Eucalyptus torelliana
.jpg)
|
|
Corymbia torelliana Common Names: Cadaga, Cadagi, Torell’s Eucalyptus,
Bloodwood Scientific
Classification Kingdom: Plantae Clade: Tracheophytes Clade: Angiosperms Clade: Eudicots Clade: Rosids Order: Myrtales Family: Myrtaceae Genus: Corymbia Species: C. torelliana Synonyms: Eucalyptus torelliana F.Muell. Morphological Description Corymbia torelliana is a large, evergreen tree, typically 15–30 meters tall,
occasionally reaching 40 meters, with a dense, rounded crown. Its key
characteristics include: · Bark: Smooth, greenish-grey to white, peeling in thin patches;
rough, fibrous at the base in older trees; exudes reddish kino when cut (Fern,
2024). · Leaves: Juvenile leaves ovate to heart-shaped, adult leaves
lanceolate to ovate (7–15 cm × 2–5 cm), glossy green, with prominent veins
(Prance & Jongkind, 2015). · Flowers: White, in groups of 3–7, arranged in terminal panicles;
fragrant, attracting bees; bloom seasonally · Fruit: Urn-shaped to spherical capsules (0.8–1.2 cm), woody, with
3–4 valves, containing small seeds (Fern, 2024). Distribution and Habitat Corymbia torelliana is native to northern Queensland, Australia, and widely
introduced elsewhere: · Geographic Range: Native to rainforests and rainforest
margins of northern Queensland; introduced to Nigeria, South Africa, India,
Brazil, and Hawaii; naturalized in northern Nigeria’s savanna and urban areas. · Habitat: Thrives in tropical and subtropical climates, preferring
well-drained, loamy soils (pH 5.5–7.0); found in open woodlands, disturbed
sites, and plantations; tolerates 800–2,000 mm annual rainfall and elevations
up to 1,000 m (Fern, 2024). · Ecological Role: Provides nectar and pollen for bees; can
be invasive, outcompeting native species in introduced regions like Hawaii
(Burkill, 1985). Ethnopharmacology Corymbia torelliana has limited specific ethnopharmacological documentation, but
its kino and leaves are used in Nigerian and Australian traditional medicine,
with robust pharmacological validation for related Corymbia species providing insights (Nobakht et
al., 2017): · Antimicrobial: In Nigeria, kino is applied to wounds. Ethanolic kino
extracts inhibited Pseudomonas aeruginosa (inhibition zone: 10–18 mm), Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhimurium, Bacillus cereus, and Candida albicans, with
(+)-(2S)-4′,5,7-trihydroxy-6-methylflavanone active against S. aureus (MIC: 200 µg/mL) (Nobakht et al., 2017). · Anti-inflammatory: Leaf decoctions treat inflammation in
Nigeria. While specific studies on C. torelliana are limited, flavonoids in Corymbia species reduced TNF-α and IL-6 in
LPS-stimulated macrophages, suggesting similar potential due to shared
phytochemicals (Falcão et al., 2018). · Antioxidant: Kino is used to combat oxidative stress. Methanolic kino
extracts showed DPPH scavenging (IC50: 271.6 µg/mL), attributed to flavonoids
like 3,4′,5,7-tetrahydroxyflavanone (Nobakht et al., 2017). · Antiplasmodial: Flowers treat malaria in traditional
practices. β-Triketones (torellianones C–F, ficifolidones) from C. torelliana flowers inhibited Plasmodium falciparum (IC50: micromolar range), validating
antimalarial potential (Perry et al., 2021). · Gastroprotective: Leaf extracts are used for stomach
ailments in Nigeria. Leaf and stem bark extracts reduced EtOH/HCl-induced
gastric ulcers in rats by 50%, linked to flavonoids and terpenoids, suggesting
similar effects in C. torelliana (Perry
et al., 2021). · Wound Healing: In Nigeria, kino is applied to cuts. The bacteriostatic
action of 3,4′,5,7-tetrahydroxyflavanone (MIC: 200 µg/mL) against P. aeruginosa reduced bacterial adhesion without
cytotoxicity to Vero cells, supporting wound-healing applications (Nobakht et
al., 2017). ⚠ Toxicity Profile: Corymbia torelliana is generally non-toxic at therapeutic
doses, with no significant human toxicity reported. Ethanolic kino extracts
showed no cytopathic effects on Vero cells at 1,000 µg/mL, though morphological
changes (cell shrinking) occurred after 48 hours (Nobakht et al., 2017). High
doses (>1,000 mg/kg) may cause mild liver enzyme elevation (ALT increased by
10%). Pollen or volatile oils may trigger allergic reactions (e.g., respiratory
discomfort, dermatitis) in sensitive individuals. Use is contraindicated in
pregnancy and for children due to insufficient safety data (Perry et al.,
2021). Additional Uses · Apiculture: In Nigeria, a vital bee plant, flowering November–February,
providing nectar and pollen during the dry season (Dukku, 2011). · Timber: Hardwood used in Nigeria for construction and furniture,
though less common than other eucalypts (Fern, 2024). · Ornamental: Planted in Nigerian urban areas for shade and aesthetic
appeal; used in hedges and windbreaks (Burkill, 1985). · Ecological: Used in Nigeria for reforestation, though its invasiveness
requires management to prevent displacement of native flora (Fern, 2024). References
External Links More Pictures |
|
| Compounds of Eucalyptus torelliana |
|
| References |