Sideroxylon cubense

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Bumelia conferta
• Apterygia conferta
• Dipholis cubensis var. oblongata
• Sideroxylon confertum
• Dipholis angustifolia
• Dipholis sintenisiana
• Bumelia cubensis var. oblongata
• Dipholis cubensis
• Dipholis domingensis
• Dipholis leptopoda
• Bumelia cubensis
• Bumelia gymnanthifolia

Regional and Traditional Names

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae, it is positioned in the order Ericales and the family Sapotaceae. Finally, it is categorized under the genus Sideroxylon.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant is widely distributed throughout various regions of the Caribbean. Specifically, it can be found growing in the nation of Cuba. Its presence is also noted in the Dominican Republic and Haiti. Furthermore, the species inhabits the Leeward Islands within the archipelago. Finally, its geographical range extends to include Puerto Rico.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Sideroxylon cubense is characterized by its status as a perennial species, allowing it to persist through multiple growing seasons. As a phanerophyte, its regenerative buds are located on aerial shoots well above the ground, a trait shared across its classification as a phanerophyte. Furthermore, the plant maintains an evergreen deciduousness, ensuring that it retains its foliage throughout its life cycle rather than shedding it seasonally.

Deciduousness :

evergreen

Life form :

phanerophyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Sideroxylon cubense is characterized by its robust growth form as a woody tree, typically reaching an average height of approximately 7.5 m. As a terrestrial species, it thrives in land-based environments rather than aquatic or semi-aquatic habitats, and it functions as an independent organism without parasitic tendencies. The plant exhibits a self-supporting structure, distinguishing it from climbing forms such as vines or lianas, and it maintains a strictly terrestrial existence rather than acting as an epiphyte.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Plant height mean:

7.5 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Sideroxylon cubense is characterized by its metabolic processes and nutritional strategies, which are typical of many woody tropical species. In terms of nutrient acquisition, the plant does not exhibit the physiological capacity for symbiotic nitrogen fixation; therefore, it is not a nitrogen fixer, as it lacks the specialized root nodules and the symbiotic relationship with nitrogen-fixing bacteria required to convert atmospheric nitrogen into a usable form. Instead, it relies on the uptake of nitrates and ammonium from the soil through its root system to support its growth and biochemical requirements. Its physiological processes include standard photosynthetic pathways to drive carbon assimilation, alongside complex secondary metabolic pathways that produce various bioactive compounds. These metabolic functions are closely tied to its water regulation and mineral absorption mechanisms, which are essential for maintaining cellular homeostasis and supporting its development within its natural habitat.

Nitrogen fixer :

no

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Sideroxylon cubense has 1 reported plant parts identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include root.

Root

1. Phytochemistry

Chemicals

Sideroxylon cubense has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include 3-O-beta-D-Glucopyranosyl protobassic acid.

3-O-beta-D-Glucopyranosyl protobassic acid

1. Phytochemistry

Preparations

Sideroxylon cubense has 1 reported preparations identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include root.

Root

1. Phytochemistry