Antidesma acidum
| Antidesma acidum | |
|---|---|
| Scientific name | Antidesma acidum |
| Genus | Antidesma |
| Family | Phyllanthaceae |
| Order | Malpighiales |
| Habit | Shrub or tree to about 10 m |
| Sex expression | Dioecious |
| Fruit | Clustered fruit up to about 6 mm long and 4 mm in diameter |
GBIF recognizes Antidesma acidum as an accepted species in the family Phyllanthaceae and order Malpighiales.[1][2]
Description[edit | edit source]
The plant reaches about 10 m and occurs in dry deciduous, deciduous and evergreen forest, forest edges, open sites and half-shady disturbed vegetation. Its recorded substrates include sandy gravel, red volcanic soil, sand, silt, red laterite, limestone, and soils derived from granite or shale.[3]
Cultivation[edit | edit source]
Soil and water[edit | edit source]
Antidesma acidum grows across a wide range of reported mineral substrates, including sand, laterite, volcanic soil, limestone and weathered rock soils. As a cultivation inference from that range and its moist-tropical habitat, begin with a fertile, free-draining medium that retains moisture during active growth without remaining saturated. A distinct dry season is part of its native climate, so irrigation should be adjusted seasonally rather than kept uniformly heavy.[3]
Sun and humidity[edit | edit source]
The species occurs in forest, forest margins, open vegetation and half-shady sites in moist tropical regions. As a species-level cultivation inference, bright filtered light or partial shade with good airflow is a conservative starting position; plants can be assessed before being moved toward stronger exposure. Humid conditions suit the habitat context, but stagnant air should not be treated as a substitute for drainage.[3]
Seasonal changes[edit | edit source]
A distinct dry season accompanies the moist-tropical growing context. Cultivation should therefore follow the seasonal rhythm: maintain reliable moisture during active growth, then reduce irrigation as conditions become drier, while avoiding severe drought in young plants.[3]
Propagation[edit | edit source]
Seed is the documented propagation route. Because the species is dioecious, both male and female plants are needed when the goal is fruit and seed production.[3]
Flowering, fruiting, and harvest[edit | edit source]
Antidesma acidum is dioecious, so fruiting depends on access to a female plant and pollen from a male plant. The fruit is produced in clusters and is reported at up to about 6 mm long and 4 mm in diameter. The sex requirement should be resolved before interpreting a non-fruiting plant as a cultivation failure.[3]
Fruit and uses[edit | edit source]
The small clustered fruit is eaten raw, and young leaves are cooked or used in curries.[3] A comparative laboratory study measured phytochemical constituents and extract activity in A. acidum and a related species, including reported phenol, tannin, glycoside and flavonoid values. These laboratory results do not establish human safety, edible dosage or medicinal efficacy, so they are not a basis for treatment advice.[4]
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ [4] K. Arya Govind, “A Comparative Study of Morphological, Anatomical, Phytochemical and Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Antidesma acidum Retz. And Antidesma ghaesembilla Gaertn.”, International Journal for Research in Applied Science and Engineering Technology 9(III), 2021, pp. 904–911, DOI 10.22214/ijraset.2021.33403.