Combretum sundaicum

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Combretum oliviforme
• Combretum oliviforme var. yaxianense

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 Myrtales, it is classified under the family Combretaceae and is identified by the genus Combretum.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a diverse geographical distribution spanning several distinct regions across Asia. In China, its presence is noted in the South-Central, Southeast, and Hainan areas. Moving westward, the species can also be found within the Indian Subcontinent, specifically in Assam. Additionally, its range extends into the Indo-China region, where it is documented in Thailand. Together, these locations highlight the plant's ability to thrive across varied tropical and subtropical environments.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Morphology

The morphology of Combretum sundaicum is characterized by its growth habit as a woody liana, functioning as an obligatory climber. While it can exhibit shrub-like qualities in certain contexts, it is primarily distinguished by its climbing nature, reaching a significant height with a mean measurement of approximately 3 meters and a maximum potential height of up to 30 meters. As a terrestrial species, it does not function as an epiphyte, instead establishing itself firmly in the ground to support its climbing structure. The plant's development is defined by its woody texture, which provides the necessary structural integrity for its extensive liana growth form.

Climber :

liana

Climber :

obligatory

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

shrub

Plant height max:

30 m

Plant height mean:

3 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Combretum sundaicum is characterized by metabolic processes adapted to tropical environments, focusing on efficient nutrient uptake and specialized secondary metabolite production. Regarding its symbiotic capabilities, the plant is not a nitrogen fixer, meaning it lacks the specialized root nodules containing rhizobia required to convert atmospheric nitrogen into bioavailable forms; instead, it relies on the absorption of nitrates and ammonium from the soil through its root system. Its photosynthetic pathways are optimized for high light intensity and humidity, supporting rapid vegetative growth and the development of its characteristic floral structures. Furthermore, its physiological processes include the synthesis of complex polyphenols and tannins, which serve as defensive mechanisms against herbivory and oxidative stress.

Nitrogen fixer :

no

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Combretum sundaicum has 2 reported plant parts identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include flower, leaf.

Flower

1. Journal of natural products

Leaf

1. Journal of natural products

Chemicals

Combretum sundaicum has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include 3beta-Hydroxyolean-12-en-28-oic acid, Olean-12-en-28-oic acid.

3beta-Hydroxyolean-12-en-28-oic acid

1. Natural product communications

Olean-12-en-28-oic acid

1. Journal of natural products

Activities

Combretum sundaicum has 1 reported activities identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Cytotoxic.

Cytotoxic

1. Journal of natural products

Preparations

Combretum sundaicum has 1 reported preparations identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include ethyl acetate extracts obtained from the leaves and flowers.

Ethyl acetate extracts obtained from the leaves and flowers

1. Journal of natural products