Coinvine

A native coastal vine with distinctive round, coin-shaped seed pods, Coinvine is documented as a Mangrove Forest species in miniBIOTA but has no archived observation confirming its physical presence in the system.

Dalbergia ecastaphyllum is a large woody vine or scrambling shrub native to tropical and subtropical coastal habitats throughout the Caribbean, Florida, Central America, South America, and West Africa. In Florida, it is found primarily in South Florida and the Florida Keys in coastal hammocks, mangrove fringe areas, and beach scrub. The plant is a member of the legume family (Fabaceae), and like most legumes can host nitrogen-fixing bacteria in root nodules, contributing to soil nitrogen in the coastal habitats it occupies.

The plant's most distinctive feature is its seed pod: a flat, round, indehiscent (non-splitting) pod approximately 2 to 4 centimeters in diameter, shaped like a coin or disc. This pod gives the plant its common names Coinvine and, in some sources, rosary tree (referring to the pod's bead-like shape when strung together). The leaves are large, simple, rounded, leathery, and alternate on the stem; the plant grows as a vine climbing into the canopy or as a multi-stemmed sprawling shrub depending on substrate and light. Flowers are small, white, and pea-shaped, produced in clusters.

Dalbergia ecastaphyllum is an important host plant for the Miami Blue butterfly (Cyclargus thomasi bethunebakeri), a critically endangered South Florida endemic. The butterfly lays eggs on Coinvine seedpods and flower buds, and larvae feed on the developing seeds and buds. This association makes Coinvine a species of conservation significance in Florida coastal habitats where the Miami Blue persists. Other Lepidoptera species also use Dalbergia ecastaphyllum as a larval host in its native range.

In mangrove and coastal hammock habitats, Coinvine contributes structure to the ecotone zone between the mangrove canopy and the upland scrub. Its large rounded leaves provide shade and humidity beneath, and the vine's climbing growth can integrate into mangrove canopy structure in mature stands.

As a leguminous vine, Dalbergia ecastaphyllum contributes photosynthetically produced biomass and potentially nitrogen-fixed nutrients to coastal habitats. Its flowers provide nectar to pollinators, and its seed pods are food resources for seed-feeding insects and potentially small mammals. The plant's structural presence as a vine climbing into the canopy creates additional above-ground layer complexity.

In miniBIOTA, Coinvine is assigned to the Mangrove Forest biome, which is ecologically appropriate; the plant naturally grows in mangrove fringe and coastal hammock habitats. No observation confirms whether it is physically present. If established, it could provide structural complexity and legume biomass at the Mangrove Forest ecotone. The Miami Blue butterfly host-plant relationship is not applicable to miniBIOTA (the butterfly is not a miniBIOTA species), but the plant's general pollinator value and legume nitrogen-fixing potential remain ecologically relevant.

No observation records or interaction records exist for this species. No introduction date, source, or method has been recorded. Coinvine is assigned to the Mangrove Forest biome, which is ecologically appropriate.

Introduction: No record. Date, method, and source all unknown.

Observation timeline: No archived observations.