Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Growth Form | Tree |
|---|
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | Panama |
|---|---|
| Native Habitat | Terrestrial |
| Preferred Climate Zone | Tropical |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | Medium sized tree |
|---|---|
| Foliage | Leaves compound, with 3 leaflets, mid- dark green. |
| Flowers | Flowers 5-6cm across, greenish white, marked with red lines in the throat. |
| Fruit | Fruits 15- 60cm long, leathery, yellow when ripe, with numerous seeds embedded within the pulp. |
| Others - Plant Morphology | This species has been categorised as an Endangered species under the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as it is (1) not a common species in its native range in Panama and (2) some parts of its habitat are under serious threat from logging activities. |
| Similar | A similar species in cultivation, Parmentiera edulis, is cultivated in some countries for its edible fruits. |
Landscaping Features
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Flowers |
|---|---|
| Landscape Uses | Parks & Gardens |
| Usage Hazard - Cons | Pungent Scent - Fruits, Litter - Abundant Fruits, Large Heavy Fruits |
Fauna, Pollination and Dispersal
| Pollination Method(s) | Biotic (Fauna) |
|---|---|
| Seed or Spore Dispersal | Biotic (Fauna) |
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Full Sun |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Moderate Water |
| Plant Growth Rate | Moderate |
| Rootzone Tolerance | Fertile Loamy Soils |
| Planting Remarks | This species can produce a large number of fleshy fruits that can be rather heavy. As such it should be planted away from areas with pedestrians/ traffic. |
| Pest(s) | Sucking Insects |
| Propagation Method | Seed |
| Maintenance Requirements Remarks | Fallen fruits should be cleared regularly to avoid issues with pests/ insects. |
Foliar
| Foliage Retention | Evergreen |
|---|---|
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green |
| Leaf Area Index (LAI) for Green Plot Ratio | 2.5 (Tree - Open Canopy) |
Floral (Angiosperm)
| Flower Colour(s) | Pink, Red, White |
|---|---|
| Flower Texture(s) | Thick / Fleshy |
Fruit, Seed and Spore
| Mature Fruit Colour(s) | Yellow / Golden |
|---|---|
| Mature Fruit Texture(s) | Smooth, Leathery |
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 1761 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 3054 |
| 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. |