Alangium javanicum

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Alangium arboreum
• Marlea costata
• Marlea javanica
• Alangium bogoriense
• Styrax javanicus

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, it is categorized under the order Cornales and the family Cornaceae. Its specific taxonomic classification concludes with the genus Alangium.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant is primarily found within the diverse tropical regions of Malesia. Its natural habitat specifically includes the large island of Borneo, where it thrives in local ecosystems. Additionally, the species is distributed across Jawa, contributing to the region's rich botanical variety. These specific locations highlight its concentrated presence within the Southeast Asian archipelago. Consequently, its geographical range is closely tied to these key Malesian territories.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Alangium javaese (often referred to in botanical contexts related to Alangium java) is characterized by its classification as a phanerophyte, a growth form where the perennating buds are located high above the ground on woody branches. Within this life history strategy, it exhibits traits of both a phanerophyte and a nanophanerophyte, indicating a perennial lifecycle where the plant maintains structural stability through woody stems that persist through various seasons. As a phanerophyte, it avoids unfavorable environmental conditions by protecting its vital reproductive and vegetative buds on elevated, woody structures, allowing it to establish a long-term presence in its ecosystem. This life form supports a robust developmental cycle, transitioning from seedling establishment to a mature, woody perennial state capable of sustained growth and seasonal flowering.

Life form :

phanerophyte

Morphology

The morphology of Alangium javaNICUM is characterized by a growth form classified as a tree, exhibiting a robust and woody structure. It is an independent organism, functioning as a non-parasitic species that does not rely on a host for nutrients. In terms of its ecological niche and physical positioning, the plant is terrestrial in nature, rather than aquatic or epiphytic. Furthermore, it is a self-supporting structure, lacking the climbing or vining tendencies of lianas or facultative climbers, maintaining its upright stature through its own woody development.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Alangium javanicuum is characterized by its metabolic processes and structural adaptations, most notably its reliance on the C3 photosynthetic pathway. As a C3 plant, its carbon fixation occurs via the Calvin cycle, where the enzyme RuBisCO initially fixes atmospheric carbon dioxide into a three-carbon compound, 3-phosphoglycerate. This metabolic strategy is typical of many woody tropical and subtropical species, allowing the plant to efficiently capture light energy and convert it into chemical energy under moderate environmental conditions. This photosynthetic mechanism supports the plant's vegetative growth, the development of its complex vascular system, and the synthesis of secondary metabolites essential for its medicinal properties. Through this C3 pathway, the plant manages gas exchange and water use efficiency to maintain cellular homeostasis and facilitate the biosynthetic pathways required for its physiological resilience.

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Alangium javanicum has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Javaniside, Secologanin.

Javaniside

1. Journal of natural products

Secologanin

1. Journal of natural products

Preparations

Alangium javanicum has 1 reported preparations identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include Crude CH2Cl2-MeOH extracts.

Crude ch2cl2-meoh extracts

1. Journal of natural products