Diospyros ebenum

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Distribution

This plant exhibits a diverse geographical distribution spanning several distinct regions. Within the Indian Subcontinent, it can be found growing in both India and Sri Lanka. Its presence extends into the Indo-China region, specifically inhabiting the Andaman Islands and the Nicobar Islands. Additionally, the species has a documented range in the Southeastern United States, particularly in Florida. These varied locations highlight the wide environmental adaptability of the species.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Diospyros ebenum is characterized by its status as a perennial species, allowing it to persist in its environment over many years. As a phanerophyte, it maintains its photosynthetic organs on elevated woody structures, typically developing into a substantial tree form. This plant exhibits an evergreen deciduousness, meaning it retains its foliage throughout the year rather than shedding it seasonally. In terms of its structural classification, it is strictly categorized as a phanerophyte, ensuring its survival through long-term growth cycles.

Deciduousness :

evergreen

Life form :

phanerophyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Diospyros ebenum is characterized by its robust growth form as a woody tree, reaching an average plant height of approximately 20 m. It functions as a self-supporting, independent organism that does not exhibit parasitic or epiphytic behavior, maintaining a strictly terrestrial existence. As a non-climbing, self-supporting species, its structural integrity is defined by its substantial woody nature, which supports its significant vertical development in its natural habitat.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Plant height mean:

20 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Diospyros ebenum is characterized by a C3 photosynthetic pathway, which dictates its carbon fixation processes and metabolic efficiency within its typical environmental niches. As a C3 plant, it utilizes the enzyme RuBisCO to fix atmospheric carbon dioxide directly into the Calvin cycle, a process that is highly efficient under moderate temperatures and light conditions but remains susceptible to photorespiration. Furthermore, this species does not function as a nitrogen fixer; it lacks the symbiotic relationship with nitrogen-fixing bacteria required to convert atmospheric nitrogen into usable forms, meaning it relies entirely on the uptake of nitrates and ammonium from the soil to satisfy its nitrogen requirements for protein synthesis and enzymatic functions.

Nitrogen fixer :

no

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Reproduction

Reproduction in Diospyros ebenum is primarily driven by the production of seeds contained within fleshy fruits, which play a critical role in the dispersal and establishment of new individuals. The reproductive efficiency of the species is closely linked to the physical characteristics of its seeds, which exhibit specific morphological variations. Quantitative analysis of the seed mass reveals a mean value of approximately 0.173695 g, indicating a consistent investment in nutrient storage per embryo. However, there is notable variability within the population, with individual seed masses ranging from a minimum of 0.10929 g to a maximum of 0.2381 g. This range in seed mass suggests a degree of plasticity in reproductive output, which may influence seedling vigor and survival rates in diverse environmental conditions.

Seed mass max:

0.2381 g

Seed mass mean:

0.173695 g

Seed mass min:

0.10929 g

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Diospyros ebenum has 1 reported plant parts identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include leaf.

Leaf

1. BMC complementary and alternative medicine

Chemicals

Diospyros ebenum has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Betulin, betulinic acid.

Betulin

1. Dr. Duke

betulinic acid

1. Dr. Duke

Activities

Diospyros ebenum has 23 reported activities identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Anthelmintic, AntiHIV, Antibacterial, Anticancer, Anticarcinomic.

Anthelmintic

1. Dr. Duke

AntiHIV

1. Dr. Duke

Antibacterial

1. Dr. Duke

Anticancer

1. Dr. Duke

Anticarcinomic

1. Dr. Duke

Antiedemic

1. Dr. Duke

Antifeedant

1. Dr. Duke

Antiflu

1. Dr. Duke

Antiinflammatory

1. Dr. Duke

Antileukemic

1. Dr. Duke

Medicinal Uses

Diospyros ebenum has 1 reported medicinal uses identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include breast cancer.

Most Reported Uses

Preparations