Botanical Overview
Diospyros eriantha 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 7 metres (20 ft) tall. The fruits are ellipsoid, black, up to 1 cm (0. 4 in) long. The specific epithet eriantha is from the Greek meaning ‘woolly flowers’. D. eriantha is found in and around southern China, Indochina, Sumatra, Java, Borneo, Taiwan 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 eriantha has been recorded in 10 countries and territories worldwide, including China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Laos, 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. Further ethnobotanical and pharmacological research may reveal additional therapeutic applications for this species.