Samadera (Samadera pentapetala)
Samadera pentapetala: Botanical Description
The botanical entity Samadera pentapetala has been cataloged by scientists in global biological databases. It forms part of the natural diversity of the plant kingdom.
Taxonomy
- β ΡΠ°ΡΡΡΠ²ΠΎ Plantae
- β division Tracheophytes
- β subdivision Spermatophytes (Seed plants)
- β Angiosperms
- β mesangiosperms
- β eudicots
- β Superrosids
- β rosids
- β malvids
- β order Sapindales
- β family Simaroubaceae (Quassia family)
- β genus Samadera (Samadera Tree)
- β species Samadera pentapetala (Samadera)
Morphology
Samadera pentapetala grows as an evergreen shrub or tree that can reach a height of 10 to 20 meters. Its robust, glabrous branches bear simple, oblong-elliptic, and glossy leaves measuring 5 to 25 centimeters in length.
The trunk is covered with a pale yellow bark featuring characteristic transverse fissures. The bisexual flowers, clustered in umbel-like inflorescences usually counting more than 20 units, have four petals of white, pale yellow, or purplish color.
The fruit consists of 1 to 4 woody and flattened drupes, green tinged with red at maturity. Each drupe contains a single large brown seed, lacking endosperm.
Interesting facts
A few notable characteristics distinguish this taxon:
- Maritime Adaptation: The woody and buoyant structure of Samadera pentapetala fruits allows them to be dispersed by ocean currents, facilitating its widespread colonization of tropical shores.
- Extreme Chemistry: All parts of the plant contain samaderin, an extremely bitter glycoside that serves as a natural defense mechanism against herbivores.
- Oncological Research: Laboratory analyses have revealed that samaderin E exhibits promising anti-leukemic properties, while other quassinoid-type compounds show activity against Walker carcinoma.
- Ayurvedic Roots: In traditional Indian medicine, the plant is incorporated into preparations under the Sanskrit name Gucchakaranjah.
Geography of distribution
- India
- Sri Lanka
- Indonesia
- Malaisie
- Philippines
- Madagascar
- Tanzanie
Sources
- Plants of the World Online (POWO)
- Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF)