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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
Classifications and Characteristics
Plant Division | Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) (Dicotyledon) |
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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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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Fauna, Pollination and Dispersal
Fauna Pollination Dispersal Associated Fauna | Butterfly Host Plant |
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Plant Care and Propagation
Light Preference | Full Sun |
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Water Preference | Moderate Water |
Plant Growth Rate | Moderate |
Rootzone Tolerance | Moist Soils, Well-Drained Soils |
Propagation Method | Seed |
Foliar
Foliage Retention | Deciduous |
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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 |
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Floral (Angiosperm)
Flower & Plant Sexuality | Bisexual Flowers |
Flower Colour(s) | White, Pink |
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Fruit, Seed and Spore
Mature Fruit Colour(s) | Brown |
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Mature Fruit Texture(s) | Papery |
Fruit Classification | Simple Fruit |
Fruit Type |
Image Repository
Others
Master ID | 31083 |
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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. |