc-by-nc)

Fruit

Taken Dec 5, 2019 by Sylvain Piry (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 8, 2020 by Gomes Alex (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Feb 8, 2022 by Flor Alex (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/2949803)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:54723-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Chamaecrista rotundifolia (Pers.) Greene)

Specifications

Growth