Dillenia suffruticosa

Shrubby dillenia

Dillenia suffruticosa, commonly known as the Simpoh Air, is a resilient shrub native to Southeast Asia. Renowned for its large, striking white flowers and edible fruit, this plant holds significant ethnobotanical value. It is widely utilized in traditional medicine for its diverse antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory therapeutic properties.

  • Scientific name: Dillenia suffruticosa
  • Family: Dilleniaceae
  • Native range: Africa

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta within the class Equisetopsida. It falls under the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Dilleniales, specifically within the family Dilleniaceae. Ultimately, its taxonomic identity is defined by its membership in the genus Dillenia.

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

Common Names

This plant, known scientifically as Dillenia suffruticosa, is recognized by various regional and linguistic names across different cultures. In Malay, it is referred to as Pokok Simpoh Air, while in German, it is called Malaysischer Rosenapfel. Its common names also extend to other languages, such as Simpoh Ayer in Azerbaijani, سیمپوه آیر in Persian, and ديلنيا شجيرية in Arabic.
Language Common Name Source
fa سیمپوه آیر Wikidata
az Simpoh Ayer Wikidata
de Malaysischer Rosenapfel Wikidata
ms Pokok Simpoh Air Wikidata
ar ديلنيا شجيرية Wikidata
id Meringis ayer Wikidata
fa سیمپوه ایر Wikidata
fa سیمپوهٔ آیر Wikidata
en Shrubby Dillenia Wikidata
en Simpoh Wikidata

Distribution

This plant exhibits a broad geographical distribution spanning several distinct regions across Asia and the Indian Ocean. Within the Indian Subcontinent, it is commonly found growing in both India and Sri Lanka. Its range extends into the Indo-China region, specifically inhabiting the landscapes of Cambodia. In the Malesia region, the species can be located on the island of Borneo. Finally, its presence reaches the Western Indian Ocean, where it is established in the Seychelles.

Region Area Source
Western Indian Ocean Seychelles WCVP
Indian Subcontinent India WCVP
Indian Subcontinent Sri Lanka WCVP
Indo-China Cambodia WCVP
Malesia Borneo WCVP
Malesia Jawa WCVP
Malesia Malaya WCVP
Malesia Philippines WCVP
Malesia Sumatera WCVP
Caribbean Jamaica WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, known scientifically as Dillenia suffruticosa, possesses various anatomical structures that contribute to its biological function and medicinal potential. The roots serve as a vital foundation, anchoring the shrub to the soil and facilitating the absorption of water and essential nutrients through the root system. The leaves are prominent, typically characterized by their large, leathery texture and distinct venation, playing a crucial role in photosynthesis. Additionally, the barks of the stems provide a protective outer layer for the plant, housing various phytochemicals that are often studied for their therapeutic properties.
Total parts
4
Scientific sources
4
Plant Part Sources Confidence
roots 1 ★☆☆☆☆
root 1 ★☆☆☆☆
leaves 1 ★☆☆☆☆
barks 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Dillenia suffruticosa has 12 reported phytochemicals identified across 12 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Betulinic acid, betulinic acid, dichloromethane, eugenol, flavonoids.

Total chemicals
12
Scientific sources
12

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
Betulinic acid 1 ★☆☆☆☆
betulinic acid 1 ★☆☆☆☆
dichloromethane 1 ★☆☆☆☆
eugenol 1 ★☆☆☆☆
flavonoids 1 ★☆☆☆☆
lupeol 1 ★☆☆☆☆
polyphenols 1 ★☆☆☆☆
saponins 1 ★☆☆☆☆
steroids 1 ★☆☆☆☆
tannins 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Dillenia suffruticosa has 2 reported activities identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antibacterial, Antifungal.

Total activities
2
Scientific sources
2

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Antibacterial 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antifungal 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Dillenia suffruticosa has 3 reported medicinal uses identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include breast cancer, cancer, triple-negative breast cancer.

Total uses
3
Scientific sources
3

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
breast cancer 1 ★☆☆☆☆
cancer 1 ★☆☆☆☆
triple-negative breast cancer 1 ★☆☆☆☆