Gowok

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• Gowok

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Jambosa cauliflora
• Eugenia polycephala
• Jambosa polycephala

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta within the class Equisetopsida. It is further organized under the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Myrtales, falling into the family Myrtaceae. Finally, its specific taxonomic placement is within the genus Syzygium.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant is widely distributed across the diverse regions of the Malesia floristic zone. It can be found growing within the lush landscapes of Borneo and the island of Jawa. Furthermore, its natural habitat extends to the various islands of the Lesser Sunda archipelago. The species also occupies significant territories throughout Sulawesi. Finally, its geographical range includes the extensive island of Sumatera.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Syzygium polycephalum is characterized by its status as a perennial organism, meaning it persists through multiple growing seasons rather than completing its cycle within a single year. In terms of its structural growth habit and ecological positioning, the species is classified as a phanerophyte. Specifically, it exhibits traits consistent with both phanerophyte and nanophanerophyte classifications, indicating that its regenerative buds are located high above the ground on woody stems or branches, allowing it to maintain a stable and long-lived presence within its natural habitat.

Life form :

phanerophyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Syzygium polycephalum is characterized by its stature as a woody tree, exhibiting a self-supporting growth habit. As an independent organism, it functions as a terrestrial plant rather than an epiphyte or parasite. The plant reaches significant dimensions, with heights typically ranging from a minimum of 8 m to a maximum of 20 m, maintaining an average height of approximately 12 m.

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

20 m

Plant height mean:

12 m

Plant height min:

8 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Syzygium polycephalum is characterized by a metabolic framework typical of many woody tropical species, functioning primarily through a C3 photosynthetic pathway. This mechanism involves the direct fixation of carbon dioxide via the enzyme Rubisco during the Calvin cycle, which dictates its gas exchange patterns and water-use efficiency in its natural habitat. Furthermore, the plant does not possess the physiological capability for biological nitrogen fixation; it lacks the symbiotic relationships with diazotrophic bacteria required to convert atmospheric nitrogen into usable forms, meaning it relies on the uptake of nitrogenous compounds, such as nitrates and ammonium, from the surrounding soil medium to support its growth and protein synthesis.

Nitrogen fixer :

no

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Reproduction

The reproduction of Syzygium polycephalum is driven by a biotic pollination syndrome, indicating that its biological processes rely on living organisms rather than abiotic factors like wind or water. This reproductive cycle is primarily facilitated through insect-mediated pollination, where various insect species act as the key vectors for pollen transfer. Specifically, the plant utilizes a bee pollination syndrome, suggesting that bees play a critical role in the fertilization process by visiting the flowers to collect nectar or pollen, thereby ensuring the successful exchange of genetic material.

Pollination syndrome :

insect

Pollination syndrome :

bee

Pollination syndrome :

biotic

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Syzygium polycephalum has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include 3,4,3'-Tri-O-methylellagic acid.

3,4,3'-Tri-O-methylellagic acid

1. RSC advances