Toona sureni
Toona sureni · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (0 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Toona sureni is a remarkable tropical tree species known for its distinctive botanical features. One of its most defining characteristics is the unique structure and appearance of its leaf. These leaves play a vital role in the plant's ability to capture sunlight and facilitate photosynthesis. Beyond their functional importance, the leaves often exhibit specific textures and patterns that help identify the species in the wild. Understanding the nuances of these leaves provides essential insight into the overall health and biology of the tree.
- Synonyms
- Toona Febrifuga Var. Glabrior · Cedrela Febrifuga Var. Glabrior · 19 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Meliaceae
- Distribution
- Africa
- Plant Parts
- Leaf
Classification
Common Names
Toona sureni is a versatile tree known by several distinct names across different regions and cultures. It is frequently referred to by its common English name, Red Cedar, though it is also widely called Surian. In certain local contexts, the species is recognized as danupra or simply as suren. Its cultural significance is further highlighted by its Chinese name, 紫椿, which reflects its identity in East Asian botany. This variety of nomenclature underscores the plant's widespread presence and importance in various parts of the world.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Toona sureni is a botanical species that has been identified through several different scientific names throughout history. In many taxonomic records, it is listed as a synonym for Cedrela celebica. The plant is also closely associated with Cedrela febrifuga, which serves as another recognized synonym. This relationship extends to several specific variations, including Cedrela febrifuga var. glabrior and Cedrela febrifuga var. pealii. Finally, the variety known as Cedrela febrifuga var. velutina is also documented as being synonymous with Toona sureni.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Toona sureni is a notable biological specimen belonging to the kingdom Plantae. Within this vast kingdom, the species is classified under the class Equisetopsida. It further belongs to the order Sapindales, showcasing its evolutionary connections to other diverse flowering plants. As a member of the family Meliaceae, it shares structural characteristics with many other mahogany-like species. Ultimately, this plant is identified by its specific placement within the genus Toona.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Sapindales |
| Family | Meliaceae |
| Genus | Toona |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Toona sureni exhibits a diverse geographic range that spans both temperate and tropical regions across Asia. In temperate climates, the species is notably distributed throughout China, including the specific areas of South-Central China and Hainan. Moving into tropical zones, the plant is well-established across the Indian Subcontinent. Its presence is documented in various locales such as Assam, Bangladesh, and the East Himalaya. This broad distribution highlights the plant's ability to adapt to varying ecological conditions across the continent.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Toona sureni is a self-supporting species characterized by its distinct tree growth form. This impressive plant can reach a maximum height of 30 meters in most environments. Under optimal conditions, however, it is capable of scaling up to a height of 35 meters. These dimensions make it a prominent feature within its natural landscape.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Compounds
Toona sureni serves as a significant host for various bioactive compounds found within its medicinal properties. Research involving the endophytic fungus Periconia pseudobyssoides isolated from this plant has led to the identification of several important steroids. Specifically, studies have demonstrated that Toona sureni contains the steroid cerevisterol. Furthermore, the plant's biological profile includes the presence of isocyathisterol. These chemical components highlight the complex biochemical potential of this Meliaceae species.
Conditions
Toona sureni leaves exhibit significant antiviral properties against specific hepatitis C virus strains. Specifically, ethanol extracts of this plant effectively treat the HCV P1 strain with a 50% inhibitory concentration of 2.0 μg/ml. The plant also demonstrates efficacy against the HCV J6/JFH1-P47 strain, showing an IC50 of 13.9 μg/ml. These inhibitory actions occur during both the entry and post-entry steps of the viral life cycle. Consequently, Toona sureni serves as a potent candidate for addressing these particular HCV strains.
Preparations
Parts used
Toona sureni offers promising therapeutic potential through the specific use of its leaves in medicinal applications. In recent studies evaluating Indonesian medicinal plants, ethanol extracts derived from these leaves demonstrated significant antiviral activities against the hepatitis C virus. Specifically, the leaf extracts showed potent inhibitory concentrations against multiple HCV strains and genotypes. These results suggest that the plant's foliage contains active substances capable of interfering with both the entry and post-entry stages of viral infection. Consequently, Toona sureni leaves may serve as a valuable candidate for the future development of new anti-HCV drugs.