Mucuna paniculata

Mucuna paniculata is a species of flowering, woody vine in the family Fabaceae, the bean family. It is native to northern Madagascar where it is locally known in Malagasy as vohinkovika.[1][4] It flowers between June and August.[1]

Mucuna paniculata
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Rosids
Order: Fabales
Family: Fabaceae
Genus: Mucuna
Species:
M. paniculata
Binomial name
Mucuna paniculata
Synonyms[3]
  • Mucuna horrida Baill.
  • Mucuna myriaptera Baker

Distribution and habitat

Mucuna paniculata is found at elevations between sea level to 2,500 m (8,200 ft) in northern Madagascar. These vines can be found in both humid and sub-humid forests, usually near rivers and streams.[1]

Toxicity

Species in the genus Mucuna are known to carry irritant hairs. These hairs contain mucunain, an enzyme which causes itching.[5] This enzyme can be destroyed using heat.[6]

Cultivation

This plant usually grows well in well-drained soil under shade.[7] They are propagated with seeds.[4]

Conservation

It is listed as 'least concern' by the IUCN.[1]

Threats

Habitat destruction by slash-and-burn techniques pose a potential threat to the species.[1][4]

Protected areas

The species is found in the protected areas of the Betampona Integral Natural Reserve, Manongarivo Special Reserve, Marojejy National Park, Masoala National Park and Montagne d'Ambre National Park.[1]

References
  1. Members of the IUCN SSC Madagascar Plant Specialist Group (2015-03-26). "Mucuna paniculata". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Retrieved 2020-09-28.
  2. "Mucuna paniculata". International Plant Names Index. The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Harvard University Herbaria & Libraries and Australian National Botanic Gardens. Retrieved 28 September 2020.
  3. "Mucuna paniculata Baker". Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. 2017. Retrieved 28 September 2020.
  4. "Mucuna paniculata - Useful Tropical Plants". tropical.theferns.info. Retrieved 2020-09-28.
  5. Wiriadinata, H.; Ohashi, H.; Adema, F. (2016-09-12). "Notes on Malesian Fabaceae (Leguminosae-Papilionoideae). 16. The genus Mucuna". Blumea - Biodiversity, Evolution and Biogeography of Plants. 61 (2): 90–124. doi:10.3767/000651916X692799.
  6. Cowan, R. S.; Allen, O. N.; Allen, E. K. (February 1982). "The Leguminosae: A Source Book of Characteristics, Uses, and Nodulation". Taxon. 31 (1): 133. doi:10.2307/1220602. ISSN 0040-0262.
  7. Fayaz, Ahmen, 1968- (2011). Encyclopedia of tropical plants : the identification and cultivation of over 3,000 tropical plants. Firefly Books. ISBN 978-1-55407-489-1. OCLC 1059274282.CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
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