Definition
Alangium kurzii is a species of flowering plant in the genus Alangium, belonging to the family Alangiaceae (sometimes treated within Cornaceae). It is a small to medium‑sized tree native to parts of Southeast Asia.
Overview
The species occurs in the tropical and subtropical forests of Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam, where it grows in lowland to sub‑montane habitats, often on limestone soils or along riverbanks. It is part of the understory vegetation and contributes to the local biodiversity. The plant is used locally for timber, traditional medicine, and occasionally as an ornamental.
Etymology / Origin
The specific epithet kurzii honours the 19th‑century German–British botanist Wilhelm Sulpiz Kurz (1830–1878), who collected extensively in the region and contributed to the knowledge of its flora. The generic name Alangium derives from the Tamil word “alangi,” referring to a related plant used in traditional medicine.
Characteristics
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Growth form | Evergreen tree, typically 8–15 m tall, with a straight trunk and a spreading crown. |
| Leaves | Simple, opposite, leathery, elliptic to ovate, 6–12 cm long, with an entire margin and a short petiole. The upper surface is glossy green; the underside is paler with fine veins. |
| Flowers | Small, bisexual, axillary or terminal panicles; each flower has five sepals, five petals, and numerous stamens. Flowers are usually greenish‑white and bloom from March to May. |
| Fruit | A fleshy drupe, ovoid, 1–1.5 cm in length, turning from green to dark purple when ripe. The fruit contains a single seed. |
| Bark | Greyish‑brown, smooth to slightly fissured, exudes a milky sap when cut. |
| Wood | Light to medium density, pale, used locally for small carpentry and fuel. |
Related Topics
- Alangium – the genus comprising about 30 species distributed in Asia, Oceania, and the Americas.
- Alangiaceae – the family to which Alangium is assigned; formerly placed within Cornaceae.
- Wilhelm Sulpiz Kurz – botanist after whom the species is named; notable for his work on the flora of Myanmar and surrounding regions.
- Southeast Asian forest ecology – the broader ecological context in which A. kurzii occurs.
Note: While the above information reflects the current scientific consensus, detailed morphological measurements and ecological data may vary across studies. Accurate, region‑specific data should be consulted from primary botanical references for precise applications.