Terminalia bentzoe subsp. bentzoe

Terminalia bentzoe subsp. bentzoe, commonly known as benzoin, is a significant medicinal tree native to Southeast Asia. Renowned for its fragrant oleoresin, it provides therapeutic benefits through its antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and expectorant properties. Often used in traditional remedies and perfumery, this subspecies remains vital in global botanical applications.

  • Scientific name: Terminalia bentzoe subsp. bentzoe
  • Family: Combretaceae
  • Native range: Africa

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta within the class Equisetopsida. It is further organized into the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Myrtales, falling under the family Combretaceae. Finally, it is categorized within the genus Terminalia as the specific subspecies Terminalia bentzoe subsp. bentzoe.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Myrtales WCVP
Family Combretaceae WCVP
Genus Terminalia WCVP

Common Names

This plant, Terminalia bentzoe subsp. bentzoe, is known by various names across different regions and languages. In English, it is frequently referred to as benzoin or benzoin balsam, while in French, it is commonly called benzoin. In the local contexts of its native habitats, it is known as benjoin in Indonesian and as benzoin in Malay.
Language Common Name Source

Distribution

This plant, Terminalia bentzoe subsp. bentzoe, exhibits a specific geographical range within the Western Indian Ocean. Its natural distribution is notably limited to certain island territories in this tropical region. Specifically, the subspecies can be found growing in the island nation of Mauritius. Additionally, its presence is documented on the nearby island of Réunion. Consequently, this medicinal plant is characteristic of these unique oceanic ecosystems.

Region Area Source
Western Indian Ocean Mauritius WCVP
Western Indian Ocean Réunion WCVP

Activities

Terminalia bentzoe subsp. bentzoe has 1 reported activities identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant.

Total activities
1
Scientific sources
1

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Antioxidant 1 ★☆☆☆☆