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Pisonia grandis
| Family Name: | Nyctaginaceae |
| Synonyms: | Pisonia alba, Pisonia grandis 'Alba' |
| Common Name: | Lettuce Tree, Kemudu, Mengkudu, Moonlight Tree |
Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Growth Form | Tree (Shrubby (1m-5m)) |
|---|---|
| Maximum Height | 7 m |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | Philippines, Sri Lanka |
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Description and Ethnobotany
| Foliage | Simple leaves about 20cm long, with opposite leaf arrangement. Leaf shape is oblong-ovate. When exposed to strong sunlight, the leaves usually range from pale yellow to almost white, whereas in shady locations, the leaves are somewhat darker. |
|---|---|
| Flowers | Very small and inconspicuous, white in colour. Flowers are borne in small globular clusters. Rarely flowers in Singapore. |
| Fruit | Small, hairy, club-shaped fruits, about 2cm long. Borne in rows. |
| Others - Plant Morphology | Propagation:Propagated from stem cuttings. |
| Etymology | The genus Pisonia is named after the Dutch physician and naturalist, Williem Piso. The species epithet grandis means "large", in reference to the leaves. |
Landscaping Features
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Foliage |
|---|---|
| Landscape Uses | Suitable for Roadsides |
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Full Sun |
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| Water Preference | Lots of Water |
| Plant Growth Rate | Moderate |
Foliar
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Yellow / Golden |
|---|---|
| Leaf Area Index (LAI) for Green Plot Ratio | 2.5 (Tree - Open Canopy) |
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 1771 |
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| Species ID | 3064 |
| 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. |
