Botanical Overview
Stemonoporus petiolaris 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 small tree endemic to Sri Lanka. It is known from three locations including Kitulgala and Gilimale, where it grows in lowland evergreen rain forest on well-drained deep soil. It is threatened by habitat loss from deforestation for smallholder farms. The IUCN Red List assesses the species as endangered. The species was first described by George Henry Kendrick Thwaites in 1858.
Geographic Distribution
Stemonoporus petiolaris 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. Systematic pharmacological studies are needed to validate the traditional uses attributed to this species.