Pterospermum suberifolium

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific geographical distribution across several regions of South and Southeast Asia. Within the Indian Subcontinent, it can be found growing in the countries of India and Bangladesh. Its presence is also well-documented throughout the island nation of Sri Lanka. Moving beyond the subcontinent, the species extends into the Indo-China region. Specifically, it is known to inhabit the natural landscapes of Myanmar.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Pterospermum suberifolium is characterized by its nature as a perennial plant, allowing it to persist through multiple growing seasons and establish a long-term presence within its ecosystem. Throughout its development, the species maintains an evergreen status, ensuring that its foliage remains functional and present year-round rather than undergoing a seasonal shedding period. This combination of a perennial lifecycle and evergreen habit enables the plant to maintain consistent photosynthetic activity and structural stability over many years.

Deciduousness :

evergreen

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Pterospermum suberifolium is characterized by a woody growth form, specifically developing as a tree. In terms of its climbing habits, it exhibits characteristics of a self-supporting liana or vine, functioning through both obligatory and facultative mechanisms to maintain its structural presence.

Climber :

self-supporting

Growth form :

tree

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Pterospermum suberifolium is characterized by complex metabolic processes geared toward survival in diverse tropical environments, though it does not possess the specialized physiological mechanisms required to function as a nitrogen fixer. Unlike legumes that engage in symbiotic relationships with rhizobia to convert atmospheric nitrogen into usable forms, this species relies on the uptake of nitrates and ammonium from the soil through its root system. Its metabolic framework focuses on efficient photosynthesis and the synthesis of secondary metabolites, including various terpenoids and phenolic compounds, which serve defensive physiological roles. The plant's nutrient acquisition strategy is strictly dependent on soil fertility and the availability of organic matter, as it lacks the biological machinery for nitrogen fixation.

Nitrogen fixer :

no

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Pterospermum suberifolium has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Betulin.

Betulin

1. Dr. Duke

Activities

Pterospermum suberifolium has 12 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include AntiHIV, Anticarcinomic, Antifeedant, Antiflu, Antiinflammatory.

AntiHIV

1. Dr. Duke

Anticarcinomic

1. Dr. Duke

Antifeedant

1. Dr. Duke

Antiflu

1. Dr. Duke

Antiinflammatory

1. Dr. Duke

Antitumor

1. Dr. Duke

Antiviral

1. Dr. Duke

Aphidifuge

1. Dr. Duke

Cytotoxic

1. Dr. Duke

Hypolipemic

1. Dr. Duke