Slow Match Tree

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• Wild Guava

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Barringtonia arborea
• Cumbia coneanae
• Careya orbiculata
• Careya sphaerica
• Careya venenata

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Ericales, it is classified under the family Lecythidaceae. Finally, its specific taxonomic identification is placed within the genus Careya.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific geographical range that spans across parts of Western Asia and the Indian Subcontinent. In the region of Western Asia, it can be found growing in Afghanistan. Its presence is also well-documented across the Indian Subcontinent, where it inhabits various areas of India and Bangladesh. Additionally, the species extends its reach into the mountainous landscapes of Nepal. Finally, the plant is known to be distributed within the specific territory of Assam.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Careya arborea is closely tied to specific altitudinal gradients, as it is typically found thriving within a defined elevational range. This species occupies mid-altitude tropical habitats, specifically ranging from a minimum elevation of 200 m AMSL to a maximum elevation of 500 m AMSL. Within these parameters, the plant adapts to the moisture and light availability characteristic of its native forest environments, playing a role in the structural complexity of its ecosystem. The relatively narrow vertical distribution suggests that its physiological processes and reproductive success are optimized for the specific climatic conditions, such as temperature and humidity levels, found within this 300-meter altitudinal band.

Elevational range max:

500 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

200 m AMSL

Life history

The life history of Careya arborea is characterized by its existence as a perennial plant, ensuring its presence in its ecosystem over many successive years. Functioning as a phanerophyte, its reproductive shoots are elevated well above the ground, typically supported by a robust woody structure. This species exhibits a deciduous nature, undergoing periodic leaf shedding as part of its seasonal physiological cycles. Classified under the phanerophyte life form, it maintains its structural integrity and growth through long-term establishment within its natural habitat.

Deciduousness :

deciduous

Life form :

phanerophyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Careya arborea is characterized by a woody growth form, primarily manifesting as a tree. It is a terrestrial species that grows independently, rather than functioning as a parasite or an epiphyte. In terms of stature, the plant typically reaches a height of approximately 12 m, with a mean height recorded at around 20 m under specific conditions. Although it exhibits structural characteristics often associated with self-supporting growth forms, its physical development is defined by its robust, woody architecture.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

12 m

Plant height mean:

20 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Careya arborea is characterized by a C3 photosynthetic pathway, utilizing the standard Calvin cycle for carbon fixation, which is typical for many tropical woody species. Regarding its nutrient cycling capabilities, the plant does not function as a nitrogen fixer, meaning it relies on the uptake of available nitrogen from the soil rather than forming symbiotic relationships with nitrogen-fixing bacteria to convert atmospheric nitrogen.

Nitrogen fixer :

no

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Reproduction

The reproduction of Careya arborea is characterized by the production of fleshy fruits that serve as the primary vessel for seed dispersal. Within these fruits, the seeds exhibit highly consistent physical dimensions, with a recorded seed volume that remains constant at a mean, minimum, and maximum of 11 mm³. The seed mass is similarly uniform across the population, maintaining a consistent value of 0.35714 g for its minimum, maximum, and mean measurements. This combination of a fleshy fruit structure and standardized seed morphology suggests a specialized reproductive strategy designed to ensure efficient dispersal and predictable seedling establishment.

Fruit dryness :

fleshy

Seed mass mean:

0.35714 g

Seed volume max:

11 mm³

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Careya arborea has 1 reported plant parts identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include leaf.

Leaf

1. Environmental monitoring and assessment

Chemicals

Careya arborea has 12 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Flavonoids, Saponins, As, Betulin, CT.

Flavonoids

1. 3 Biotech
2. Asian Pacific journal of tropical biomedicine

Saponins

1. 3 Biotech
2. Asian Pacific journal of tropical biomedicine

As

1. Environmental monitoring and assessment

Betulin

1. Dr. Duke

CT

1. Toxins

Cardiac Glycosides

1. 3 Biotech

Coumarin Derivatives

1. 3 Biotech

Lignans

1. 3 Biotech

Tannins

1. Asian Pacific journal of tropical biomedicine

Triterpenes

1. 3 Biotech

Activities

Careya arborea has 23 reported activities identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Anthelmintic, AntiHIV, Antibacterial, Anticancer, Anticarcinomic.

Anthelmintic

1. Dr. Duke

AntiHIV

1. Dr. Duke

Antibacterial

1. Dr. Duke

Anticancer

1. Dr. Duke

Anticarcinomic

1. Dr. Duke

Antiedemic

1. Dr. Duke

Antifeedant

1. Dr. Duke

Antiflu

1. Dr. Duke

Antiinflammatory

1. Dr. Duke

Antileukemic

1. Dr. Duke

Medicinal Uses

Careya arborea has 1 reported medicinal uses identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include cholera.

Most Reported Uses

Preparations