Mueller's Damson

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• Australian-almond
• Australian Almond
• Mueller's Damson

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Myrobalanus muelleri
• Terminalia muelleri var. minor

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae, it is positioned in the order Myrtales and the family Combretaceae. Finally, it is categorized under the genus Terminalia.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a widespread geographical distribution that spans across several different continents. In Australia, it can be found growing within the Northern Territory and the state of Queensland. Its presence also extends across the ocean to the Southeastern United States, specifically in Florida. Additionally, the species is located in Central America within the borders of El Salvador. These diverse locations highlight the broad environmental range inhabited by Terminalia muelleri.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Terminalia muelleri is characterized by its distribution across a broad altitudinal gradient, typically thriving in diverse habitats ranging from sea level up to a maximum elevation of 1000 m AMSL. This elevational range of 0 to 1000 m AMSL suggests an adaptability to various climatic zones, allowing the species to inhabit both lowland tropical environments and mid-elevation montane ecosystems. Its presence across these varying heights indicates a capacity to withstand different temperature regimes and moisture availability, often positioning it within forest structures where it can compete for light and nutrients across a significant vertical landscape.

Elevational range max:

1000 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

0 m AMSL

Life history

The life history of Terminalia muelleri is characterized by a perennial lifecycle, allowing the plant to persist in its environment over many years. As a long-lived species, it undergoes a developmental progression from seedling establishment to maturity, maintaining a consistent presence within its ecological niche. Its perennial nature ensures that it can withstand seasonal fluctuations, contributing to the structural stability of its habitat through its sustained growth and long-term survival.

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Terminalia muelleri is characterized by a robust, woody growth form, functioning as a self-supporting tree. It is a terrestrial species, existing independently of other plants without exhibiting parasitic behavior, as it is classified as an independent organism rather than an obligatory or facultative parasite. Furthermore, it does not follow an epiphytic lifestyle, remaining strictly terrestrial rather than acting as a holoepiphyte, hemiepiphyte, or any other form of epiphyte. Its structural development is defined by permanent woodiness, supporting its stature as a large, self-supporting tree within its ecosystem.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Woodiness :

woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Terminalia muelleri has 2 reported plant parts identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include fruit, leaf.

Fruit

1. International journal of food sciences and nutrition

Leaf

1. International journal of food sciences and nutrition

Chemicals

Terminalia muelleri has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Tannins, ellagic acid.

Tannins

1. Pharmaceutical biology

ellagic acid

1. International journal of food sciences and nutrition

Activities

Terminalia muelleri has 3 reported activities identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Anticancer, Antioxidant, Cytotoxic.

Anticancer

1. Pharmaceutical biology

Antioxidant

1. Pharmaceutical biology

Cytotoxic

1. Pharmaceutical biology

Preparations

Terminalia muelleri has 3 reported preparations identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include bark, fruits, leaves.

Bark

1. International journal of food sciences and nutrition

Fruits

1. International journal of food sciences and nutrition

Leaves

1. International journal of food sciences and nutrition