Syzygium Species Research Articles

Antimicrobial activity and toxicity of Syzygium australe and Syzygium leuhmannii fruit extracts

Introduction: Many species of Syzygium are known to have antiseptic activity. Several Australian Syzygium species had roles as traditional bush medicines for Australian Aborigines although their antiseptic potential has not been rigorously studied. Methods: The antimicrobial activity of solvent extracts of Syzygium australe and Syzygium leuhmannii fruits were investigated by disc diffusion assay against a panel of bacteria and fungi and their MIC values were determined. Toxicity was determined using the Artemia franciscana nauplii bioassay. Results: The methanolic extracts of the fruit of both Syzygium species displayed the greater antibacterial activity of the extracts tested. S. australe generally had greater efficacy than the S. leuhmannii extracts. S. australe and S. leuhmannii fruit methanolic extract inhibited the growth of 13 (93%) and 12 (86%) of the 14 bacteria tested. Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria were both susceptible, although a slightly greater susceptibility of Gram-positive bacteria was noted. Nine (90%) and 8 (80%) of the 10 Gram-negative bacteria had their growth inhibited by S. australe and S. leuhmannii fruit methanolic extract extracts respectively. In contrast, methanolic extracts of both species inhibited growth of 100% of the Gram-positive bacteria tested. None of the extracts displayed broad antifungal activity. Indeed, none of the extracts inhibited the growth of A. niger or C. albicans. Only S. cerevisiae growth was affected and then only by the chloroform and hexane extracts. The methanolic, aqueous and ethyl acetate extracts of both Syzygium species were toxic in the Artemia franciscana bioassay, inducing significant mortality at <1000 µg/ml. Conclusions: The inhibitory bioactivity of S. australe against the bacterial panel validate Australian Aboriginal usage of S. australe leaves as antiseptic agents and confirms their medicinal potential, although care is needed in the uses of these extracts for these purposes due to their reported toxicity.

Syzygium munnarensissp. nov. (Myrtaceae): an overlooked endemic species from southern Western Ghats of Kerala, India

A new species of Syzygium, Syzygium munnarensis sp. nov., is described and illustrated from Valara forest, near Munnar in the southern Western Ghats, Kerala, India. It is similar to Syzygium gardneri and Syzygium cumini.

Antioxidant Activity of the Leaf Essential Oil of Syzygium calophyllifolium, Syzygium makul, Syzygium grande and Eugenia cotinifolia ssp. codyensis

Leaves of four species of Myrtaceae family were collected and essential oil isolated using hydrodistillation process. The essential oil was estimated for its total phenol content and antioxidant activity using in vitro assays such as DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, hydrogen peroxide and hydroxyl scavenging of leaf oil. Among the four species Syzygium calophyllifolium showed higher total phenolic content (311.85 mg FAE/100g) and higher scavenging activity of DPPH (66.42 %) and FRAP (92.19 %). Syzygium grande showed higher activity against hydrogen peroxide (96.29 %) and ABTS (44.35 %). Syzygium makul exhibited higher scavenging ability for hydroxyl radical (94.83 %). The present result showed higher antioxidant activity of leaf essential oil from Syzygium species compared to Eugenia species.

Two new species of &lt;I&gt;Syzygium&lt;/I&gt; (&lt;I&gt;Myrtaceae&lt;/I&gt;) from Saddle Peak National Park, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India

Two new species of Syzygium, S. hookeri and S. sanjappaiana from the Saddle Peak National Park of North Andaman Islands, are described and illustrated. The novelties are deliberated in the light of reviewed concept on the genus Syzygium and discussed with related species of Myanmar and Sri Lanka.

A new species of Syzygium (Myrtaceae) from Kerala, India

A new species of Syzygium, S. chemunjianum is described and illustrated from the Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve, southern Western Ghats, Kerala, India. It is similar to S. tamilnadensis but differs from it in habit, colour and nature of blaze, shape of leaves, number of intramarginal nerves, position of inflorescence, the colour, size and shape of fruits and size of seeds.

GROWTH AND SURVIVAL OF PIONEER AND LATE SUCCESSIONAL SPECIES IN SIMULATED LIGHT ENVIRONMENTS IN A SRI LANKAN LOWLAND RAIN FOREST

Growth and survival of two pioneer and four late successional species in different light levels inshade houses were investigated over a period of one year from January 2000 to January 200 1 atthe Sinharaja field research station.Schumacheria castaneifo/ia (Dilleniaceae) and Vltex altissima (Verbenaceae) represented thepioneer species. Psychotria nigra, Gaertnera vaginans (Rubiaceae), Syzygium operculatum andS. rubicundum and (Myrtaceae) were selected as late successional species. The four latesuccessional species were further subdivided into two canopy species (S. operculatum and S.rubicundum) and two understorey species (Psychotria nigra and Gaertnera vaginans) based onheight at maturity oftheir parent trees. Seedlings were grown under four light environments (fullsun, 1200; partial sun, 800; partial shade, 350; shade, 50j.Lmolm-2s-1) that represented a range ofPPFD (photosynthetic photon flux density) found within the forest. Five seedlings of eachspecies were grown in each light environment, which was replicated three times. At the end ofone year the height increments and percentage survival of seedlings were measured.The study revealed that two Syzygium species, Gaertnera vaginans and S. castaneifolia showingthe lowest height increments 'when grown in shade. But no significant difference was observedbetween shade and full sun for these species. Although the lowest height increments for Valtissima and P. nigra were observed in full sun and in partial shade respectively, there is nosignificant difference among shade, partial sun and full sun for V altissima. Psychotria nigra didnot show any significant difference among four light treatments. The greatest relative heightgrowth was observed in partial shade for G. vag/nans and S. castaneifoliz; V altissima, and inpartial sun for two Syzygium species. Plasticity (ratio between highest and lowest values amonglight treatments) measurement of height increment was highest in G. vaginans (3.47), the lowestin P. nigra (l.52) compared to s. operculatum (1.79), S rubicundum (2.18), V altissima (2.19),S. castaneifolia (3.08). Percentage seedling survival of S. castaneifolia, and V a/tissima was100% under all light levels .All species survived equally well in partial sun light level. In shade,seedling survival of G. vaginans, and S operculatum was 93% and in Psychotria nigra, it was80%. G. vaginans and P. nigra showed 93% seedling survival in partial shade .In full sun G.vaginans and S. rubicundum exhibited 93.3% survival while P nigra showed 67 % survival.These results suggest that pioneer species grow and survive well in all light levels than latesuccessional species in early stage of their life cycle.

SEEDLING GROWTH PERFORMANCE OF FOUR Syzygium species IN THE SIMULATED LIGHT AND SOIL NUTRIENT ENVIRONMENTS OF A RAIN FOREST IN SRI LANKA

Seedlings of four species of Syzygium (S. firmum, S. makul, S. operculatum, S.rubicundutn) were investigated for differences in growth and survival after one and halfyears growth in a nursery experiment. All four species co-exist in the moist evergreen rainforest of South western Sri Lanka. S. firmum is a canopy tree on valleys to midslopes. S.rubicundum is considered a canopy tree of late-successional forest on hill mid slops. BothS. makul and S. operculatum arc sub canopy trees of late-successional forest alongstreamways of lower slopes and valleys.Seedlings of each species were grown within replicated light and soil nutrient treatmentsfound in the groundstorey forest environments. The light treatments exposed seedlings toi) full sun; ii) sunlight like that at the center of a 200 m2 forest opening. iii) sunlight likethat at the center of a 400 m2 canopy opening; iv) 50% shade of sunlight with qualitysimilar to the outside edge of a 400 m2 canopy opening on the shaded side; v) 20% ofsunlight with a quality similar to the inside edge of a 400 m2 canopy opening on theshaded side and vi) I% of sunlight with a quality and amount similar to the forestunderstorey. Within each light treatment seedlings were grown with additions ofphosphorus, potassium, magnesium, al\ three combined and a control with no additionalnutrients. At the end of one and half years seedlings were measured for net photosynthesis,height increment, leaf number and survival.Seedling survival for all species was low in the forest understorey treatment. Both survivaland seedling height were greatest in shelters simulating forest openings. Leaf productionwas highest in full sun and inside edge light treatments and all species had their greatestnet photosynthesis in the inside edge treatment. For nutrient treatments phosphoruspromoted greatest seedling growth in all species

Species delineation in the tree pathogen genus Celoporthe (Cryphonectriaceae) in southern Africa

The genus Celoporthe was first described when C. dispersa was discovered in South Africa associated with dieback and cankers on trees in the Myrtales. Four additional species were recently described from Eucalyptus and Syzygium cumini in China as well as S. aromaticum and Eucalyptus in Indonesia. Inoculation trials have shown that all Celoporthe species, including those that have not been found on Eucalyptus species in nature, are pathogenic to Eucalyptus and they are thus potentially threatening to commercial Eucalyptus forestry. New isolates, morphologically similar to Celoporthe, have been collected from S. legatti in South Africa and S. guineense in Zambia. Multigene phylogenetic analyses based on DNA sequences of the ITS region, TEF1α gene and two areas of the β-tubulin gene revealed additional cryptic species in Celoporthe. Phylogenetic data were supported by morphological differences. These resulted in the description of two previously unknown species of Celoporthe, namely C. fontana and C. woodiana, for two of these cryptic groups, while the third group represented C. dispersa. These species all can readily infect Eucalyptus as well as several species of Syzygium, the latter of which are native to Africa.

The Phytochemistry Of Syzygium Species

This review deals with the literatures on Syzygium species (family: Myrtaceae). It was mentioned as a source of traditional medicine to treat diabetes mellitus. However, due to the lacking information on Syzygium cumini, its potential benefit is still unknown among the local. This plant, commonly known as black plum, is a plant native to India. Studies from abroad showed that S. cumini is rich in anthocyanins, which could contribute to its pharmacological properties. Various extracts from different parts of S. cumini were reported for its antidiabetic, antimicrobial, antibacterial, antivirus, antifungal, antiinflammatory and antidiarrheal activities. In this research, organic solvent extractions are performed on the local S. cumini. The methodologies also include thin layer chromatography and phytochemical screening, in identifying the phytochemicals. In summary, it is expected that alkaloids are the component of the leaves extract.

The genus Syzygium (Myrtaceae) in Vanuatu

Twenty species of Syzygium occur in Vanuatu of which eighteen are indigenous (six being endemic and one being an ancient introduction) and two are recently introduced. Three species are newly described: S. chanelii, S. flabellum and S. vanuatuense. The Syzygium flora of Vanuatu has strong links at species level to that of the Solomon Islands and Fiji, less strong links to elsewhere in the southwest Pacific and apparently no links to New Caledonia. Descriptions are provided for each species occurring in Vanuatu and identification keys are provided for flowering and vegetative material.

On some Encyrtidae (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea) associated with gall-inducing psylloids, Phacopteron and Trioza species (Hemiptera: Phacopteronidae, Triozidae) in southern India

Two new species, Ooencyrtus alrake Hayat, sp. nov. and Syrphophagus wayanadensis Hayat, sp. nov. (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea: Encyrtidae), are described from material collected in Kerala State (India) from Trioza jambolanae Crawford (Hemiptera: Psylloidea: Triozidae), a leaf gall-inducer on species of Syzygium (Myrtaceae). Two species, Psyllaephagus garuga S. Singh and P. phacopteron S. Singh, both recently described in S. Singh &amp; K.P. Singh, (2011) from Dehra Dun, are recorded from Kerala from Phacopteron lentiginosum Buckton (Hemiptera: Psylloidea: Phacopteronidae) a leaf gall-inducer on Garuga pinnata Roxb. (Burseraceae). Some variation in the Kerala and Dehra Dun specimens of these two species is noted. It appears that this is the first record of Ooencyrtus Ashmead on psylloid hosts.

&lt;p class="HeadingRunIn"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;A new species of &lt;em&gt;Syzygium&lt;/em&gt; (Myrtaceae) from the southern Western Ghats of Kerala, India&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

A new species of Syzygium, S. palodense is described and illustrated from the southern Western Ghats, Kerala, India. It is similar to S. densiflorum and S. rubicundum but differs from both by the slightly winged branchlets, subopposite or alternate leaves with obliquely cuneate bases, thick and robust petioles, creamy-white flowers with campanulate calices and subglobose to obovoid fruits.

Population structure of Chrysoporthe austroafricana in southern Africa determined using Vegetative Compatibility Groups (VCGs)

SummaryChrysoporthe austroafricana is one of the most damaging pathogens of Eucalyptus trees in southern Africa. It also occurs on non‐native Tibouchina granulosa trees and native Syzygium species. Additional isolates of the pathogen from previously unstudied countries in the region have become available from survey studies. The aim of this study was to use VCGs to consider the diversity in populations of isolates collected in various countries in southern Africa (Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa and Zambia) and from different hosts. We also wanted to determine whether there are shared VCGs among these countries and hosts in southern Africa and establish a VCG tester strain database. Results showed a high diversity amongst isolates from different countries and hosts, but suggested little movement of VCGs among countries or hosts based on the available isolates. A total of 108 VCG tester strains were identified for southern Africa.

Antimicrobial Activity of Syzygium australe and Syzygium leuhmannii Leaf Methanolic Extracts

ABSTRACT Introduction: Many species of Syzygium are known to have antiseptic activity. Australian Syzygium species had roles as traditional bush medicines for Australian Aborigines although their antiseptic potential has not been rigorously studied. Methods: The antimicrobial activity of methanolic extracts of Syzygium australe and Syzygium leuhmannii leaves was investigated by disc diffusion assay and growth time course assay against a panel of bacteria and fungi. Toxicity was determined using the Artemia franciscana nauplii bioassay. Results: S. australe leaf extract inhibited the growth of 10 of the 14 bacteria tested (71%). Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria were equally susceptible. 8 of the 11 Gram-negative bacteria (73%) and 2 of the 3 Gram-positive bacteria (67%) tested had their growth inhibited by S. australe leaf extract. The extract also displayed antifungal activity against a nystatin resistant strain of A. niger but did not affect C. albicans or S. cerevisiae growth. In comparison, S. leuhmannii leaf extract did not inhibit the growth of any of the microbial agents tested in the disc diffusion assay. The antibacterial activity of S. australe leaf extract was further investigated by growth time course assays which showed significant growth inhibition in cultures of A. hydrophilia, B. cereus, and P. fluorescens within 1 h but not of B. subtilis. S. leuhmannii also inhibited the growth of P. fluorescens and to a lesser extent, A. hydrophilia in the time course assay. Both Syzygium extracts displayed low toxicity in the Artemia franciscana bioassay. Conclusions: The low toxicity of these Syzygium extracts and the inhibitory bioactivity of S. australe against the bacterial panel validate Australian Aboriginal usage of S. australe leaves as antiseptic agents and confirms their medicinal potential.

FOLIAR RESPONSES OF TREE SEEDLINGS TO DIFFERING LIGHT AND TOPOGRAPHIC POSITIONS IN A SINHARAJA FOREST

Light is one of the most demanding and limiting factor in the lowland rain forests. Here we studied seedling foliar responses (anatomy and morphology) of nine tree species in genera Shorea, Dipterocarpus, Mesua and Syzygium to different light environments (gap and understory) across three topographies (valley, midslope and ridge). There were significant differences in anatomical and morphological trails among species due to differing light and topographic positions. All species had higher anatomical (thickness of leaf blade, upper and lower epidermis cell years, palisade mesophyll cell layers, cuticle layer thickness and stomatal density) and leaf morphological tails ( single leaf area, length, width, drip-tip length and petiole length) in canopy gaps than in the understory. Among the species Syzygium makul had the thickest leaf blade in all gaps of each topography. Shorea megistophylla had thickest upper epidermal in two lights and across topographies. Shorea disticha andShorea megistophylla showed thickest palisade layer. S. makul was greater in stomatal density (number of stomata per unit area). Shorea megistophylla and D.s zeylanicus showed higher leaf area than other species. When compared the measured foliar responses S. megistophylla is most suitable for valley, while D. zeylanicus, M. ferrea, S. makul and S. rubicundum for mid-slope sites. Mesua nagassarium, S. worthingtonii for ridge tops in both gap and the understory light environments. Finding indicate that the foliar traits are partially important in determination of species adaptation to particular light environment within the rain forest.

Three new species of Syzygium (Myrtaceae) from Indochina

Descriptions, illustrations, a distribution map and conservation assessments are provided for three new species of Syzygium from Indochina. Based on morphological characters, all three new species, Syzygium bokorense W. K. Soh & J. Parn., S. chantaranothaianum W. K. Soh & J. Parn. and S. cucphuongense W. K. Soh & J. Parn., belong to the subgenus Syzygium.

Comparative leaf anatomy and phylogeny of Syzygium Gaertn.

The leaf anatomy of 81 species of Syzygium was examined. General generic and subgeneric descriptions of Syzygium leaf anatomy are given. Four stomatal types (anisocytic, anomocytic, cyclo-staurocytic and paracytic) that occur exclusively or in combinations are recognised. Two major vascular systems are differentiated by the presence or absence of adaxial phloem partition. Phylogenetic inferences using maximum parsimony and Bayesian methods for separate and combined analyses of DNA (ETS and ITS) sequences and morphological (leaf anatomy and macromorphology) data were conducted. Results of the combined analyses gave slightly higher support value for clade than analyses based on DNA sequences. The subgenera Perikion, Sequestratum and Syzygium are strongly supported, but the subgenus Acmena is moderately supported in the Bayesian but not in the parsimony analysis of combined data sets. The relationships among subgenera are not fully resolved. All the leaf anatomical characters examined are homoplastic. We did not find any unique leaf anatomical characters allowing delimiting of the four subgenera in Syzygium. However, a combinations of non-unique leaf anatomical characters, including stomatal types, crystal types and frequency, and midrib vascular system (adaxial phloem partition) are diagnostic for subgeneric groups.

Studies of MalagasySyzygium(Myrtaceae: Syzygiae)—Two New Species with Small Leaves and Winged Branchlets

Two new species of Syzygium are described from Madagascar: S. ludovicii and S. rakotovaoanum. They differ from other Malagasy members of the genus by virtue of their short (< 20 mm long) leaves and prominently winged branchlets. The species can be distinguished from one another based on morphological characters of the leaf and inflorescence. Each species is known only from the type collection. Following IUCN standards, a recommendation of Least Concern is given for S. rakotovaoanum, whereas S. ludovicii is recommended as Vulnerable.

Five New Species ofSyzygium(Myrtaceae) from New Guinea

Abstract. Five new species of Syzygium are described from the island of New Guinea. One species, Syzygium neurophyllum, occurs in Papua Province, Indonesia. Four species, S. purpuricarpum, S. rambutyense, S. ridsdalei, and S. watutense occur in Papua New Guinea. Four of the five species are known only from the type gathering, but each is easily diagnosed from congeneric members of Syzygium occurring on New Guinea. The conservation status following IUCN guidelines is proposed for each new species, four of which are considered Vulnerable, and one of which is considered Endangered.

Syzygium Chandrasekharanii Chandrab. &amp; V. Chandras., A synonym of Syzygium Fergusonii (Trimen) Gamble (Myrtaceae)

Syzygium chandrasekharanii, a new species described from the Anamalais on the Western Ghats, is found to be conspecific with the less known Indo-Srilankan species Syzygium fergusonii (Trimen) Gamble and hence it is synonymized.