Botanical Overview
Dipterocarpus insignis is a species in the Dipterocarpaceae family. The dipterocarp family (Dipterocarpaceae) includes large tropical trees with simple, alternate leaves and prominent stipules. The fruits are nuts with two or more enlarged wing-like sepals that aid in wind dispersal. These trees dominate many Southeast Asian rainforest canopies and produce valuable timber and resins. Phytochemical data for this species are limited at present.
General Description
It is a large tree endemic to southwestern Sri Lanka. It grows in lowland rain forest, where it occurs in scattered populations. The species is threatened by selective logging for timber and by habitat loss as forests are cleared for tea plantations. The IUCN Red List assesses the species as endangered. The species was first described by George Henry Kendrick Thwaites in 1858.
Geographic Distribution
Dipterocarpus insignis has been recorded in India, and Sri Lanka.
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.