Terminalia triptera

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Terminalia nigrovenulosa var. gracilior
• Terminalia nigrovenulosa
• Terminalia obliqua
• Terminalia tripteroides
• Terminalia hainanensis

Sources: Wikidata

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta within the class Equisetopsida. As a member of the subclass Magnoliidae and order Myrtales, it is further categorized into the family Combretaceae. Finally, it is identified by its genus, Terminalia, and its specific species name, triptera.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant, known scientifically as Terminalia triptera, exhibits a specific distribution across parts of Southeast Asia. In China, its presence is localized to the island province of Hainan. The species also extends into the Indo-China region, where it can be found in Cambodia. Furthermore, it inhabits various territories within Laos and Myanmar. Finally, its geographical range includes the lush landscapes of Thailand.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Terminalia triptera is characterized by its status as a perennial species, allowing it to establish a long-term presence within its ecological niche. As a perennial plant, it does not complete its life cycle within a single growing season or two, but rather persists through multiple years, developing robust structural systems that support sustained growth and reproductive efforts over an extended duration. This longevity enables the plant to navigate seasonal environmental fluctuations and invest in complex developmental stages that lead to consistent flowering and seeding cycles throughout its lifespan.

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Terminalia triptera is characterized by its growth form as a woody tree, which functions as an independent organism rather than a parasite or epiphyte. This terrestrial plant exhibits a self-supporting structure, categorized as both a self-supporting climber and a non-obligatory climber, though it primarily maintains a robust, upright stature. In terms of dimensions, the plant reaches a significant size, with a maximum recorded height of 10 meters and a mean plant height of approximately 20 meters.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

10 m

Plant height mean:

20 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Terminalia triptera is characterized by a C3 photosynthetic pathway, which dictates its carbon fixation process and metabolic efficiency under varying environmental conditions. The structural integrity of its vegetative body is supported by a relatively high stem specific density (SSD), with a mean value of 850 mg/cm³, reflecting a robust wood composition. Furthermore, the species does not function as a nitrogen fixer, meaning it relies on the uptake of available nitrogen from the soil rather than symbiotic biological nitrogen fixation.

Nitrogen fixer :

no

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Stem specific density (SSD) mean:

850 mg/cm³

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Terminalia triptera has 3 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include (-)-Epicatechin, ESCHWEILENOL C, Gallic acid.

(-)-Epicatechin

1. Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland)

ESCHWEILENOL C

1. Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland)

Gallic acid

1. Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland)

Conditions

Terminalia triptera has 2 reported investigations on conditions identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include hepatoma, type 2 diabetes.

Hepatoma

1. Chinese medicine

Type 2 diabetes

1. Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland)