Palaquium grande

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Distribution

This plant, known scientifically as Palaquium grande, possesses a very specific and limited geographical range. Its natural occurrence is primarily confined to the tropical regions of the Indian Subcontinent. Specifically, this medicinal species can be found growing within the unique ecosystems of Sri Lanka. Because of this localized presence, it is considered an endemic component of the island's botanical diversity. Understanding this concentrated distribution is essential for the conservation of the species and its traditional uses.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Palaquium grande is characterized by its classification as a phanerophyte, a life form where the perennating buds are located high above the ground on aerial branches. Within the specific hierarchies of plant growth forms, it is categorized both as a phanerophyte and specifically as a nanophanerophyte, indicating that while it maintains its regenerative buds on elevated structures, it typically reaches a relatively modest height compared to giant forest canopy trees. This life strategy allows the species to persist through seasonal environmental shifts by protecting its vital meristematic tissues within its woody structure, ensuring long-term survival and continuous growth within its native ecological niche.

Life form :

phanerophyte

Morphology

The morphology of Palaquium grande is characterized by its robust, woody structure, which provides the necessary physical strength for its growth habit. Although it possesses a woody composition, it functions as a self-supporting plant rather than an obligatory or facultative climber, maintaining its own structural integrity without relying on other vegetation for upward movement. Furthermore, the species is entirely independent in its nutritional requirements, functioning as a non-parasitic organism, and it maintains a terrestrial life cycle, growing directly in the soil rather than existing as an epiphyte.

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Parasite :

independent

Woodiness :

woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Palaquium grande has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include betulinic acid.

betulinic acid

1. Dr. Duke

Activities

Palaquium grande has 18 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

Antiinflammatory

1. Dr. Duke

Antileukemic

1. Dr. Duke

Antimalarial

1. Dr. Duke

Antimelanomic

1. Dr. Duke