Dillenia papuana

Dillenia papuana · Accepted scientific name

Scientific literature: Very Sparse (2 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆

Dillenia papuana is a distinctive botanical species known for its significant biological properties. The plant's leaves and stems serve as the primary parts utilized for extracting its valuable chemical components. Research has identified specific compounds within the plant, such as 3-Oxoolean-12-en-30-oic acid and BETULINALDEHYDE. These chemical constituents contribute to the plant's notable antibacterial activities. Understanding these mechanisms offers important insights into the potential medicinal applications of this species.

Quick facts
Synonyms
Wormia Calothyrsa · Wormia Papuana · 1 more
Common names
Not available
Family
Dilleniaceae
Distribution
Northern America
Plant Parts
Leaf · Stem

Classification

Synonyms

Dillenia papuana is a botanical species that has been documented under several different scientific names throughout history. Within taxonomic literature, it is recognized as being synonymous with Dillenia calothyrsa. This plant is also frequently identified by the name Wormia calothyrsa in various biological records. Furthermore, the species has been referred to as Wormia papuana in past studies. Understanding these overlapping synonyms is essential for accurate identification and scientific consistency.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Taxonomy

Dillenia papuana is a distinctive botanical specimen that belongs to the kingdom Plantae. Within this vast kingdom, it is categorized under the class Equisetopsida. The plant is further classified into the order Dilleniales, which highlights its specific evolutionary lineage. It is a prominent member of the genus Dillenia, showcasing unique morphological traits characteristic of its group. Ultimately, this species is nested within the family Dilleniaceae, marking its place in the complex web of biological classification.

Rank Classification
Kingdom Plantae
Phylum Streptophyta
Class Equisetopsida
Subclass Magnoliidae
Order Dilleniales
Family Dilleniaceae
Genus Dillenia

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

Geographic Regions

Dillenia papuana is a specialized botanical species found within the lush environments of the Asia-Tropical region. Its natural habitat is primarily centered around the diverse landscapes of Papuasia. Within these ecosystems, the plant plays a vital role in the unique biodiversity of New Guinea. This specific distribution highlights the plant's reliance on the humid and tropical climates characteristic of these areas. Understanding its geographic range is essential for the ongoing conservation efforts in these delicate tropical zones.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Identification

Morphology

Dillenia papuana is a self-supporting tree that establishes a strong presence within its natural habitat. This species is characterized by its robust growth form, allowing it to reach impressive proportions. Under optimal conditions, the plant can attain a maximum height of 30 meters.

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Biological Activities

Dillenia papuana has demonstrated significant antibacterial activity through the presence of specialized triterpenoid compounds. Research has successfully isolated several new oleanene-type triterpenoids, such as dillenic acids D and E, from the plant's leaves and stems. These chemical constituents exhibit measurable effectiveness against various pathogens, including Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, and Micrococcus luteus. Structural analysis suggests that specific chemical features, such as a ketone function in the ring A of an oleanene-skeleton, may be essential for this biological activity. Consequently, these findings highlight the medicinal potential of the plant's unique chemical profile in combating bacterial growth.

Compounds

Dillenia papuana is a medicinal plant from Papua New Guinea that serves as a rich source of various bioactive triterpenoids. Research into its chemical composition has successfully identified several significant natural products within its leaves and stems. Specifically, the plant contains 3-oxoolean-12-en-30-oic acid, which has been highlighted for its unique structural properties. Additionally, studies have confirmed the presence of the lupene derivative betulinaldehyde within its chemical profile. These findings are particularly important as these compounds contribute to the plant's documented antibacterial activities against various bacteria.

Conditions

Dillenia papuana contains specific triterpenoid acids that demonstrate significant antibacterial properties. These bioactive compounds effectively target and treat antibacterial activities against Bacillus subtilis. Furthermore, the plant's extracts show measurable efficacy against the pathogen Escherichia coli. The medicinal plant also exhibits successful antibacterial action against Micrococcus luteus. Consequently, these isolated substances from Dillenia papuana serve as potent agents against these three distinct bacterial strains.

Preparations

Parts used

Dillenia papuana serves as a rich source of bioactive triterpenoids essential for pharmacological research. Scientific investigations have successfully isolated several significant compounds from the various anatomical structures of this plant. Specifically, researchers identified new oleanene-type triterpenoids, such as dillenic acids D and E, from both the leaves and the stems. These findings highlight the chemical complexity found within the plant's vegetative parts. Ultimately, characterizing these components helps clarify the relationship between their molecular structures and their antibacterial activities.