Simarouba tulae

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Quassia tulae

Regional and Traditional Names

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae, it falls under the order Sapindales and the family Simaroubaceae. Finally, its taxonomic identity is defined by the genus Simarouba, specifically the species Simarouba tulae.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant, known scientifically as Simarouba tulae, possesses a very specific and limited geographical range. Its natural distribution is confined to the Caribbean region, where it plays a role in the local ecosystem. Specifically, this species is documented as being native to the island of Puerto Rico. Because it is found in such a localized area, it is considered an endemic element of the island's flora. Understanding this narrow habitat is essential for the conservation efforts of this medicinal species.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Simarouba tulae is characterized by its status as a perennial organism, allowing it to persist in its environment over many years. As a long-lived species, it follows a developmental trajectory that extends far beyond the initial seedling stage, establishing a stable presence within its ecological niche. Unlike annuals that complete their life cycle in a single growing season or biennials that require two years to reach reproductive maturity, this perennial plant invests energy into sustained growth and structural longevity. This enduring lifecycle enables the species to endure seasonal fluctuations and contribute to the long-term stability of its habitat through continuous vegetative presence and repeated reproductive cycles over its lifespan.

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Simarouba tulae is characterized by a woody growth form, specifically developing as a shrub. While it exhibits a sturdy structural presence, its climbing habit is classified as self-supporting, meaning it does not rely on external structures for vertical ascent.

Climber :

self-supporting

Growth form :

shrub

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Simarouba tulae is fundamentally characterized by its utilization of the C3 photosynthetic pathway, a metabolic process wherein carbon dioxide is initially fixed into a three-carbon compound, 3-phosphoglycerate, during the Calvin cycle. This C3 pathway dictates the plant's carbon assimilation efficiency and its water-use strategy, as the reliance on stomatal conductance for CO2 uptake necessitates a specific balance between gas exchange and transpiration. Consequently, its physiological performance is closely linked to environmental variables such as light intensity, temperature, and moisture availability, which influence the enzyme kinetics of RuBisCO and the overall rate of biomass production. Through this C3 mechanism, the plant manages its energy conversion processes to support its structural growth and secondary metabolite synthesis.

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Simarouba tulae 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 leaf.

Leaf

1. Plants (Basel, Switzerland)

Chemicals

Simarouba tulae has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include QUASSINOID, Simalikalactone D.

QUASSINOID

1. Plants (Basel, Switzerland)

Simalikalactone D

1. Plants (Basel, Switzerland)

Activities

Simarouba tulae has 5 reported activities identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Anticancer, Antileukemic, Antimalarial, Antiproliferative, Cytotoxic.

Anticancer

1. Puerto Rico health sciences journal
2. Plants (Basel, Switzerland)

Antileukemic

1. Plants (Basel, Switzerland)

Antimalarial

1. Plants (Basel, Switzerland)

Antiproliferative

1. Plants (Basel, Switzerland)

Cytotoxic

1. Puerto Rico health sciences journal

Medicinal Uses

Simarouba tulae has 3 reported medicinal uses identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include antimalarial, breast, breast cancer.

Most Reported Uses

Preparations