Back
Dalbergia oliveri Gamble ex Prain
| Family Name: | Fabaceae (Leguminosae) |
| Synonyms: | Dalbergia duperreana Pierre, Dalbergia dongnaiensis Pierre |
| Common Name: | Tamalan Tree, Black Rosewood |
Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Division | Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) |
|---|---|
| Plant Growth Form | Tree |
| Lifespan (in Singapore) | Perennial |
| Mode of Nutrition | Autotrophic |
| Maximum Height | 30 m |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand |
|---|---|
| Native Habitat | Terrestrial (Monsoon Forest) |
| Preferred Climate Zone | Tropical |
| Local Conservation Status | Non-native |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | Large tree, able to grow up to about 20 - 30 m tall. |
|---|---|
| Crown | Crown is open and spreading with slight droopy branches. |
| Trunk | Girth size can reach up to 50 - 60 cm wide. |
| Stems | Green feather-like imparipinnate leaves, alternate arrangement, each leaf consist of 13 - 17 oval leaflets about 3 - 5 cm long and 1 - 2 cm wide. |
| Flowers | Small whitish-purple flowers in an inflorescence, flower buds turning from purple to pink and then to white upon blooming and aging. |
| Fruit | Fruit is a brown flat pod, containing 1 - 2 seeds. |
| Similar | Can be found in dense evergreen and semi-deciduous forests. |
| Etymology | Genus Dalbergia is named after 2 brothers - Carl Gustav Dalberg (1753 - 1775), a Swedish planter and botanical collector for Linnaeus, and Nils E. Dalberg, a Swedish botanist and physician. Species olivieri is named after Antoine Olivier (1756 - 1814), a French collector on Mount Elwend. |
| Ethnobotanical Uses | Timber & Products: The wood is prized for making high quality furniture and cabinets. Cultural / Religious: Heritage Trees : There is currently one individual of Dalbergia oliveri listed as a Heritage Tree in Singapore. It can be found at Fort Canning Park. To find out more about these trees, please visit the Heritage Tree Register. |
Landscaping Features
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Flowers |
|---|---|
| Landscape Uses | Suitable for Roadsides, Parks & Gardens, Riverine |
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
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green |
|---|
Floral (Angiosperm)
| Flower Colour(s) | Purple |
|---|---|
| Flower Grouping | Cluster / Inflorescence |
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 1544 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 2837 |
| 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. |
