Dalbergia louvelii

Dalbergia louvelii · Accepted scientific name

Scientific literature: Very Sparse (6 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆

Scientifically known as Dalbergia louvellii, is a precious medicinal plant renowned for its therapeutic properties. Commonly referred to as Rosewood, its various parts offer significant bioactive compounds used in traditional healing. This species is highly valued in herbal medicine for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial potential in wellness treatments.

Family
Fabaceae
Native range
Africa
Parts used
Not available
Common names
Not available
Scientific synonyms
Not available

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Dalbergia louvelii

Regional and Traditional Names

French:

  • volombodipona à grandes feuilles

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae, it is organized under the order Fabales and the family Fabaceae. Ultimately, its taxonomic identity is defined by its classification within the genus Dalbergia.

Rank Classification
Kingdom Plantae
Phylum Streptophyta
Class Equisetopsida
Subclass Magnoliidae
Order Fabales
Family Fabaceae
Genus Dalbergia

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant is characterized by a very specific and localized geographical range. It is primarily found within the unique ecosystems of the Western Indian Ocean. Specifically, its natural habitat is concentrated on the island of Madagascar. This restricted distribution makes the species a notable part of the region's unique biodiversity. Consequently, conservation efforts are often focused on protecting its limited territory in this area.

Region Area
Western Indian Ocean Madagascar

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Dalbergia louvellii is characterized by its status as a perennial species, allowing it to establish a long-lasting presence within its natural ecosystem. As it progresses through its developmental stages, the plant exhibits a deciduous habit, shedding its foliage periodically as part of its seasonal physiological cycle. This lifecycle enables the species to endure varying environmental conditions over many years, transitioning through distinct phases of growth and dormancy dictated by its deciduous nature.

Deciduousness :
deciduous
Lifecycle :
perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Dalbergia louvellii is characterized by its growth form as a woody tree, which stands as a self-supporting structure rather than a climber or epiphyte. It is a terrestrial species, lacking aquatic or semiaquatic adaptations. The plant typically reaches a significant stature, with a mean height of approximately 15 m.

Aquatic :
terrestrial
Climber :
self-supporting
Epiphyte :
terrestrial
Growth form :
tree
Plant height mean:
15 m
Woodiness :
woody

Physiology

The physiology of Dalbergia louvellii is characterized by a C3 photosynthetic pathway, which dictates its carbon fixation processes and metabolic efficiency under typical environmental conditions. In addition to its photosynthetic mechanisms, the plant functions as a nitrogen fixer, utilizing symbiotic relationships to convert atmospheric nitrogen into forms usable for growth, thereby enhancing its nutrient acquisition capabilities in various soil types.

Nitrogen fixer :
yes
Photosynthetic pathway :
C3

Reproduction

The reproduction of Dalbergia louvellii is driven by a complex biotic pollination syndrome, relying heavily on living organisms to facilitate the transfer of pollen. The plant exhibits a diverse pollination strategy characterized by biotic interactions, where the primary mechanism for fertilization is mediated by insects. Within this ecological framework, the pollination process is specifically categorized through various insect-driven syndromes, indicating that the plant utilizes a range of insect vectors—such as bees, beetles, butterflies, moths, flies, or other insect species—to ensure successful genetic exchange. This reliance on biotic agents distinguishes its reproductive cycle from abiotic methods like wind or water, establishing a specialized dependency on the local insect fauna to complete its life cycle.

Pollination syndrome :
insect
Pollination syndrome :
biotic

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Dalbergia louvelii has 4 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include 7,4'-dihydroxy-3'-methoxyisoflavone, isoliquiritigenin, obtusafuran, spirolouveline.

Chemicals reported in Dalbergia louvelii
Chemical Supporting sources Consensus
7,4'-dihydroxy-3'-methoxyisoflavone 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
isoliquiritigenin 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
obtusafuran 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
spirolouveline 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆

7,4'-dihydroxy-3'-methoxyisoflavone

  1. Journal of natural products

isoliquiritigenin

  1. Journal of natural products

obtusafuran

  1. Journal of natural products

spirolouveline

  1. Journal of natural products

Conditions

Dalbergia louvelii has 1 reported investigations on conditions identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include Plasmodium falciparum.

Conditions investigated for Dalbergia louvelii
Condition Supporting sources Consensus
Plasmodium falciparum 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆

Plasmodium falciparum

  1. Journal of natural products