Diospyros nigra

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Distribution

This plant exhibits a remarkably wide geographical distribution spanning multiple continents and ecological zones. In the Western Indian Ocean, it is notably found throughout Madagascar. Its range extends across the Indian Subcontinent, specifically within the borders of India. Within the Malesia region, the species is documented in Jawa. Finally, it reaches the Americas, appearing in Texas in the South-Central U.S.A. and in Florida in the Southeastern U.S.A.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Diospyros nigra is characterized by a broad altitudinal distribution, allowing it to occupy diverse topographical niches within its habitat. This species thrives across a significant vertical gradient, spanning an elevational range from 0 m AMSL to a maximum of 1600 m AMSL. This wide tolerance suggests an adaptability to varying climatic conditions, ranging from lowland tropical or subtropical environments to more temperate, montane ecosystems found at higher altitudes. Such a distribution pattern typically indicates that the plant can withstand a variety of temperature regimes and moisture levels, enabling it to function as a component of both coastal and highland ecological communities.

Elevational range max:

1600 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

0 m AMSL

Life history

The life history of Diospyros nigra is characterized by its status as a perennial organism, ensuring its presence in the ecosystem across multiple years. As a phanerophyte, the plant maintains its conducting organs well above the ground level, typically developing into a woody structure that allows it to persist through various seasonal changes. Its foliage remains evergreen, providing a constant photosynthetic capacity throughout the year rather than undergoing a deciduous cycle. While its growth habit can be classified under the broader category of nanophanerophyte depending on its specific structural development, it primarily functions as a long-lived woody species within its habitat.

Deciduousness :

evergreen

Life form :

nanophanerophyte

Life form :

phanerophyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Diospyros nigra is characterized by a woody growth form, specifically functioning as a self-supporting tree. This plant reaches a mean height of approximately 15 m and is classified as a terrestrial species, rather than being aquatic, semiaquatic, or an epiphyte. As a self-supporting organism, it does not exhibit climbing habits such as a liana or vine, nor does it function as a hemi-epiphyte or any other form of epiphyte. Furthermore, the plant is biologically independent, meaning it does not possess parasitic tendencies and grows as an independent entity within its habitat.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Plant height mean:

15 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Diospyros nigra is characterized by its metabolic processes and nutrient acquisition strategies, which are typical of many members of the Ebenaceae family. The plant engages in standard photosynthetic pathways to convert light energy into chemical energy, supporting the growth of its woody structure and dense foliage. In terms of its interaction with the soil chemistry and its ability to influence nutrient cycling, Diospyros nigra does not function as a nitrogen fixer; therefore, it lacks the symbiotic relationship with diazotrophic bacteria, such as Rhizobium, required to convert atmospheric nitrogen into bioavailable forms. Consequently, the plant relies on the uptake of nitrates and ammonium present in the soil through its root system to satisfy its nitrogen requirements for protein synthesis and cellular development. Its physiological resilience is often tied to its ability to manage water potential and maintain osmotic balance, allowing it to thrive in its specific ecological niche.

Nitrogen fixer :

no

Reproduction

The reproduction of Diospyros nigra is characterized by a specialized reproductive strategy that relies on cross-pollination and animal interaction. The plant exhibits an absence of self-fertilization, necessitating the exchange of genetic material between different individuals to ensure successful fertilization. Once seeds are developed, they are distributed via a zoochorous dispersal syndrome, meaning they rely on animals to transport them to new locations. The seeds produced by this species are remarkably uniform in size, with a consistent seed mass recorded at a mean, minimum, and maximum value of 1.1 g.

Dispersal syndrome :

zoochorous

Seed mass mean:

1.1 g

Self fertilization :

absent

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Diospyros nigra has 10 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Ash, CALCIUM, FAT, IRON, PHOSPHORUS.

Ash

1. Dr. Duke

CALCIUM

1. Dr. Duke

FAT

1. Dr. Duke

IRON

1. Dr. Duke

PHOSPHORUS

1. Dr. Duke

ascorbic acid

1. Dr. Duke

beta-carotene

1. Dr. Duke

niacin

1. Dr. Duke

riboflavin

1. Dr. Duke

water

1. Dr. Duke

Activities

Diospyros nigra has 189 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Acidulant, Aldose-Reductase-Inhibitor, Allergenic, Analgesic, Androgenic?.

Acidulant

1. Dr. Duke

Aldose-Reductase-Inhibitor

1. Dr. Duke

Allergenic

1. Dr. Duke

Analgesic

1. Dr. Duke

Androgenic?

1. Dr. Duke

Angiotensin-Receptor-Blocker

1. Dr. Duke

AntiAGE

1. Dr. Duke

AntiCFS

1. Dr. Duke

AntiCTS

1. Dr. Duke

AntiCrohn's

1. Dr. Duke