Myroxylon balsamum

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Distribution

This plant exhibits a diverse geographical range spanning several regions across the African continent. In West Tropical Africa, its presence is documented in both Ghana and Sierra Leone. Moving into West-Central Tropical Africa, the species can be found within the territories of Gabon and the DR Congo. Additionally, its distribution extends into East Tropical Africa, specifically within Tanzania. Together, these locations highlight the broad ecological footprint of Myroxylon balsamum across various tropical zones.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Myroxylon balsamum is characterized by its presence within the Floresta Estacional Perenifólia, where it thrives in these specific seasonal evergreen forest environments. This species exhibits a broad altitudinal distribution, spanning a significant vertical gradient that begins at sea level (0 m AMSL) and extends up to a maximum elevation of 1775 m AMSL. This wide elevational range suggests an adaptability to diverse microclimates and varying topographical conditions found within its native forest habitats.

Elevational range max:

1775 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

0 m AMSL

Habitat :

Floresta Estacional Perenifólia

Life history

The life history of Myroxylon balsamum is characterized by its nature as a perennial species, allowing it to persist in its environment through multiple growing seasons. As a long-lived woody plant, it does not follow the rapid turnover of annual or biennial life cycles, instead investing energy into structural stability and sustained growth over many years. This perennial strategy enables the plant to establish a robust presence within its ecological niche, facilitating continuous development and the ability to withstand seasonal variations. Through its extended lifespan, the plant can undergo multiple reproductive cycles, contributing to its long-term survival and persistence in its natural habitat.

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Myroxylon balsamum is characterized by its growth form as a large, woody tree that can reach a significant height of up to 30 m. As a self-supporting plant, it does not function as a climber, liana, or vine, nor does it exhibit any parasitic behavior, remaining entirely independent in its nutrient acquisition. The species is strictly terrestrial, meaning it is neither aquatic nor semiaquatic, and it does not exhibit epiphyte tendencies such as being a holoepiphyte or hemiepiphyte. Its structure is defined by a robust, woody constitution that supports its substantial vertical stature within its habitat.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Plant height mean:

30 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Myroxylon balsamum is characterized by a C3 photosynthetic pathway, utilizing the standard Calvin cycle to fix atmospheric carbon dioxide into organic compounds. In terms of its nutrient cycling capabilities, the plant functions as a nitrogen fixer, possessing the biological mechanisms necessary to convert atmospheric nitrogen into forms usable for its metabolic processes.

Nitrogen fixer :

yes

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Reproduction

The reproduction of Myroxylon balsamum is characterized by specific seed morphologies and diverse dispersal strategies. The seeds produced by this species exhibit a notable range in mass, with individual seed weights varying from a minimum of 0.218 g to a maximum of 0.749 g, resulting in an average seed mass of approximately 0.45064 g. In terms of how these seeds are distributed across the environment, the plant utilizes a multifaceted dispersal syndrome; it is primarily categorized as anemochorous, utilizing wind for movement, but it also employs zoochorous, autochorous, hydrochorous, and unspecialized methods to ensure successful propagation.

Dispersal syndrome :

anemochorous

Seed mass max:

0.749 g

Seed mass mean:

0.45064 g

Seed mass min:

0.218 g

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Myroxylon balsamum has 52 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include 1(5),6-Guaiadiene, 1,2-Diphenylethane, ALPHA-PINENE, BENZYL BENZOATE, BENZYL CINNAMATE.

1(5),6-Guaiadiene

1. Dr. Duke

1,2-Diphenylethane

1. Dr. Duke

ALPHA-PINENE

1. Dr. Duke

BENZYL BENZOATE

1. Dr. Duke

BENZYL CINNAMATE

1. Dr. Duke

BETA-ELEMENE

1. Dr. Duke

Benzyl isoferulate

1. Dr. Duke

CADALENE

1. Dr. Duke

CALAMENENE

1. Dr. Duke

CINNAMIC ACID

1. Dr. Duke

Activities

Myroxylon balsamum has 269 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Abortifacient, Acaricide, Adrenergic, Aldose-Reductase-Inhibitor, Allelochemic.

Abortifacient

1. Dr. Duke

Acaricide

1. Dr. Duke

Adrenergic

1. Dr. Duke

Aldose-Reductase-Inhibitor

1. Dr. Duke

Allelochemic

1. Dr. Duke

Allelopathic

1. Dr. Duke

Allergenic

1. Dr. Duke

Analgesic

1. Dr. Duke

Anesthetic

1. Dr. Duke

Anthelmintic

1. Dr. Duke

Preparations

Myroxylon balsamum has 1 reported preparations identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include balsam of Peru.

Balsam of peru

1. Contact dermatitis