Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Division | Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) (Dicotyledon) |
|---|---|
| Plant Growth Form | Tree (Big (>30m)) |
| Lifespan (in Singapore) | Perennial |
| Mode of Nutrition | Autotrophic |
| Maximum Height | 45 m |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | Peninsular Malaysia |
|---|---|
| Native Habitat | Terrestrial |
| Preferred Climate Zone | Tropical |
| Local Conservation Status | Non-native |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | It is a tree, up to 48 m tall, with widely spreading buttresses and reddish brown bark. Bark is reddish brown and smooth to scaly textured. |
|---|---|
| Foliage | Leaves are alternate, ovate to elliptic shaped (9 – 13 cm long and 3.8 – 5.8 cm wide). Lower surface is densely covered in greyish brown scales, giving a golden brown crown appearance. Petiole is 0.5 – 1.5 cm long. Fallen leaves are glossy red. Leaf tip is acute to acuminate and leaf base is rounded. |
| Flowers | Inflorescence is densely scaly and 0.76 cm long, comprising of small flowers (0.2 cm long). Flower has 5 sepals joined at the base and 5 petals which are shorter than sepals and 20 stamens of varying filament length. Ovary is globose with angular spines. |
| Fruit | Fruit is grey-green, almost round (about 7.6 cm diameter) with spines. Mature fruit splits open into 5 parts, revealing glossy white seeds which become dark brown when exposed air for a period of time. |
| Habitat | It is found in swamp forest. |
| Etymology | The genus commemorate Dr A.J.G.H. Kostermans (1906 – 1994), Dutch-Indonesian botanist who have contributed greatly to the taxonomical work of Malesian plants. |
Landscaping Features
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Form |
|---|---|
| Landscape Uses | Parks & Gardens |
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Full Sun |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Moderate Water |
| Plant Growth Rate | Moderate |
Foliar
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green |
|---|
References
| References | Whitmore, T.C. 1972. Tree Flora of Malaya Vol 1. Hong Kong : Wing Tai Cheung Printing Co Ltd. 469 |
|---|
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 29710 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 4019 |
| Flora Disclaimer | The information in this website has been compiled from reliable sources, such as reference works on medicinal plants. It is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment and NParks does not purport to provide any medical advice. Readers should always consult his/her physician before using or consuming a plant for medicinal purposes. |