Dipterocarpus costatus

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Distribution

This plant exhibits a broad geographical distribution across several distinct regions of Asia. Within the Indian Subcontinent, it can be found growing in the state of Assam and throughout Bangladesh. Its range also extends into the Indo-China region, specifically encompassing the Andaman Islands. Furthermore, the species is documented to inhabit the tropical landscapes of Cambodia. Finally, its presence is confirmed within the forested areas of Laos.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Dipterocarpus costatus is characterized by its nature as a perennial organism, meaning it maintains its physiological functions and structural integrity over many years rather than completing its cycle in a single season. Unlike annuals that perish after flowering or biennials that undergo a two-year developmental cycle, this plant establishes a long-term presence in its ecological niche, investing significant energy into sustained growth and multiple reproductive cycles throughout its lifespan. This perennial strategy allows it to endure varying environmental conditions and accumulate biomass over time, contributing to its stability within its natural habitat.

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Dipterocarpus costatus is characterized by a robust, woody growth form, specifically classified as a tree. This plant reaches a significant plant height, with a mean measurement of approximately 35 m. In terms of its climbing habits and structural support, it is categorized as a self-supporting organism, rather than functioning as an obligatory or facultative liana or vine. Furthermore, it is a terrestrial species, lacking the characteristics of an epiphyte such as holoepiphytic, hemiepiphytic, or facultative epiphytic growth.

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Plant height mean:

35 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Dipterocarpus costatus is characterized by a C3 photosynthetic pathway, utilizing the standard Calvin cycle to fix atmospheric carbon dioxide during the light-independent reactions. This metabolic strategy involves the direct carboxylation of ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate by the enzyme RuBisCO, which is typical for many woody tropical species. Furthermore, the plant does not function as a nitrogen fixer, meaning it lacks the symbiotic relationship with diazotrophic bacteria required to convert atmospheric nitrogen into bioavailable forms, and instead relies on the uptake of nitrates and ammonium from the soil through its root system.

Nitrogen fixer :

no

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Reproduction

The reproduction of Dipterocarpus costatus is characterized by a highly consistent seed production profile, showing no variance in individual seed weight within the observed data. The seeds produced by this species exhibit a uniform seed mass, with a mean value of 1.32 g. This uniformity is absolute, as both the maximum and minimum recorded seed masses are identically 1.32 g. Such precise measurement indicates a highly standardized reproductive output regarding seed size, ensuring that each unit of dispersal carries a consistent nutrient load of 1.32 g.

Seed mass mean:

1.32 g

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Dipterocarpus costatus 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 stem.

Stem

1. Advances in experimental medicine and biology

Preparations

Dipterocarpus costatus has 2 reported preparations identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include bark of Dipterocarpus costatus stem, whole stem.

Bark of dipterocarpus costatus stem

1. Advances in experimental medicine and biology

Whole stem

1. Advances in experimental medicine and biology