Family: Fabaceae
Author: (L.) Greene
Bibliography: Pittonia 4: 28 (1901)
Year: 1901
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Chamaecrista
Vegetable: False
Observations: Mexico to Trop. America
Description
The Twoleaf Sensitive Pea, scientifically known as Chamaecrista diphylla, is a captivating plant species belonging to the diverse family Fabaceae. This family, commonly referred to as the legume, pea, or bean family, is recognizable by its distinctive pinnate leaves and often intricate flowers.
The botanical prominence of Chamaecrista diphylla lies in both its unique morphology and expansive geographical presence. The nomenclature of this plant was first formally recorded in the early 20th century, within the respected botanical journal Pittonia, in 1901 by the esteemed botanist E. L. Greene, hence the author notation “(L.) Greene” indicating the taxonomic contributions.
Found across a substantial range, the Twoleaf Sensitive Pea thrives from the southern regions of Mexico stretching through the Central American corridor and extending into the tropical zones of South America. This wide distribution highlights the plant’s adaptability to different environmental conditions prevalent in tropical climates.
The Twoleaf Sensitive Pea is particularly noted for its intriguing leaflet pairs, which exhibit a sensitive, responsive movement to touch — a characteristic feature among sensitive plants that captivates both botanists and naturalists alike. These sensitive leaflets serve as a reminder of the complex and dynamic nature of plant physiology, where even seemingly passive organisms interact actively with their environments.
Exploring the ecological roles of Chamaecrista diphylla, it becomes apparent that like many members of the Fabaceae family, it is likely involved in soil enrichment through nitrogen fixation, benefiting not just itself but the broader ecosystem in which it resides. The relationship between legumes and nitrogen-fixing bacteria is a classic example of mutualism in nature, enhancing soil fertility and supporting plant communities.
In summary, the Twoleaf Sensitive Pea is a fascinating species within the Fabaceae family, known not only for its sensitive leaflets but also for its broad distribution from Mexico to tropical America. The records by E. L. Greene in 1901 have ensured that this botanical marvel is well-documented, offering a wealth of knowledge to those interested in the intricacies of plant biology and the ecological roles these species play within their habitats.
Common Names
Eng: twoleaf sensitive pea
En: Twoleaf sensitive pea, Two-Leaf Sensitive-Pea
Synonyms
- Ononis conjugata (Sessé & Moc.)
- Cassia diphylla (L.)
Distribution
- Belize (native)
- Brazil North (native)
- Brazil Northeast (native)
- Brazil Southeast (native)
- Brazil West-Central (native)
- Colombia (native)
- Costa Rica (native)
- Cuba (native)
- Dominican Republic (native)
- El Salvador (native)
- French Guiana (native)
- Guatemala (native)
- Guyana (native)
- Haiti (native)
- Honduras (native)
- Leeward Is. (native)
- Mexico Central (native)
- Mexico Gulf (native)
- Mexico Northeast (native)
- Mexico Northwest (native)
- Mexico Southeast (native)
- Mexico Southwest (native)
- Nicaragua (native)
- Panamá (native)
- Puerto Rico (native)
- Suriname (native)
- Venezuela (native)
- Windward Is. (native)
- Trinidad-Tobago (introduced)
Additional Images
Flower
Taken Jul 26, 2016 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)
Taken Sep 24, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Pauline GUILLAUMEAU (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 2, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Rudi HALBEHER (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 2, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Rudi HALBEHER (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 24, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Pauline GUILLAUMEAU (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.
Fruit
Taken Nov 17, 2016 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)
Taken Nov 17, 2016 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)
Taken Sep 22, 2016 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jul 26, 2016 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)
Taken Sep 24, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Pauline GUILLAUMEAU (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Jul 26, 2016 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jul 26, 2016 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jul 26, 2016 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jul 26, 2016 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jun 2, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Rudi HALBEHER (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Nov 17, 2016 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jul 26, 2016 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)
Habit
Taken Jul 26, 2016 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jul 26, 2016 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jul 26, 2016 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jun 2, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Rudi HALBEHER (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 2, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Rudi HALBEHER (cc-by-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2949776)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:54479-2)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Chamaecrista diphylla (L.) Greene)
