Botanical Overview
Diospyros quaesita 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
in Sinhala, this tree is called kalu mediriya. This large tree occurs in the evergreen forests of lowland wet zones. This tree is found in 25 forest sites. The tree is the source of the Calamander variegated ebony, classified as a super luxury class wood. However, there are no edible parts in this tree. Its heartwood is used in medicine to heal wounds.
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 quaesita has been recorded in India, Sri Lanka, 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. Additional phytochemical investigation could identify novel bioactive compounds in this plant.