Calophyllum membranaceum

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Calophyllum tonkinense
• Calophyllum bonii

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. As a member of the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Malpighiales, it is further categorized into the family Calophyllaceae. Finally, its specific taxonomic placement is within the genus Calophyllum.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific geographical distribution across several distinct regions in Asia. Within China, it can be found growing in the tropical environment of Hainan. Its range also extends to the coastal areas of China Southeast. Furthermore, the species is located within the Indo-China region, specifically in Vietnam. These locations highlight the plant's preference for certain subtropical and tropical habitats.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Calophyllum membranaceum is characterized by a highly specific altitudinal niche, as it is documented to occupy a consistent elevation within its habitat. The species is found at a precise elevation of 600 m AMSL, representing its minimum, mean, and maximum elevational range. This lack of altitudinal variance suggests a specialized adaptation to this specific vertical stratum within its ecosystem, likely tied to particular microclimatic conditions or soil compositions found at this height.

Elevational range max:

600 m AMSL

Life history

The life history of Calophyllum membranaceuum is characterized by its existence as a perennial plant, allowing it to persist in its ecosystem over many years. As a phanerophyte, its regenerative buds are located high above the ground on woody stems, contributing to its stature as a significant component of its habitat. This species maintains an evergreen deciduousness, ensuring that its foliage remains functional throughout the year without the seasonal shedding typical of deciduous species.

Deciduousness :

evergreen

Life form :

phanerophyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Calophyllum membranaceum is characterized by its growth form as a woody tree. It is a self-supporting plant that grows in a terrestrial habitat, rather than being aquatic or epiphytic. As an independent organism, it does not function as a parasite. In terms of stature, the plant exhibits a height range starting from a minimum of 1 m, reaching a mean height of approximately 3.5 m, and can attain a maximum height of up to 5 m.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

5 m

Plant height mean:

3.5 m

Plant height min:

1 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Calophyllum membranum is characterized by a C3 photosynthetic pathway, which dictates its carbon fixation processes and metabolic efficiency within its ecological niche. The vegetative architecture is defined by its leaf morphology, where leaf length typically ranges from a minimum of 6 cm to a maximum of 12 cm, with a mean length of 9 cm. Complementing this longitudinal dimension, the leaf width fluctuates between a minimum of 1.5 cm and a maximum of 3.5 cm, contributing to the overall surface area available for light interception and gas exchange. Furthermore, the plant does not function as a nitrogen fixer, meaning it relies on soil-available nitrogen rather than symbiotic nitrogen-fixing bacteria to meet its nutritional requirements.

Leaf length max:

12 cm

Leaf length mean:

9 cm

Leaf length min:

6 cm

Leaf width max:

3.5 cm

Leaf width min:

1.5 cm

Nitrogen fixer :

no

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Reproduction

The reproduction of Calophyllum membranaceum is characterized by specific morphological dimensions and a specialized dispersal strategy. The plant produces fruits that vary in size, with a minimum length of 1.6 cm, a mean length of 2.3 cm, and a maximum length reaching up to 3 cm. Within these fruits, the seeds exhibit a highly consistent mass, recorded at a mean, minimum, and maximum value of 0.309 g. Regarding its propagation strategy, the species utilizes a zoochorous dispersal syndrome, relying on animals to facilitate the movement and distribution of its seeds within its habitat.

Dispersal syndrome :

zoochorous

Fruit length max:

3 cm

Fruit length mean:

2.3 cm

Fruit length min:

1.6 cm

Seed mass mean:

0.309 g

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Calophyllum membranaceum has 3 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include 2,6-dihydroxy-1,7-dimethoxyxanthone, 3,4-Dihydroxyxanthone, phenylethanoid glycoside.

2,6-dihydroxy-1,7-dimethoxyxanthone

1. Journal of natural products

3,4-Dihydroxyxanthone

1. Journal of natural products

phenylethanoid glycoside

1. Journal of natural products

Preparations

Calophyllum membranaceum has 1 reported preparations identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include Chinese folk medicine.

Chinese folk medicine

1. Journal of natural products