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Piscidia piscipula

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Piscidia piscipula

Family Name: Fabaceae (Leguminosae)
Synonyms: Erythrina piscipula, Piscidia erythrina, Piscidia inebrians Medik., Piscidia toxicaria Salisb., Robinia alata, Abrus communis S.F.Blake, Abrus piscipula (L.) Hitchc.
Common Name: Jamaica Dogwood, Fish-poison Tree

Name

Family Name
Genus Epithet
Species Epithet
Synonyms
Common Names
Comments

Classifications and Characteristics

Plant Division Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) (Dicotyledon)
Plant Growth Form Tree
Lifespan (in Singapore) Perennial
Mode of Nutrition Autotrophic
Plant Shape Irregular, Open

Biogeography

Native Distribution Central America, Florida, West Indies, South America
Native Habitat Terrestrial (Desert / Semi-Desert)
Preferred Climate Zone Tropical, Desert / Arid

Description and Ethnobotany

Growth Form It is a wide, dense and deciduous tree
Crown Irregular
Foliage Leaves compound, petiolate, alternate, odd pinnate; leaflets opposite, 5-9 leaflets, leaf margin entire
Flowers Flowers zygomorphic; calyx 4 lobes, hairy; petals separate; petals clawed, pinkish; Stamens 9-10, united below; filaments glabrous; style terete.
Fruit Fruit a legume, indehiscent, elongate, straight; seeds reniform, soft surface, olive-brown-black.
Etymology The generic term arises from pisces- (latin name for fish) and caedo (latin name for kill) whereby the bark and roots are used to stun and catch fish.
Ethnobotanical Uses Medicinal: The root barks are believed to have anti-inflammatory, sedative and antispasmodic effects. However, this plant is potentially toxic and should never be taken without a doctor's close supervision.
Timber & Products: Its timber is used in boat and vehicle construction, posts and piling.
Others: The bark and leaves are used as agents for anesthetizing fishes

Landscaping Features

Landscape Uses Coastal

Fauna, Pollination and Dispersal

Fauna Pollination Dispersal Associated Fauna Butterfly Host Plant

Plant Care and Propagation

Light Preference Full Sun
Water Preference Moderate Water
Plant Growth Rate Moderate
Rootzone Tolerance Moist Soils, Well-Drained Soils
Propagation Method Seed

Foliar

Foliage Retention Deciduous
Mature Foliage Colour(s) Green
Foliar Type Compound (Odd-Pinnate)
Foliar Arrangement Along Stem Alternate
Foliar Attachment to Stem Petiolate
Foliar Margin Entire

Non - Foliar and Storage

Trunk Type (Non Palm) Woody

Floral (Angiosperm)

Flower & Plant Sexuality Bisexual Flowers
Flower Colour(s) White, Pink

Fruit, Seed and Spore

Mature Fruit Colour(s) Brown
Mature Fruit Texture(s) Papery
Fruit Classification Simple Fruit
Fruit Type

Image Repository

Images

Others

Master ID 31083
Species ID 5472
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: 28 August 2024.
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