Sensitive jointvetch (Aeschynomene sensitiva, Fl. Ind. Occid. 3: 1276 (1806))

Family: Fabaceae

Author: Sw.

Bibliography: Fl. Ind. Occid. 3: 1276 (1806)

Year: 1806

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Aeschynomene

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: Trop. & Subtrop. America, Africa

Description

Sensitive Jointvetch: A Fascinating Plant of Tropical and Subtropical Regions

The Sensitive Jointvetch, scientifically known as Aeschynomene sensitiva, is a captivating member of the Fabaceae family. Documented in notable botanical literature, Flora Indica Occidentalis by Swartz in 1806, this plant has intrigued botanists and plant enthusiasts alike due to its unique characteristics and widespread presence across tropical and subtropical regions of America and Africa.

Characteristics and Appearance

Sensitive Jointvetch is an herbaceous plant renowned for its delicate, compound leaves that exhibit a fascinating response to touch—a trait known as seismonasty. When disturbed, the leaflets fold together, a mechanism believed to protect the plant from potential predators and environmental stress. This action is not only visually captivating but also serves as a subject of study for those interested in plant movement and behavior.

The plant’s structure includes slender, erect stems that can reach varying heights depending on environmental conditions. The stems often support small, attractive flowers that range in color from yellow to shades of pink, contributing to its aesthetic appeal in natural settings.

Habitat and Distribution

This species thrives in the warm, humid climates of tropical and subtropical America and Africa. It commonly inhabits wetlands, riverbanks, and other moisture-rich environments, reflecting its preference for areas with ample water supply. The wide distribution of Sensitive Jointvetch indicates its adaptability to different ecological conditions within these regions.

Ecological Significance

Sensitive Jointvetch plays an essential role in its natural habitat. It contributes to the nitrogen cycle through symbiotic relationships with nitrogen-fixing bacteria, enhancing soil fertility. This capacity makes it an essential component of ecosystems where it grows, supporting plant diversity and productivity.

Additionally, its presence in wetland areas helps in the stabilization of soil and prevention of erosion. The plant’s root systems bind the soil, reducing the impact of water movement and protecting these vulnerable ecosystems.

Cultural and Practical Uses

Aside from its ecological importance, Sensitive Jointvetch has garnered interest for various practical applications. In certain regions, it is used in traditional medicine for its purported health benefits. Moreover, the plant’s aesthetic and unique reactive properties make it a popular subject in botanical gardens and educational programs focused on plant physiology and behavior.

Conclusion

Sensitive Jointvetch (Aeschynomene sensitiva) is much more than just a plant; it is a marvel of nature that showcases the intricate and responsive behaviors of flora. Its wide distribution across tropical and subtropical zones of America and Africa underscores its adaptability and ecological importance. Whether appreciated for its seismonastic movements, contributions to nitrogen cycling, or role in traditional practices, Sensitive Jointvetch remains a subject of fascination and study within the botanical community.

Common Names

Lub: dishila
Eng: sensitive jointvetch
En: Sensitive jointvetch, Sensitive Joint-Vetch
Lu: Dishila

Synonyms

• Aeschynomene sensitiva var. amazonica (Rudd)
• Aeschynomene sulcata (Kunth)
• Cassia paramariboensis (Miq.)
• Aeschynomene sensitiva f. paucifoliolata (Chodat & Hassl.)
• Aeschynomene honesta (Nees & Mart.)
• Aeschynomene macropoda var. belvisii (DC.)
• Aeschynomene fistulosa (Bello)

Distribution

• Argentina Northeast (native)
• Belize (native)
• Benin (native)
• Bolivia (native)
• Brazil North (native)
• Brazil Northeast (native)
• Brazil South (native)
• Brazil Southeast (native)
• Burkina (native)
• Cameroon (native)
• Cayman Is. (native)
• Central African Repu (native)
• Chad (native)
• Colombia (native)
• Congo (native)
• Costa Rica (native)
• Cuba (native)
• Dominican Republic (native)
• Ecuador (native)
• French Guiana (native)
• Gabon (native)
• Gambia (native)
• Ghana (native)
• Guatemala (native)
• Guinea (native)
• Guinea-Bissau (native)
• Guyana (native)
• Haiti (native)
• Honduras (native)
• Leeward Is. (native)
• Liberia (native)
• Madagascar (native)
• Malawi (native)
• Mexico Central (native)
• Mexico Gulf (native)
• Mexico Southeast (native)
• Mexico Southwest (native)
• Mozambique (native)
• Nicaragua (native)
• Niger (native)
• Nigeria (native)
• Panamá (native)
• Paraguay (native)
• Peru (native)
• Puerto Rico (native)
• Senegal (native)
• Sierra Leone (native)
• Sudan (native)
• Suriname (native)
• Tanzania (native)
• Trinidad-Tobago (native)
• Uganda (native)
• Venezuela (native)
• Windward Is. (native)
• Zaïre (native)
• Comoros (introduced)
• Mauritius (introduced)
• Réunion (introduced)

Additional Images

Fruit

Taken Sep 21, 2016 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Taken Dec 17, 2018 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Taken Dec 17, 2018 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Taken Dec 17, 2018 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Taken Dec 17, 2018 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Flower

Taken Dec 17, 2018 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Taken Dec 17, 2018 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Taken Dec 17, 2018 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Taken Dec 17, 2018 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Taken Dec 17, 2018 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Leaf

Taken Sep 21, 2016 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Taken Dec 17, 2018 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Taken Dec 17, 2018 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Taken Dec 17, 2018 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Taken Dec 17, 2018 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

© 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.

Habit

Taken Sep 21, 2016 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Other

Taken Sep 21, 2016 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Taken Dec 17, 2018 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2949316)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:472949-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Aeschynomene sensitiva Sw.)

Specifications

Growth