Alangium

Alangium platanifolium

Alangium salviifolium Engler

Fruits of alangium

Alangium is a genus of flowering plants in the family Cornaceae. The genus comprises about 40 species of trees, shrubs, and lianas, which are primarily distributed in tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, Africa, and the Pacific Islands.

Description

Alangium species are characterized by their simple, alternate leaves, which are often toothed or lobed. The flowers are typically small, white or yellowish, and are arranged in clusters. The fruit is a drupe, which can be fleshy or dry, and often contains a single seed.

Taxonomy

The genus Alangium was first described by the French botanist Jean-Baptiste Lamarck in 1783. It is part of the family Cornaceae, which also includes the well-known genus Cornus (dogwoods).

Distribution and Habitat

Alangium species are found in a variety of habitats, including tropical rainforests, subtropical forests, and montane regions. They are widely distributed across Asia, Africa, and the Pacific Islands, with a high diversity of species in Southeast Asia.

Uses

Some species of Alangium are used in traditional medicine for their purported therapeutic properties. The wood of certain species is also used in construction and for making tools.

Species

Some notable species within the genus Alangium include:

• Alangium chinense
• Alangium salviifolium
• Alangium platanifolium
• Alangium kurzii

Conservation

Several species of Alangium are considered to be at risk due to habitat loss and over-exploitation. Conservation efforts are needed to protect these species and their natural habitats.

Related Pages

• Cornaceae
• Cornus
• Jean-Baptiste Lamarck
• Tropical rainforest
• Subtropical forest