red luster

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• red luster
• red turpentine
• turpentine
• turpentine-tree
• Turpentine Tree

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Nania glomulifera
• Metrosideros glomulifera

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. Following the subclass Magnoliidae, it is categorized under the order Myrtales and the family Myrtaceae. Finally, it is placed within the genus Syncarpia.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a broad geographical range across multiple regions of the African continent. In East Tropical Africa, it can be found growing in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. Its distribution also extends significantly into the Southern Africa region. Within this area, the species is specifically located in the Cape Provinces. Additionally, the plant is documented to occur throughout the Northern Provinces of Southern Africa.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Syncarpia glomulifera is defined by its presence in lowland environments, where it functions as a dominant or sub-dominant structural component of various forest types. It is particularly characteristic of wet sclerophyll forests and rainforest margins, often thriving in nutrient-rich, moist soils that support high biomass production. The species exhibits significant ecological resilience, frequently acting as a pioneer or early-successional component in areas recovering from disturbance, as it is well-adapted to fire-prone landscapes. In these lowland habitats, it contributes to the complex forest architecture, providing essential canopy cover and contributing to the leaf litter layer, which influences soil moisture retention and nutrient cycling within its ecosystem.

Habitat :

Lowland

Life history

The life history of Syncarpia glomulifera is characterized by its status as a perennial species, allowing it to persist in its ecosystem over many years. Functioning as a phanerophyte, its regenerative buds are located high above the ground on woody branches, a life form classification that applies to both its primary structural designation and its broader botanical grouping. This growth habit enables the plant to establish a dominant presence within its habitat, maintaining a long-term lifecycle that supports its role in the local environment.

Life form :

phanerophyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Syncarpia glomulifera is characterized by its stature as a large, woody tree that reaches an average height of approximately 47.5 meters. As a self-supporting species, it does not exhibit climbing tendencies such as lianas or vines, nor does it function as a parasite, maintaining an independent growth habit. The plant is strictly terrestrial, lacking aquatic or epiphytic lifestyles, and develops a robust, woody structure typical of its growth form.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Plant height mean:

47.5 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Syncarpia glomulifera is characterized by a C3 photosynthetic pathway, which dictates its carbon fixation processes and metabolic efficiency within its natural environment. The morphological aspects of its foliage play a critical role in its gas exchange and light interception, with leaves typically exhibiting a length ranging from a minimum of 7 cm to a maximum of 11 cm. The leaf width is similarly variable, spanning from 2.5 cm to 4.5 cm, providing a specific surface area optimized for its physiological needs. Furthermore, this species does not function as a nitrogen fixer, meaning it relies on the availability of soil nitrogen rather than symbiotic bacterial associations to fulfill its nutritional requirements.

Leaf length max:

11 cm

Leaf length min:

7 cm

Leaf width max:

4.5 cm

Leaf width min:

2.5 cm

Nitrogen fixer :

no

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Reproduction

The reproduction of Syncarpia glomulifera is characterized by a specific flowering phenology and the production of minute seeds. The flowering period typically begins in October and continues through until December, though the timing can be variable across different seasons and environmental conditions. Following successful pollination, the plant produces seeds with a highly variable mass; the average seed mass is approximately 0.0028473 g, with individual seeds ranging from a minimum of 0.00017 g to a maximum of 0.005 g.

Flowering time :

Oct

Flowering time :

Dec

Seed mass max:

0.005 g

Seed mass mean:

0.0028473 g

Seed mass min:

0.00017 g

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Syncarpia glomulifera 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. Fitoterapia

Chemicals

Syncarpia glomulifera has 4 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include betulinic acid, Oleanolic acid 3-acetate, Sideroxylin, Tetragocarbone B.

betulinic acid

1. Dr. Duke
2. Planta medica

Oleanolic acid 3-acetate

1. Planta medica

Sideroxylin

1. Fitoterapia

Tetragocarbone B

1. Fitoterapia

Activities

Syncarpia glomulifera has 19 reported activities identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antibacterial, Cytotoxic, Anthelmintic, AntiHIV, Anticancer.

Antibacterial

1. Dr. Duke
2. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM
3. Planta medica

Cytotoxic

1. Dr. Duke
2. Planta medica

Anthelmintic

1. Dr. Duke

AntiHIV

1. Dr. Duke

Anticancer

1. Dr. Duke

Anticarcinomic

1. Dr. Duke

Antiedemic

1. Dr. Duke

Antiinflammatory

1. Dr. Duke

Antileukemic

1. Dr. Duke

Antimalarial

1. Dr. Duke

Medicinal Uses

Syncarpia glomulifera has 4 reported medicinal uses identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include wounds, Candida albicans, Staphylococcus aureus, ulcers.

Most Reported Uses

Preparations