Botanical Overview
Dillenia retusa is a species in the Dilleniaceae family. The dillenia family (Dilleniaceae) includes trees, shrubs, and climbers with simple, alternate leaves with prominent parallel veins. The flowers are showy with five petals and numerous stamens. Species in this family are primarily tropical and produce fruits with fleshy calyces. Phytochemical data for this species are limited at present.
General Description
An ornamental, moderate sized tree, twigs and peduncles are glabrous. Leaves blunt at tip, cuneate at base, serrate, glabrous. Flowers 6–8 cm across, petals spathulate, narrow. Fruit enclosed by sepals.
Family Context
The Dilleniaceae family is primarily tropical. Notable medicinal members include:
- Dillenia indica — 9 documented uses
- Tetracera scandens — 9 documented uses
- Dillenia pentagyna — 7 documented uses
- Curatella americana — 6 documented uses
Geographic Distribution
Dillenia retusa has been recorded in 7 countries and territories worldwide, including Indonesia, India, Japan, Sri Lanka, United States, and others.
Active Compounds
Phytochemical research has identified 2 compounds in this species: betulin, betulinic-acid.
Research Status
Although this species has documented phytochemical constituents, its ethnobotanical and clinical documentation remains incomplete. The limited documentation available for this species represents an opportunity for ethnobotanical research.