Botanical Overview
Diospyros elliptifolia 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
It grows up to 18 metres (60 ft) tall. Inflorescences bear up to three flowers. The fruits are roundish, drying black, up to 3 cm (1 in) in diameter. The specific epithet elliptifolia is from the Latin meaning ’elliptic leaves’. Habitat is mixed dipterocarp forests from sea-level to 800 metres (2,600 ft) altitude. D. elliptifolia is found in Sumatra, Borneo and the Philippines.
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 elliptifolia has been recorded in Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, and ZZ.
Active Compounds
Phytochemical research has identified 1 compound in this species: betulin.
Research Status
Although this species has documented phytochemical constituents, its ethnobotanical and clinical documentation remains incomplete. Additional phytochemical investigation could identify novel bioactive compounds in this plant.