Diospyros maritima

Diospyros maritima, commonly known as the maritime ebony, is a resilient evergreen shrub native to coastal regions. Valued in traditional medicine, its various parts possess therapeutic properties used to treat diverse ailments. This botanical species plays a vital role in coastal ecosystems while offering significant potential for pharmacological research.

  • Scientific name: Diospyros maritima
  • Family: Ebenaceae
  • Native range: Asia-Temperate

Taxonomical Classification

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

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Ericales WCVP
Family Ebenaceae WCVP
Genus Diospyros WCVP

Common Names

This plant, known scientifically as Diospyros maritima, is recognized by various regional names across different languages. In Chinese, it is referred to as 海边柿 (zh), while in Taiwan, it is commonly called 黃心柿 (zh-tw). The Japanese name for this species is リュウキュウガキ (ja). Moving into Middle Eastern contexts, it is known as خرمالوی دریایی (fa) in Persian and خرمال بحري (ar) in Arabic.
Language Common Name Source
zh 海边柿 Wikidata
ja リュウキュウガキ Wikidata
zh-tw 黃心柿 Wikidata
fa خرمالوی دریایی Wikidata
ar خرمال بحري Wikidata
zh-hans 海边柿 Wikidata
zh-cn 海边柿 Wikidata
zh 黄心仔 Wikidata
zh 黃心柿 Wikidata

Distribution

This plant exhibits a diverse geographical distribution across several key regions of Asia. In East Asia, its presence is noted within the Nansei-shoto islands and throughout Taiwan. Moving into mainland China, the species is specifically found within the South-Central region. Its range further extends into Indo-China, where it inhabits parts of Cambodia. Additionally, the plant can be located within the borders of Laos.

Region Area Source
China China South-Central WCVP
Eastern Asia Nansei-shoto WCVP
Eastern Asia Taiwan WCVP
Indo-China Cambodia WCVP
Indo-China Laos WCVP
Indo-China Vietnam WCVP
Malesia Borneo WCVP
Malesia Jawa WCVP
Malesia Lesser Sunda Is. WCVP
Malesia Maluku WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, Diospyros maritima, utilizes various components for its medicinal and structural properties. The stems provide the essential structural framework and transport systems for the organism, while the inner heartwood is known for its density and specific chemical constituents. Additionally, the bark serves as a protective outer layer and is often the part of the plant harvested for its concentrated bioactive compounds used in traditional remedies.
Total parts
3
Scientific sources
3
Plant Part Sources Confidence
stems 1 ★☆☆☆☆
heartwood 1 ★☆☆☆☆
bark 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Diospyros maritima has 19 reported phytochemicals identified across 20 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include plumbagin, (4S)-shinanolone, 2-methoxy-7-methyljuglone, 3-methoxy-7-methyljuglone, 7-methyljuglone.

Total chemicals
19
Scientific sources
20

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
plumbagin 2 ★☆☆☆☆
(4S)-shinanolone 1 ★☆☆☆☆
2-methoxy-7-methyljuglone 1 ★☆☆☆☆
3-methoxy-7-methyljuglone 1 ★☆☆☆☆
7-methyljuglone 1 ★☆☆☆☆
beta-sitosterol 1 ★☆☆☆☆
chitranone 1 ★☆☆☆☆
diethyl (2R)-malate 1 ★☆☆☆☆
diospyrolide 1 ★☆☆☆☆
diospyrolidone 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Diospyros maritima has 2 reported activities identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antimicrobial, Cytotoxic.

Total activities
2
Scientific sources
2

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Antimicrobial 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Cytotoxic 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Diospyros maritima has 1 reported medicinal uses identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include hepatoma.

Total uses
1
Scientific sources
1

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
hepatoma 1 ★☆☆☆☆