Hill mango

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• hill-mango

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Protionopsis caudata
• Balsamodendrum caudatum
• Protium caudatum
• Balsamea caudata

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. Classified under the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Sapindales, it is a member of the Burseraceae family. Specifically, it is categorized under the genus Commiphora as the species Commiphora caudata.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific geographical distribution within the tropical regions of Asia. It is primarily found across the Indian Subcontinent, where it plays a role in local ecosystems. Specifically, its presence is well-documented within the borders of India. Additionally, the species extends its range to include the island nation of Sri Lanka. Consequently, these two countries represent the primary habitats for this medicinal species.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Commiphora caudata is characterized by its status as a perennial species, allowing it to persist in its environment over many growing seasons. As part of its adaptive survival strategy, particularly in response to seasonal moisture availability, the plant exhibits a deciduous growth habit, shedding its foliage periodically.

Deciduousness :

deciduous

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Commiphora caudata is characterized by its growth form as a tree, which typically reaches an average plant height of 15 m. The plant exhibits a woody structure and is classified as a self-supporting organism, rather than acting as an obligatory or facultative climber.

Climber :

self-supporting

Growth form :

tree

Plant height mean:

15 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Commiphora caudata is characterized by specialized metabolic pathways adapted to arid and semi-arid environments, where efficient resource management is essential for survival. As a member of the Burseraceae family, its physiological processes are heavily centered around the production and storage of secondary metabolites, particularly oleoresins and terpenoids, within specialized secretory structures. These compounds serve critical roles in defense mechanisms and osmotic regulation. Regarding its nutrient acquisition strategies, the plant does not engage in symbiotic relationships with diazotrophic bacteria to convert atmospheric nitrogen into organic forms; therefore, it is not a nitrogen fixer. This lack of nitrogen-fixing capability means its growth and physiological vigor are strictly dependent on the availability of nitrates and ammonium ions within the soil substrate. To cope with moisture stress, the plant exhibits physiological adaptations such as regulated stomatal conductance and optimized water-use efficiency to minimize transpiration while maintaining carbon fixation through photosynthetic pathways.

Nitrogen fixer :

no

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Activities

Commiphora caudata has 3 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, Cytotoxic.

Antimicrobial

1. Natural product research

Antioxidant

1. Natural product research

Cytotoxic

1. Natural product research

Conditions

Commiphora caudata has 2 reported investigations on conditions identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include Pseudomonas aeruginosa, general health.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa

1. Natural product research

General health

1. Heliyon

Preparations

Commiphora caudata has 1 reported preparations identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include methanolic extracts.

Methanolic extracts

1. Natural product research