Dipterocarpus zeylanicus

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Distribution

This plant, known scientifically as Dipterocarpus zeylanicus, possesses a very specific and limited geographical range. Its natural distribution is primarily concentrated within the Indian Subcontinent. Specifically, this medicinal species is found endemic to the island nation of Sri Lanka. Because of this localized presence, it is considered a key component of the region's unique flora. Understanding this restricted habitat is essential for the conservation of the species and its traditional medicinal uses.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Dipterocarpus zeylanicus is characterized by its status as a perennial organism, allowing it to persist through multiple growing seasons and establish a stable presence within its ecological niche. Throughout its developmental stages, the plant maintains an evergreen habit, ensuring that its foliage remains functional and photosynthetic year-round rather than undergoing seasonal shedding. This combination of a long-lived lifecycle and continuous leaf retention enables the species to sustain consistent metabolic activity and long-term survival in its natural habitat.

Deciduousness :

evergreen

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Dipterocarpus zeylanicus is characterized by a robust growth form, primarily manifesting as a tree. In its structural development, the plant exhibits significant woodiness, forming a sturdy, woody framework. While certain botanical classifications may associate climbing tendencies with various species in similar habitats, this specific plant is defined by its arborescent habit rather than acting as an obligatory or facultative liana, vine, or self-supporting climber.

Climber :

self-supporting

Growth form :

tree

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Dipterocarpus zeylanicus is characterized by a metabolic framework utilizing the C3 photosynthetic pathway, which involves the direct fixation of carbon dioxide through the Calvin cycle within the mesophyll cells. This carbon fixation strategy dictates its specific requirements for light intensity and water availability to maintain efficient gas exchange. Furthermore, the plant does not function as a nitrogen fixer, meaning it lacks the specialized symbiotic relationships with nitrogen-fixing bacteria, such as rhizobia, necessary to convert atmospheric nitrogen into bioavailable forms; instead, it relies on the uptake of nitrates and ammonium from the soil to meet its nutritional requirements for protein synthesis and growth.

Nitrogen fixer :

no

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Reproduction

The reproduction of Dipterocarpus zeylanicus is characterized by the production of relatively substantial seeds that play a critical role in its dispersal and establishment. Morphological analysis of the seed stock reveals significant variability in size, with individual seed masses ranging from a minimum of 5 g to a maximum of 8.6 g. On average, the seeds exhibit a mean mass of 6.8 g, suggesting a reproductive strategy focused on providing significant nutrient reserves for the developing embryo. This variation in seed mass likely influences the plant's ability to colonize diverse microhabitats within its natural range.

Seed mass max:

8.6 g

Seed mass mean:

6.8 g

Seed mass min:

5 g

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Dipterocarpus zeylanicus has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 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

Dipterocarpus zeylanicus 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