Diospyros leucomelas

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Diospyros commersonii
• Diospyros amplexicaulis
• Diospyros hebenaster
• Ebenus leucomelas

Regional and Traditional Names

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant, Diospyros leucomelas, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, it is classified under the order Ericales. Finally, it is a member of the family Ebenaceae and the genus Diospyros.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant, known scientifically as Diospyros leucomelas, possesses a very restricted natural range. Its geographical presence is primarily confined to the Western Indian Ocean region. Specifically, this medicinal species is found growing within the island nation of Mauritius. Because of this limited area, it is considered an endemic component of the local flora. Understanding this specific distribution is essential for the conservation of the species in its native habitat.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Diospyros leucomelas is characterized by its structural development as a woody perennial, primarily exhibiting a life form categorized as a phanerophyte, meaning its perennating buds are located high above the ground on woody stems. While it predominantly functions as a phanerophyte to dominate its ecological niche, its developmental plasticity within various microhabitats may occasionally align with characteristics of a nanophanerophyte, depending on the specific growth habit and environmental constraints of the understory or forest edges it occupies. As it progresses through its life cycle, the plant focuses on the establishment of robust woody architecture, ensuring that its reproductive structures are elevated to facilitate seed dispersal and light competition within its native habitat.

Life form :

nanophanerophyte

Life form :

phanerophyte

Morphology

The morphology of Diospyros leucomelas is characterized by its robust and woody structure, functioning as a self-supporting climber that relies on its own mechanical strength rather than external hosts for primary stabilization. Unlike parasitic organisms, this plant is entirely independent, maintaining its own nutritional processes without relying on a host for sustenance. Furthermore, it is strictly terrestrial in its growth habit, establishing its root system within the soil rather than growing as an epiphyte upon other vegetation.

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Parasite :

independent

Woodiness :

woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Diospyros leucomelas has 3 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Betulin, betulinic acid, Ursolic acid.

Betulin

1. Dr. Duke
2. Planta medica

betulinic acid

1. Dr. Duke
2. Planta medica

Ursolic acid

1. Planta medica

Activities

Diospyros leucomelas has 23 reported activities identified across 0 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

Conditions

Diospyros leucomelas has 1 reported investigations on conditions identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include inflammation.

Inflammation

1. Planta medica