Botanical Overview
Diospyros celebica is a species in the Ebenaceae family. The ebony family (Ebenaceae) includes trees and shrubs with hard, dense wood and alternate leaves. The plants are dioecious (male and female flowers on separate plants) and produce berry-like fruits. Several species are valued for their dark heartwood used in woodworking. Phytochemical data for this species are limited at present.
General Description
The common name Makassar ebony originates from the main seaport on the island, Makassar.
Family Context
The Ebenaceae family is primarily tropical. Notable medicinal members include:
- Diospyros tomentosa — 29 documented uses
- Persimmon — 24 documented uses
- American Persimmon — 19 documented uses
- Diospyros melanoxylon — 15 documented uses
Geographic Distribution
Diospyros celebica has been recorded in Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, and ZZ.
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. Systematic pharmacological studies are needed to validate the traditional uses attributed to this species.