Liquidambar formosana
Liquidambar formosana · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (0 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Liquidambar formosana is a notable species that holds significant interest in the field of phytochemical research. Scientific investigations have specifically focused on the plant's fruit to uncover its unique bioactive properties. Through the process of creating an ethanol extract, researchers have been able to isolate various potent compounds from this botanical source. One such important chemical identified within these extracts is betulonic acid. Understanding these chemical constituents provides valuable insights into the potential therapeutic applications of the species.
- Synonyms
- Liquidambar Rosthornii · Liquidambar Formosana Var. Monticola · 3 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Altingiaceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Fruit
Classification
Common Names
Liquidambar formosana is a versatile species known by several different names depending on the region and preference. It is frequently referred to as the Chinese Sweet Gum, highlighting its botanical heritage. Many enthusiasts also recognize the tree by its common moniker, the Formosan Sweetgum. Depending on the text, it may simply be called the Formosan gum or the Formosan sweet-gum. You might even encounter it listed as the Formosan-gum in various botanical catalogs.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Liquidambar formosana is a complex species that is frequently identified through various taxonomic synonyms in botanical literature. Researchers often encounter it under the name Liquidambar edentata or as the specific variety Liquidambar formosana var. monticola. Additionally, the plant has been historically linked to Liquidambar maximowiczii in several scientific records. Other recognized synonyms that may appear in studies include Liquidambar rosthornii and Liquidambar tonkinensis. Understanding these overlapping designations is essential for accurate classification and communication within the botanical community.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Liquidambar formosana is a distinctive member of the kingdom Plantae. This species belongs to the genus Liquidambar and is classified under the class Equisetopsida. Within its taxonomic hierarchy, it is placed in the order Saxifragales. Furthermore, it is a prominent representative of the family Altingiaceae. Understanding these biological relationships provides essential insight into the plant's evolutionary lineage.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Saxifragales |
| Family | Altingiaceae |
| Genus | Liquidambar |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Liquidambar formosana is a resilient species widely distributed throughout the Asia-Temperate regions. Its primary habitat spans across various parts of China, including the North-Central, South-Central, and Southeast territories. The plant also makes a notable presence on the tropical island of Hainan. Beyond the Chinese mainland, its range extends into Eastern Asia, specifically reaching into Korea. This broad geographic spread highlights the adaptability of the species across diverse Asian landscapes.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Liquidambar formosana is a prominent tree species characterized by its robust and self-supporting growth form. This impressive plant typically reaches significant proportions in a natural landscape. Depending on its environment, the tree can achieve a minimum height of 12 meters. However, many specimens mature much larger, frequently reaching a minimum threshold of 30 meters. Ultimately, these trees can tower majestically at a maximum height of 40 meters.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Compounds
Liquidambar formosana is a botanical species known to contain the specific chemical compound betulonic acid within its fruits. Recent research has focused on developing precise qualitative and quantitative methods to identify and assay this important constituent. By utilizing thin-layer chromatography and ODS column separation, scientists can effectively isolate betulonic acid from ethanol extracts. The study demonstrated high precision, showing a linear relationship between injection amounts and peak areas with a remarkable recovery rate. Ultimately, these validated analytical techniques provide a reliable framework for the quality control of L. formosana medicinal products.
Conditions
Preparations
Liquidambar formosana is prepared as an ethanol extract to facilitate the identification and assay of betulonic acid within its fruits. This specific extraction method allows for the effective separation of betulonic acid when using an ODS column with a methanol-water-glacial acetic acid mobile phase. The study demonstrates that the liquidambar formosana ethanol extract yields a highly linear relationship between the logarithm of the injection amount and the peak area. Furthermore, the process ensures a high average recovery of 98.0%, proving the reliability of the extract for quantitative analysis. These specialized preparation techniques provide a robust foundation for the quality control of Liquidambar formosana fruits.
Parts used
Liquidambar formosana possesses a fruit that serves as a significant source for the identification and assay of betulonic acid. Researchers have developed specialized qualitative and quantitative methods to analyze these fruits using thin-layer chromatography and ODS column separation. By employing an ethanol extract, the study demonstrates that betulonic acid can be effectively isolated and measured with high precision. The linear relationship between the injection amount and peak area confirms the reliability of these analytical techniques for monitoring the plant's chemical components. Ultimately, these established methods provide a robust framework for the quality control of Liquidambar formosana fruits.