Singapore Government Logo

A Singapore Government Agency Website

Parastemon urophyllus

Back

Parastemon urophyllus (Wall. ex A.DC.) A.DC.

Family Name: Chrysobalanaceae
Common Name: Kelat, Kelat Pasir, Kelat Puteh

Name

Family Name
Genus Epithet
Species Epithet
Name Authority
Name Status (botanical)
Common Names
Comments

Classifications and Characteristics

Plant Division Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) (Dicotyledon)
Plant Growth Form Tree (Big (>30m))
Lifespan (in Singapore) Perennial
Mode of Nutrition Autotrophic
Plant Shape Irregular
Maximum Height 35 m

Biogeography

Native Distribution Nicobar Islands, Sumatra, Peninsular Malaysia, Singapore, and Borneo
Native Habitat Terrestrial (Primary Rainforest, Secondary Rainforest, Coastal Forest, Freshwater Swamp Forest, Riverine), Shoreline (Sandy Beach)
Preferred Climate Zone Tropical
Local Conservation Status Native to Singapore (Critically Endangered (CR))

Description and Ethnobotany

Growth Form It is a tree up to 35 m tall.
Foliage Its alternate, stalked, bright green leaves have thinly leathery leaf blades that are narrowly oblong, and 2.5-8 by 1.4-2.5 cm.
Flowers Its 5-petalled flowers are about 0.5 cm long, and grow on 4-14 cm-long flowering shoots.
Fruit Its yellowish fruits are pink when ripe, ellipsoid, and 1-1.5 cm long.
Habitat It grows in peat swamp forests, river banks, seashores, and secondary forests with poor soil. It occurs locally in Bukit Timah Nature Reserve.
Cultivation It can be propagated by seed.
Etymology Greek para, near; Greek stamen, referring to both the fertile and sterile stamens being located near one another on one side of the flower; Greek aura, tail; Greek phyllon, leaf, the reference to which is unknown
Ethnobotanical Uses Timber & Products: Its timber is suitable for heavy construction.

Landscaping Features

Landscaping It is suitable for parks, streetscape and gardens for its bushy crown.
Desirable Plant Features Ornamental Form
Landscape Uses General, Suitable for Roadsides, Parks & Gardens, Small Gardens, Coastal, Beachfront / Shoreline

Fauna, Pollination and Dispersal

Pollination Method(s) Biotic (Fauna)
Seed or Spore Dispersal Biotic (Fauna)

Plant Care and Propagation

Light Preference Full Sun
Water Preference Moderate Water
Plant Growth Rate Moderate
Rootzone Tolerance Moist Soils, Well-Drained Soils, Saline Soils / Salt Spray, Fertile Loamy Soils
Propagation Method Seed

Foliar

Foliage Retention Evergreen
Mature Foliage Colour(s) Green
Mature Foliage Texture(s) Leathery, Thin
Foliar Type Simple / Unifoliate
Foliar Arrangement Along Stem Alternate
Foliar Attachment to Stem Petiolate
Foliar Shape(s) Non-Palm Foliage
Foliar Venation Pinnate / Net
Foliar Margin Entire

Floral (Angiosperm)

Flower & Plant Sexuality Bisexual Flowers
Flower Grouping Cluster / Inflorescence

Fruit, Seed and Spore

Mature Fruit Colour(s) Yellow / Golden, Pink
Fruit Classification Simple Fruit
Fruit Type Fleshy Fruit , Non-Accessory Fruit

Image Repository

Images

Others

Master ID 30206
Species ID 4515
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.
Species record last updated on: 03 August 2022.
Share