Eucalyptus torelliana

Eucalyptus torelliana

Scientific Classification:

  • Kingdom: Plantae
  • Clade: Angiosperms
  • Order: Myrtales
  • Family: Myrtaceae
  • Genus: Corymbia
  • Species: C. torelliana

Synonyms:

Eucalyptus torelliana F.Muell.

Species ID: NMP-279;wfo-0000956048;NCBI_Taxonomy ID: 360304

Common Names: Cadaga

Basic Description:

Corymbia torelliana is a large evergreen tree that can grow up to 30 meters in height. It features smooth, greenish-grey to white bark, which may be rough at the base of older trees. The adult leaves are egg-shaped, heart-shaped, or lance-shaped. The tree produces white flowers arranged in groups of three or seven, followed by urn-shaped or shortened spherical fruit.

Distribution and Habitat:

Native to the rainforests and rainforest margins of northern Queensland, Australia, Corymbia torelliana has been introduced to various regions, including Nigeria. In Nigeria, it has naturalized and is particularly valued in the northern regions.

Medicinal Properties:

Antibacterial Activity

The kino (a type of plant exudate) of C. torelliana contains flavonoids exhibiting significant antibacterial effects. Studies have demonstrated activity against both Gram-negative bacteria, such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Gram-positive bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus. Notably, compounds like (+)-(2S)-4′,5,7-trihydroxy-6-methylflavanone have shown effectiveness against S. aureus, while others have influenced biofilm formation in these bacteria.

Phytochemical Composition

Investigations into the chemical constituents of C. torelliana's kino have identified several flavanones, such as 4′,5,7-trihydroxy-6-methylflavanone and 4′,5,7-trihydroxy-6,8-dimethylflavanone. These compounds are believed to contribute to the plant's antimicrobial properties.

Traditional Uses

While specific traditional medicinal uses of C. torelliana are not extensively documented, the broader Corymbia genus has been utilized in indigenous Australian medicine. For instance, kinos from various Corymbia species have been applied to cuts and wounds to promote healing and treat skin lesions, scabies, cramps, sore throats, and coughs.

Potential Applications

The bioactive compounds identified in C. torelliana suggest potential for developing new antimicrobial agents, especially in the context of rising antibiotic resistance. Further research is warranted to fully elucidate its medicinal potential and applications.

Known Toxicity:

There are no widely reported toxic effects associated with Corymbia torelliana. However, as with many plants in the Myrtaceae family, some individuals may experience allergic reactions to the pollen or volatile oils. Caution is advised for susceptible individuals.

Additional Information:

In northern Nigeria, Corymbia torelliana is recognized as an important naturalized bee plant. It flowers from November through February, providing essential nectar and pollen during the dry season when other food sources are scarce. This makes it valuable for beekeeping activities in the region.

References:

External links

  1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corymbia_torelliana
  2. https://apps.lucidcentral.org/euclid/text/entities/corymbia_torelliana.htm
  3. https://plants.jstor.org/compilation/Eucalyptus.torelliana
  4. https://tropical.theferns.info/viewtropical.php?id=Corymbia+torelliana&redir=Eucalyptus+torelliana
  5. https://www.worldfloraonline.org/taxon/wfo-0000956048
  6. https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:593425-1
  7. https://www.worldfloraonline.org/taxon/wfo-0000925593
  8. https://www.cabidigitallibrary.org/doi/abs/10.1079/cabicompendium.22886

More pictures
Compounds of Eucalyptus torelliana
References

Silifat, J. T., Ogunwande, I. A., Olawore, N. O., Walker, T. M., Schmidt, J. M., Setzer, W. N., ... & Aboaba, S. A. (2005). In vitro cytotoxicity activitie of essential oils of eucalyptus torreliana F. v. Muell (leaves and fruits). Journal of Essential Oil Bearing Plants, 8(2), 110-119.