Butea superba

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Rudolphia superba
• Plaso superba

Regional and Traditional Names

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta within the class Equisetopsida. It is further categorized under the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Fabales, falling into the family Fabaceae. Finally, it is identified by the genus Butea and the specific species superba.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a wide geographical distribution across several regions in South and Southeast Asia. Within the Indian Subcontinent, it can be found growing in both India and Bangladesh. Its presence extends further into the Indo-China region, covering multiple countries. Specifically, it is documented to inhabit the landscapes of Cambodia and Laos. Additionally, the species is also distributed throughout Myanmar.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Butea superbilla is characterized by a complex growth pattern where its deciduousness is categorized as variable, exhibiting traits that range from deciduous to evergreen depending on environmental conditions and regional climates. As a perennial woody plant, it undergoes distinct phenological cycles, often shedding its foliage during dry seasons to conserve moisture, yet it maintains the capacity to retain leaves under favorable circumstances. This variability in its foliage retention allows the species to adapt to diverse ecological niches, ensuring survival through fluctuating seasonal shifts. Its developmental lifecycle progresses from seed germination to a robust maturity, where its habit of fluctuating between deciduous and evergreen states plays a critical role in its resource management and overall ecological strategy.

Deciduousness :

evergreen

Morphology

The morphology of Butea superba is characterized by its significant growth habit, reaching a plant height with a mean value of approximately 25 m. It functions as an obligatory climber, relying on external structures for upward progression rather than being facultative or self-supporting.

Climber :

obligatory

Plant height mean:

25 m

Physiology

The physiology of Butea superba is characterized by complex metabolic processes that support its growth in tropical deciduous environments, including specialized mechanisms for nutrient uptake and carbon assimilation. Regarding its interaction with soil microorganisms and nutrient cycling, the plant is not a nitrogen fixer, meaning it does not possess the symbiotic relationship with rhizobia required to convert atmospheric nitrogen into usable forms. Instead, it relies on the absorption of nitrates and ammonium from the soil through its extensive root system. The plant's physiological efficiency is also marked by its ability to manage water stress and regulate transpiration through stomatal control, which is essential for maintaining turgor pressure during seasonal dry periods. Furthermore, its secondary metabolism involves the synthesis of various bioactive compounds, such as flavonoids and terpenoids, which are produced through intricate biosynthetic pathways to serve defensive and physiological functions.

Nitrogen fixer :

no

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Butea superba has 3 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include (-)-Epicatechin, Prunetin, Yohimbine.

(-)-Epicatechin

1. Phytochemical analysis : PCA

Prunetin

1. Drug metabolism and bioanalysis letters

Yohimbine

1. Current urology reports

Activities

Butea superba has 2 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antiestrogenic, Estrogenic.

Antiestrogenic

1. Bioscience, biotechnology, and biochemistry

Estrogenic

1. Bioscience, biotechnology, and biochemistry

Medicinal Uses

Butea superba has 8 reported medicinal uses identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include aphrodisiacs, cancers, dementia, depression, gastric cancer.

Most Reported Uses

Preparations