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Lepisanthes alata (Blume) Leenh.
| Family Name: | Sapindaceae |
| Synonyms: | Otophora alata Blume |
| Common Name: | Johore Tree, Blimbing Cina |
Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Division | Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) (Dicotyledon) |
|---|---|
| Plant Growth Form | Tree (Small (6m-15m)) |
| Lifespan (in Singapore) | Perennial |
| Mode of Nutrition | Autotrophic |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | Borneo, Java, the Philippines |
|---|---|
| Native Habitat | Terrestrial |
| Preferred Climate Zone | Tropical |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | A tree up to 15 m tall. |
|---|---|
| Foliage | The compound leaves are 20-45 cm long (occasionally to 100 cm),with 8-12 pairs of leaflets. The main stem of the leaf is glabrous and winged on both sides; wings are 3-8 mm wide. Leaflets are ovate-lanceolate to lanceolate, oppositely or sub-oppositely arranged, with pointed tips and entire margin. Young leaves are pinkish-purple, turning green when mature. |
| Flowers | This tree is monoecious (male and female flowers on the same plant). Flowers are borne in clusters which grow up to 45 cm in length, scentless, with 5 purple to wine red colored petals. |
| Fruit | Fruits are trigonous-obovoid with a pointed tip, measuring about 2.5-4 cm in diameter. Mature fruits are red in color, with translucent fleshy pulp. |
| Habitat | Along rivers and streams, lowland forests up to 500 m altitude, on clay soils. |
| Ethnobotanical Uses | Edible Plant Parts : Edible Fruits Food (Fruit or Vegetable): The fruit pulp is sweet and edible. |
Landscaping Features
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Foliage, Ornamental Fruits |
|---|---|
| Landscape Uses | General, Parks & Gardens, Riverine |
| Thematic Landscaping | Economic Garden |
Fauna, Pollination and Dispersal
| Pollination Method(s) | 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 |
| Propagation Method | Seed |
Foliar
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green |
|---|---|
| Prominent Young Flush Colour(s) | Pink, Purple |
| Leaf Area Index (LAI) for Green Plot Ratio | 3.0 (Tree - Intermediate Canopy) |
Floral (Angiosperm)
| Flower Colour(s) | Purple, Red |
|---|---|
| Flower Grouping | Cluster / Inflorescence |
Fruit, Seed and Spore
| Mature Fruit Colour(s) | Red, Purple |
|---|---|
| Mature Fruit Texture(s) | Smooth |
| Seed Quantity Per Fruit | Few (1-5) |
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 1703 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 2996 |
| 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. |
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