Botanical Overview
Diospyros ferrea belongs to the Ebenaceae family. Limited but reliable traditional records indicate this plant has recognized medicinal applications in one or more healing traditions. 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.
General Description
Diospyros ferrea, known as black ebony, is a tree in the ebony family, distributed in Burma (Myanmar), Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Malay Peninsula, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Laos (Khammouan) and Taiwan (Hengchun Peninsula and Orchid Island).
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 ferrea has been recorded in 10 countries and territories worldwide, including Indonesia, India, Japan, Sri Lanka, Madagascar, and others.
Active Compounds
Phytochemical research has identified 1 compound in this species: betulinic-acid.