lodhtree

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• lodhtree

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Lodhra racemosa
• Eugenioides racemosum
• Hopea racemosa

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant, Symplocos racemosa, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, it is classified under the order Ericales and the family Symplocaceae. Finally, it is placed within the genus Symplocos.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a wide geographical distribution across several specific regions in Asia. In China, it can be found throughout the South-Central, Southeast, and Hainan areas. Its presence extends into the Indian Subcontinent, where it is notably located in Assam. Additionally, the species is recorded within the borders of Bangladesh. Together, these locations highlight the diverse habitats where the species thrives.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Symplocos racemosa is characterized by a broad altitudinal distribution that allows it to occupy diverse montane and sub-montane habitats. The species exhibits significant adaptability to varying topographical levels, ranging from low-lying areas at a minimum elevation of 130 m AMSL to higher reaches that extend up to a maximum elevation of 1600 m AMSL. Throughout its natural range, the plant maintains a mean elevation of approximately 865 m AMSL, suggesting a preference for mid-elevation ecological zones where environmental conditions are optimized for its growth and development.

Elevational range max:

1600 m AMSL

Elevational range mean:

865 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

130 m AMSL

Life history

The life history of Symplocos racemosa is characterized by its status as a perennial plant, ensuring its long-term presence within its ecosystem. As a phanerophyte, its reproductive buds are elevated above the ground, typically supported by a woody structure that defines its growth habit. This species exhibits a deciduous nature, shedding its foliage periodically as part of its seasonal physiological cycle.

Deciduousness :

deciduous

Life form :

phanerophyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Symplocos racemosa is characterized by its distinct growth form and structural composition. It is primarily classified as a tree, exhibiting a robust and woody nature throughout its development. While some botanical descriptions may categorize climbing tendencies in similar taxa, this species is fundamentally defined by its tree growth form and woody tissue, rather than acting as a liana, vine, or self-supporting climber. Its structural integrity is maintained through its woody stem, which distinguishes it from herbaceous, graminoid, or forb-like growth patterns.

Climber :

self-supporting

Growth form :

tree

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Symplocos racemosa is characterized by a C3 photosynthetic pathway, which dictates its carbon fixation processes and metabolic efficiency. The leaf morphology is defined by an elliptic form with entire margins, notably lacking both leaf thorns and leaf spines. From a structural efficiency standpoint, the plant exhibits specific leaf area (SLA) values that indicate its leaf mass per area dynamics, with a recorded minimum SLA of 103.7401916 cm²/g, a mean SLA of 105.6087397 cm²/g, and a maximum SLA of 107.4772878 cm²/g.

Leaf form :

elliptic

Leaf margin :

entire

Leaf spines :

no

Leaf thorns :

no

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Specific Leaf Area (SLA) max:

107.4772878 cm²/g

Specific Leaf Area (SLA) mean:

105.6087397 cm²/g

Specific Leaf Area (SLA) min:

103.7401916 cm²/g

Reproduction

The reproduction of Symplocos racemosa culminates in the development of fleshy fruits that serve as the primary vessel for seed dispersal. These fruits exhibit specific morphological dimensions, with a mean length of 0.95 cm and a mean width of 0.45 cm; however, individual fruit size can vary, ranging from a minimum length of 0.8 cm to a maximum of 1.1 cm, and a minimum width of 0.4 cm to a maximum of 0.5 cm. The internal reproductive success is characterized by the seed volume, which remains remarkably consistent at a mean and minimum value of 130 mm³, reaching a maximum of 130 mm³. The fleshy nature of the fruit provides the necessary biological structure to protect these seeds until they are ready for germination.

Fruit dryness :

fleshy

Fruit length max:

1.1 cm

Fruit length mean:

0.95 cm

Fruit length min:

0.8 cm

Fruit width max:

0.5 cm

Fruit width mean:

0.45 cm

Fruit width min:

0.4 cm

Seed volume max:

130 mm³

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Symplocos racemosa has 14 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include BETA-SITOSTEROL, Benzoylsalireposide, Betulin, Cardiac Glycosides, Flavonoids.

BETA-SITOSTEROL

1. Phytochemistry

Benzoylsalireposide

1. Phytochemistry

Betulin

1. Dr. Duke

Cardiac Glycosides

1. BMC pharmacology & toxicology

Flavonoids

1. BMC pharmacology & toxicology

Phytosterols

1. BMC pharmacology & toxicology

Saponins

1. BMC pharmacology & toxicology

Tannins

1. BMC pharmacology & toxicology

Triterpenes

1. BMC pharmacology & toxicology

beta-Amyrin

1. Phytochemistry

Activities

Symplocos racemosa has 25 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Anthelmintic, AntiHIV, Antibacterial, Anticancer, Anticarcinomic.

Anthelmintic

1. Dr. Duke

AntiHIV

1. Dr. Duke

Antibacterial

1. Dr. Duke

Anticancer

1. Dr. Duke

Anticarcinomic

1. Dr. Duke

Antiedemic

1. Dr. Duke

Antifeedant

1. Dr. Duke

Antiflu

1. Dr. Duke

Antiinflammatory

1. Dr. Duke

Antileukemic

1. Dr. Duke

Medicinal Uses

Symplocos racemosa has 2 reported medicinal uses identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include MRSA, wound healing.

Most Reported Uses