Goniothalamus malayanus

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Goniothalamus malayanus var. dispermus
• Goniothalamus puncticulatus
• Goniothalamus slingerlandtianus
• Goniothalamus dispermus
• Goniothalamus malayanus var. slingerlandtianus
• Goniothalamus ventristylus

Sources: Wikidata

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Magnoliales, it is classified under the family Annonaceae. It is specifically identified by its genus, Goniothalamus, and its species name, malayanus.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a broad geographical distribution across several key regions in Southeast Asia. Within the Indo-China region, its presence is noted in Thailand and the Nicobar Islands. Moving into the Malesia region, it can be found throughout the Malay Peninsula. The species also inhabits the large islands of Borneo and Sumatera. Consequently, its range spans a diverse array of tropical environments across these distinct territories.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Morphology

The morphology of Goniothalamus malayanus is characterized by a woody growth form that allows it to function as a tree-like structure within its habitat. As a terrestrial plant, it lacks epiphytic tendencies, establishing itself firmly in the ground rather than growing on other vegetation. The plant exhibits climbing habits, functioning as a self-supporting liana, vine, or climber through both obligatory and facultative mechanisms. This robust structural development enables the plant to reach a significant maximum height of approximately 16 meters.

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Plant height max:

16 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Goniothalamus malayanus is characterized by a specialized metabolic framework adapted to its understory habitat, most notably through its photosynthetic pathway. This species utilizes the C3 photosynthetic pathway, a mechanism where the initial fixation of atmospheric carbon dioxide occurs through the enzyme Rubisco to form a three-carbon compound. This metabolic process is typical of many tropical forest plants that thrive in shaded or humid environments, allowing the plant to efficiently manage gas exchange and energy production under varying light intensities. The reliance on C3 photosynthesis dictates its transpiration rates and water-use efficiency, influencing how the plant regulates its internal moisture and carbon assimilation to maintain physiological homeostasis within its specific ecological niche.

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Goniothalamus malayanus 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 leaf.

Leaf

1. Zeitschrift fur Naturforschung. C, Journal of biosciences

Chemicals

Goniothalamus malayanus has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Bicyclogermacrene, Germacrene D.

Bicyclogermacrene

1. Zeitschrift fur Naturforschung. C, Journal of biosciences

Germacrene D

1. Zeitschrift fur Naturforschung. C, Journal of biosciences

Preparations

Goniothalamus malayanus has 2 reported preparations identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include essential oils, methanol extracts.

Essential oils

1. Zeitschrift fur Naturforschung. C, Journal of biosciences

Methanol extracts

1. Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology