Botanical Overview
Hopea cordifolia 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 the Walawe and Kirindi river basins in southwestern Sri Lanka, where it grows in riparian lowland rain forest. Its wood is dark yellowish brown, very hard and heavy. It is capable of standing up to great transverse strains. It is durable and takes polish very well. Its density is 64 to 76 pounds per cubic foot (1. 03 to 1. 22 kg/dm3). The species was first described as Vatica cordifolia by George Henry Kendrick Thwaites in 1864. In 1893 Henry Trimen placed the species in genus Hopea as H. cordifolia.
Geographic Distribution
Hopea cordifolia has been recorded in , 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.