Lonchocarpus punctatus is a species of flowering plant in the legume family, Fabaceae. It is commonly known as the black bead, black coral, or black pearl. The plant is native to Central America, Mexico, and the Caribbean. The plant’s scientific name, Lonchocarpus punctatus, comes from the Greek words lonche, meaning spear, and karpos, meaning fruit, and the Latin word punctatus, meaning spotted, referring to its spotted seeds.
Contents
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Lonchocarpus |
Appearance
The Lonchocarpus punctatus plant can grow up to 15 meters tall, with a trunk diameter of up to 30 cm. The bark is grayish-brown and has a rough texture. Its leaves are pinnately compound, with 5-7 leaflets, and are up to 30 cm long. The flowers are small and white, with a diameter of about 1 cm, and are arranged in clusters. The fruit is a pod that is up to 15 cm long, containing 1-2 seeds that are black with a white spot, giving it the name black bead.
Care Guide
The Lonchocarpus punctatus plant prefers well-draining soil and full to partial sunlight. It can tolerate a range of soil types, but prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil. Water the plant regularly, but avoid overwatering, as it can lead to root rot. The plant does not require regular fertilization, but a slow-release fertilizer can be applied once a year. It is hardy in USDA zones 10-12.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Lonchocarpus punctatus plant is generally pest-free, but can be susceptible to spider mites and mealybugs. It is also susceptible to root rot if overwatered.
Habitat
The Lonchocarpus punctatus plant is native to Central America, Mexico, and the Caribbean, and can be found in tropical forests and coastal areas. It is commonly used for timber, as well as for medicinal purposes.
Question and Answer
Q: Is the Lonchocarpus punctatus plant poisonous?
A: Yes, the plant is toxic to humans and animals if ingested.
Q: Can the Lonchocarpus punctatus plant be grown indoors?
A: It is not recommended to grow this plant indoors, as it requires full to partial sunlight and can grow up to 15 meters tall.
Q: Is the Lonchocarpus punctatus plant endangered?
A: The plant is not currently listed as endangered, but its populations are threatened by deforestation and habitat loss.
Q: What is the medicinal use of Lonchocarpus punctatus?
A: The plant has been traditionally used for its antifungal, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties.
Related Plants
- Lonchocarpus capassa
- Lonchocarpus castilloi
- Lonchocarpus eriocalyx
- Lonchocarpus sericeus
References
- “Lonchocarpus punctatus”. Missouri Botanical Garden. Retrieved 2021-10-05.
- “Lonchocarpus punctatus”. World Checklist of Selected Plant Families. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Retrieved 2021-10-05.
- Guerrero, R. O. & Martinez, M. (2005). “Antifungal activity of Lonchocarpus punctatus root extracts”. Fitoterapia. 76 (6): 549–552.
