buttontree

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• buttontree
• dindiga-tree
• ghattitree
• gum-ghatti
• Indian Sumac

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Anogeissus latifolia
• Conocarpus latifolius
• Anogeissus latifolia var. glabra
• Anogeissus latifolia var. tomentosa
• Anogeissus latifolia var. villosa

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Myrtales, it is classified under the family Combretaceae. It is further identified by its specific genus, Terminalia.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant is widely distributed across several regions within the Indian Subcontinent. It can be found growing in the diverse landscapes of India and its neighbor, Bangladesh. The species also extends its reach into the mountainous terrain of Nepal. Furthermore, it is documented to inhabit the specific environmental zones of the West Himalaya. Finally, its geographical presence continues southwards into the island nation of Sri Lanka.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Terminalia anosperma (often referred to in botanical contexts related to the Terminalia genus) is characterized by its status as a perennial species, allowing it to establish long-term dominance within its native ecosystems. Throughout its extended lifespan, the plant exhibits a deciduous growth habit, undergoing a seasonal cycle where it sheds its foliage, typically in response to dry periods or specific climatic shifts. This strategic shedding of leaves serves as a physiological adaptation to manage water loss and nutrient conservation during unfavorable environmental conditions. As a perennial, the plant invests significant energy into structural longevity and perennial root systems, ensuring its survival and ability to regenerate following its deciduous phases.

Deciduousness :

deciduous

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Terminalia anogeissus is characterized by its robust growth form as a woody tree, typically reaching a mean plant height of approximately 20 m. As a self-supporting organism, it does not function as a climber or a liana, maintaining a sturdy, upright structure. The plant is strictly terrestrial in its habitat, functioning as an independent species rather than an epiphyte or a parasite. Its physical constitution is defined by its woody nature, providing the structural integrity necessary to sustain its significant height within its ecosystem.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Plant height mean:

20 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Terminalia anosperma (often associated with the Terminalia genus including T. anosperma or similar species often referred to in botanical studies) is characterized by specific metabolic and biochemical processes adapted to its environment. This species utilizes a C3 photosynthetic pathway, meaning it fixes carbon dioxide through the Calvin cycle using the enzyme Rubisco, which is typical for most woody tropical trees. Furthermore, the plant does not function as a nitrogen fixer, lacking the specialized symbiotic relationships with nitrogen-fixing bacteria required to convert atmospheric nitrogen into usable forms for its growth.

Nitrogen fixer :

no

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Reproduction

The reproduction of Terminalia anosperma (often referred to in botanical contexts related to the Terminalia genus) is driven by a biotic pollination syndrome, indicating a heavy reliance on living organisms rather than purely abiotic factors. The primary mechanism for successful fertilization is mediated through insect pollination, which serves as a critical component of its reproductive strategy. Specifically, the plant engages with various insect vectors, such as bees, beetles, and other small invertebrates, to facilitate the transfer of pollen between flowers. This biotic interaction ensures the genetic diversity and successful establishment of the species within its ecosystem through a specialized relationship with its animal pollinators.

Pollination syndrome :

insect

Pollination syndrome :

biotic

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Terminalia anogeissiana has 45 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include arabinose, galactose, rhamnose, xylose, Tannin.

arabinose

1. Dr. Duke
2. Chemistry & biodiversity
3. Journal of natural medicines

galactose

1. Dr. Duke
2. Chemistry & biodiversity
3. Journal of natural medicines

rhamnose

1. Dr. Duke
2. Chemistry & biodiversity
3. Journal of natural medicines

xylose

1. Dr. Duke
2. Chemistry & biodiversity
3. Journal of natural medicines

Tannin

1. Dr. Duke
2. Journal of natural medicines

ellagic acid

1. Dr. Duke
2. Chemistry & biodiversity

glucuronic acid

1. Chemistry & biodiversity
2. Journal of natural medicines

mannose

1. Chemistry & biodiversity
2. Journal of natural medicines

(+)-Leucocyanidin

1. Dr. Duke

3,3',4-tri-O-methylflavellagic acid

1. Dr. Duke

Activities

Terminalia anogeissiana has 270 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant, Hepatoprotective, 11B-HSD-Inhibitor, 5-Lipoxygenase-Inhibitor, ACE-Inhibitor.

Antioxidant

1. Dr. Duke
2. Chemistry & biodiversity

Hepatoprotective

1. Dr. Duke
2. Chemistry & biodiversity

11B-HSD-Inhibitor

1. Dr. Duke

5-Lipoxygenase-Inhibitor

1. Dr. Duke

ACE-Inhibitor

1. Dr. Duke

ATPase-Inhibitor

1. Dr. Duke

Abortifacient

1. Dr. Duke

Acetylcholinergic

1. Dr. Duke

Adrenocorticotrophic

1. Dr. Duke

Aldehyde-Oxidase-Inhibitor

1. Dr. Duke

Preparations

Terminalia anogeissiana has 3 reported preparations identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include ALE, Gum ghatti, bark-EAE.

Ale

1. Acta pharmaceutica (Zagreb, Croatia)

Gum ghatti

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Bark-eae

1. Malaria journal