Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Division | Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) (Dicotyledon) |
|---|---|
| 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 |
|---|---|
| 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. |
|---|---|
| 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. |
|---|---|
| Landscape Uses | Parks & Gardens, Small Gardens, Hedge / Screening |
Fauna, Pollination and Dispersal
| Fauna Pollination Dispersal Associated Fauna | Bird-Attracting |
|---|---|
| Pollination Method(s) | Biotic (Fauna) |
| Seed or Spore Dispersal | Biotic (Fauna) |
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Semi-Shade, Full Sun |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Moderate Water |
| Rootzone Tolerance | Moist Soils, Well-Drained Soils, Fertile Loamy Soils |
| Propagation Method | Seed |
Foliar
| Foliage Retention | Evergreen |
|---|---|
| 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 |
|---|---|
| Flower Grouping | Cluster / Inflorescence |
| Flower Location | Axillary |
| Flower Symmetry | Radial |
Fruit, Seed and Spore
| Mature Fruit Colour(s) | Red |
|---|---|
| Fruit Classification | Simple Fruit |
| Fruit Type | Fleshy Fruit , Non-Accessory Fruit |
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 1733 |
|---|---|
| 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. |