suwa-suwa wood

Phaleria capitata · Accepted scientific name

Scientific literature: Very Sparse (4 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆

suwa-suwa wood, scientifically known as Phaleria capitata, is a versatile medicinal plant native to tropical regions. Renowned for its therapeutic properties, it is traditionally utilized in holistic remedies to treat inflammation, skin ailments, and digestive issues. This botanical treasure offers significant pharmacological potential for modern integrative medicine and wellness.

Family
Thymelaeaceae
Native range
Asia-Tropical
Parts used
Not available
Common names
Not available
Scientific synonyms
Phaleria Blumei · Phaleria Cumingii · 9 more

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Phaleria capitata

Synonyms

Sources: Wikidata

Taxonomical Classification

This plant, known scientifically as Phaleria capitaata, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, it is classified under the order Malvales. It is a member of the family Thymelaeaceae and falls under the genus Phaleria.

Rank Classification
Kingdom Plantae
Phylum Streptophyta
Class Equisetopsida
Subclass Magnoliidae
Order Malvales
Family Thymelaeaceae
Genus Phaleria

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a diverse geographical range across several key regions in South and Southeast Asia. Within the Indian Subcontinent, its presence is specifically noted in Sri Lanka. The species is also widely distributed throughout the Malesia region, encompassing several distinct island groups and peninsulas. Specifically, it can be found in Borneo, Jawa, and the Maluku islands. Additionally, its habitat extends to the Malay Peninsula within the Malesian territory.

Region Area
Indian Subcontinent Sri Lanka
Malesia Borneo
Malesia Jawa
Malesia Malaya
Malesia Maluku
Malesia Philippines
Malesia Sulawesi
Malesia Sumatera
Papuasia New Guinea
Northwestern Pacific Caroline Is.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Morphology

The morphology of Phaleria capitata is characterized by its growth form as a woody tree that reaches a maximum plant height of 9 m. This species is fundamentally terrestrial in its ecological habit, functioning as a terrestrial plant rather than an epiphyte. In terms of its structural support and climbing tendencies, the plant exhibits self-supporting characteristics, categorized as both a self-supporting liana/vine and a self-supporting obligatory/facultative climber. Its physical structure is defined by a permanent woody composition, distinguishing it from non-woody or herbaceous species.

Climber :
self-supporting
Epiphyte :
terrestrial
Growth form :
tree
Plant height max:
9 m
Woodiness :
woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Phaleria capitata has 4 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Mangiferin, Palmitoyl, Tetracosanol, oleoyl.

Chemicals reported in Phaleria capitata
Chemical Supporting sources Consensus
Mangiferin 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
Palmitoyl 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
Tetracosanol 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
oleoyl 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆

Mangiferin

  1. Biological & pharmaceutical bulletin

Palmitoyl

  1. Biological & pharmaceutical bulletin

Tetracosanol

  1. Biological & pharmaceutical bulletin

oleoyl

  1. Biological & pharmaceutical bulletin