Siam gamboge

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• Siam gamboge
• gamboge

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Garcinia morella var. pedicellata

Regional and Traditional Names

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

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 Malpighiales, falling within the family Clusiaceae. Ultimately, its taxonomic identity is defined by the genus Garcinia, specifically the species Garcinia hanburyi.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific geographical distribution across several regions in Asia. Within the Indian Subcontinent, it can be found growing in Bangladesh. Its presence extends significantly into the Indo-China region, where it is native to Cambodia. Furthermore, the species is widely distributed throughout Laos and Thailand. Finally, it completes its regional range by occurring within the borders of Vietnam.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Garcinia hanburyi is characterized by its status as a perennial species, meaning it maintains its biological functions and structural integrity over many years rather than completing its cycle within a single growing season. As a long-lived woody plant, it undergoes a continuous developmental process that includes establishment, maturation, and prolonged reproductive phases. Throughout its extensive lifespan, the plant invests significant energy into maintaining a robust perennial framework, allowing it to survive through various seasonal shifts and environmental fluctuations. This enduring life cycle enables the species to establish a stable presence within its ecosystem, providing consistent ecological contributions and long-term reproductive opportunities over many successive years.

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Garcinia hanburyi is characterized by a woody growth form, specifically developing into a tree. This plant exhibits a significant stature, reaching an average plant height of 15 m. Although it possesses a sturdy, woody structure, its climbing habit is classified as self-supporting, rather than being an obligatory or facultative climber.

Climber :

self-supporting

Growth form :

tree

Plant height mean:

15 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Garcinia hanburyi is characterized by its metabolic processes as a perennial woody species, primarily focusing on the synthesis of complex secondary metabolites within its tissues. The plant exhibits specialized biochemical pathways that lead to the production of various xanthones and benzophenones, which serve as defensive mechanisms against herbivory and pathogens. Its nutrient acquisition processes are driven by standard vegetative uptake through the root system; notably, it is not a nitrogen fixer, as it lacks the symbiotic relationship with diazotrophic bacteria required to convert atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia. Instead, the plant relies on the assimilation of nitrates and ammonium from the soil to support its growth and cellular functions. Photosynthetic activity is optimized to support the development of its dense canopy and the accumulation of energy reserves in its fleshy fruits and woody structures, facilitating its long-term survival in tropical ecosystems.

Nitrogen fixer :

no

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Garcinia hanburyi has 8 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include gambogic acid, GUM, Gambogenic Acid, Isogambogenic acid, Morellic acid.

gambogic acid

1. Dr. Duke
2. Yao xue xue bao = Acta pharmaceutica Sinica

GUM

1. Dr. Duke

Gambogenic Acid

1. Yao xue xue bao = Acta pharmaceutica Sinica

Isogambogenic acid

1. Journal of chemotherapy (Florence, Italy)

Morellic acid

1. American journal of cancer research

Neogambogic acid

1. Dr. Duke

ketones

1. Phytotherapy research : PTR

resin

1. Dr. Duke

Activities

Garcinia hanburyi has 4 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Anticancer, Cytotoxic, Peristaltic, Purgative.

Anticancer

1. Journal of pharmaceutical and biomedical analysis
2. American journal of cancer research
3. Phytotherapy research : PTR

Cytotoxic

1. Phytochemistry
2. Journal of natural products

Peristaltic

1. Dr. Duke

Purgative

1. Dr. Duke

Medicinal Uses

Garcinia hanburyi has 4 reported medicinal uses identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include cancer, cholangiocarcinoma, leukemia, tumor.

Most Reported Uses

Preparations