Name
Classifications and Characteristics
Plant Division | Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) (Dicotyledon) |
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Plant Growth Form | Shrub |
Lifespan (in Singapore) | Perennial |
Mode of Nutrition | Autotrophic |
Plant Shape | Irregular |
Maximum Height | 3 m |
Biogeography
Native Distribution | South China, Myanmar, Peninsular Malaysia, Sumatra, Singapore, the Philippines, and Borneo |
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Native Habitat | Terrestrial (Primary Rainforest, Secondary Rainforest) |
Preferred Climate Zone | Sub-Tropical / Monsoonal |
Local Conservation Status | Native to Singapore (Vulnerable (VU)) |
Description and Ethnobotany
Growth Form | It is a shrub up to 3 m tall. |
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Foliage | Its stalked leaves have elliptic leaf blades that are 12 by 3.5 cm. |
Flowers | Its flowers are yellow. |
Fruit | Its fruits are round, red, and 7 mm across. |
Habitat | It grows in lowlands, often near or on limestone. |
Associated Fauna | Its flowers are insect-pollinated, and fruits are eaten by birds. |
Cultivation | It can be propagated by seed. |
Etymology | Greek microdesmis, small clusters, referring to the flower clusters; Latin casearii named after J. Casearius, Latin folia, leaf |
Ethnobotanical Uses | Timber & Products: Its wood is used in constructing the structure of roofs and for fuel. |
Landscaping Features
Landscaping | It is suitable for parks. |
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Landscape Uses | Parks & Gardens, Small Gardens, Hedge / Screening |
Fauna, Pollination and Dispersal
Fauna Pollination Dispersal Associated Fauna | Bird-Attracting |
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Pollination Method(s) | Biotic (Fauna) |
Seed or Spore Dispersal | Biotic (Fauna) |
Plant Care and Propagation
Light Preference | Semi-Shade, Full Sun |
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Water Preference | Moderate Water |
Rootzone Tolerance | Moist Soils, Well-Drained Soils, Fertile Loamy Soils |
Propagation Method | Seed |
Foliar
Foliage Retention | Evergreen |
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Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green |
Foliar Type | Simple / Unifoliate |
Foliar Arrangement Along Stem | Alternate |
Foliar Attachment to Stem | Petiolate |
Foliar Shape(s) | Non-Palm Foliage (Elliptical) |
Foliar Venation | Pinnate / Net |
Foliar Margin | Entire |
Leaf Area Index (LAI) for Green Plot Ratio | 3.0 (Tree - Intermediate Canopy) |
Floral (Angiosperm)
Flower & Plant Sexuality | Bisexual Flowers |
Flower Colour(s) | Yellow / Golden |
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Flower Grouping | Cluster / Inflorescence |
Flower Location | Axillary |
Flower Symmetry | Radial |
Fruit, Seed and Spore
Mature Fruit Colour(s) | Red |
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Fruit Classification | Simple Fruit |
Fruit Type | Fleshy Fruit , Non-Accessory Fruit |
Image Repository
Others
Master ID | 1733 |
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Species ID | 3026 |
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. |