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Phenakospermum guyannense (Rich.) Endl. ex Miq.
| Family Name: | Strelitziaceae |
| Synonyms: | Urania guyannense, Ravenala guyanensis |
| Common Name: | South American Traveller's Palm |
Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Division | Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) (Monocotyledon) |
|---|---|
| Plant Growth Form | Herbaceous Plant |
| Lifespan (in Singapore) | Perennial |
| Mode of Nutrition | Autotrophic |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | Tropical South America |
|---|---|
| Native Habitat | Terrestrial |
| Preferred Climate Zone | Tropical |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | It is a palm-like plant with a pseudostem growing up about 7 to 8 m tall. |
|---|---|
| Foliage | Its leaves are green and large, resembling those of bananas. Leaves are arranged in a fan-like shape. |
| Flowers | Its massive inflorescence is erect, growing up to one-third the length of the plant. The boat-like bracts are green to yellow-green, alternately arranged along the rachis. Each bract hold up to 25 small creamy-colored flowers. The individual flower emerges from the bract before sunset and are receptive for only on night. |
| Fruit | Its fruits are capsules, enclosing numerous seeds with orange arils. |
| Associated Fauna | In its native habitat, bats from the genus Phyllostomus have been recorded to visit the flowers. |
Landscaping Features
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Flowers, Ornamental Form |
|---|---|
| Landscape Uses | Parks & Gardens |
Fauna, Pollination and Dispersal
| Pollination Method(s) | Biotic (Fauna) (Vertebrates (Bat)) |
|---|---|
| Seed or Spore Dispersal | Biotic (Fauna) |
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Semi-Shade, Full Sun |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Lots of Water, Moderate Water |
| Plant Growth Rate | Moderate |
| Rootzone Tolerance | Moist Soils, Well-Drained Soils |
| Propagation Method | Seed, Division |
Foliar
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green |
|---|---|
| Leaf Area Index (LAI) for Green Plot Ratio | 3.5 (Shrub & Groundcover - Monocot) |
Floral (Angiosperm)
| Flower Colour(s) | Cream / Off-White, Green |
|---|---|
| Flower Grouping | Cluster / Inflorescence |
| Flower Location | Terminal |
Fruit, Seed and Spore
| Mature Seed Colour(s) | Black |
|---|---|
| Seed Quantity Per Fruit | Numerous (>20) |
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 1036 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 2329 |
| 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. |