Pterospermum obliquum

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Pterospermum sczegleewia
• Pterospermadendron involucratum
• Sczegleewia involucrata

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae, it is organized under the order Malvales and the family Malvaceae. Finally, it is specifically identified by the genus Pterospermum.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific and localized geographical distribution within the tropical regions of Southeast Asia. It is primarily identified as being native to the Malesia botanical region. Within this vast area, its documented presence is specifically noted in the Philippines. This limited range suggests that the species thrives under the particular climatic conditions found in the Philippine archipelago. Consequently, the plant remains a characteristic element of the local flora in this specific part of the world.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Pterospermum obliquum is characterized by its nature as a perennial plant, allowing it to persist through multiple growing seasons and establish a long-term presence in its ecosystem. Throughout its developmental stages, the plant maintains an evergreen habit, ensuring that it retains its foliage consistently rather than undergoing a seasonal shedding period. This combination of a long-lived perennial lifecycle and a continuous evergreen state enables the species to maintain steady photosynthetic activity and structural stability over extended periods.

Deciduousness :

evergreen

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Pterospermum obliquum is characterized by its growth form as a tree, which typically reaches a plant height with a mean of 20 m. This species exhibits a woody structure, contributing to its robust and perennial stature. Although it possesses the capacity to function as a self-supporting plant, its structural development is consistent with a woody tree habit.

Climber :

self-supporting

Growth form :

tree

Plant height mean:

20 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Pterospermum obliquum is characterized by a robust metabolic framework adapted to tropical and subtropical environments, primarily focusing on efficient photosynthesis and nutrient acquisition through its extensive root system. Unlike many legumes, this species is not a nitrogen fixer, meaning it lacks the specialized symbiotic relationship with Rhizobium bacteria required to convert atmospheric nitrogen into usable forms; instead, it relies entirely on the uptake of nitrates and ammonium from the soil through its vascular architecture. Its physiological processes include a highly developed transpiration stream that facilitates the movement of minerals and water from the roots to the large, broad leaves, which serve as the primary sites for carbon fixation. The plant manages its water potential and gas exchange through regulated stomatal activity, optimizing the balance between CO2 intake for photosynthesis and the prevention of excessive desiccation. Furthermore, its secondary metabolism involves the synthesis of various bioactive compounds, which are physiological adaptations used for defense against herbivory and environmental stressors.

Nitrogen fixer :

no

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Pterospermum obliquum has 11 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include CATECHIN, Vanillic acid, 4'-O-methyl-gallocatechin, CALCIUM, CHROMIUM.

CATECHIN

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology
2. 3 Biotech

Vanillic acid

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology
2. 3 Biotech

4'-O-methyl-gallocatechin

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

CALCIUM

1. 3 Biotech

CHROMIUM

1. 3 Biotech

E-resveratrol

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Gallocatechin

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

MAGNESIUM

1. 3 Biotech

PHOSPHORUS

1. 3 Biotech

STRONTIUM

1. 3 Biotech

Preparations

Pterospermum obliquum has 2 reported preparations identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include methanolic bark extract, bark extract.

Methanolic bark extract

1. Laboratory animal research
2. 3 Biotech

Bark extract

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology