Botanical Overview
Hopea brevipetiolaris 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 tree endemic to Sri Lanka. It is native to southwestern Sri Lanka, where it grows on rocky summits in remnant lowland semi-evergreen rain forest. Two subpopulations are known, the larger at the summit of Dunkanda in Kurunegala District and a small number of trees on Dombagaskanda in Kalutara District.
Geographic Distribution
Hopea brevipetiolaris has been recorded in Sri Lanka, Singapore, 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. Further ethnobotanical and pharmacological research may reveal additional therapeutic applications for this species.