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Monoon sclerophyllum (Hook.f & Thomson) B.Xue & R.M.K.Saunders
| Family Name: | Annonaceae |
| Synonyms: | Polyalthia sclerophylla Hook.f. & Thoms. |
Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Division | Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) (Dicotyledon) |
|---|---|
| Plant Growth Form | Tree (Medium (16m-30m), Shrubby (1m-5m)) |
| Lifespan (in Singapore) | Perennial |
| Mode of Nutrition | Autotrophic |
| Plant Shape | Irregular |
| Maximum Height | 5 m to 16 m |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | Peninsular Malaysia, Singapore, and Sumatra |
|---|---|
| Native Habitat | Terrestrial (Primary Rainforest) |
| Preferred Climate Zone | Tropical |
| Local Conservation Status | Native to Singapore (Critically Endangered (CR)) |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | It is a tree that grows 5–16 m tall. |
|---|---|
| Foliage | Its alternate, stalked leaves have leathery blades that are oblong-lance-shaped to lance-shaped, shiny green on both sides, and 15–20 by 4–6.5 cm. Its leaf blade midrib is distinct on both sides and raised below. |
| Flowers | Its odourless flowers have petals that are linear-oblong, greenish-yellow then brownish-red when mature and slightly covered with hair on both sides. |
| Fruit | Its fruits are elliptic-oblong, red then black when ripe and 2.5–3.7 cm long. Its seeds are oblong with a linear groove. |
| Habitat | It grows in inland forests. |
| Associated Fauna | Its flowers are insects pollinated. |
| Cultivation | It can be propagated by seed. |
| Etymology | Greek sclera, hard; Greek phylla, leaves, referring to its leathery leaf blades |
Landscaping Features
| Landscaping | It is suitable for parks. |
|---|---|
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Flowers, Ornamental Fruits |
| Landscape Uses | Parks & Gardens |
Fauna, Pollination and Dispersal
| Pollination Method(s) | Biotic (Fauna) |
|---|
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Full Sun, Semi-Shade |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Moderate Water |
| Plant Growth Rate | Moderate |
| Rootzone Tolerance | Moist Soils, Well-Drained Soils, Fertile Loamy Soils |
| Propagation Method | Seed |
Foliar
| Foliage Retention | Evergreen |
|---|---|
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green |
| Mature Foliage Texture(s) | Leathery |
| Foliar Type | Simple / Unifoliate |
| Foliar Arrangement Along Stem | Alternate |
| Foliar Attachment to Stem | Petiolate |
| Foliar Shape(s) | Non-Palm Foliage (Lanceolate, Oblong, Oblanceolate) |
| 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) | Green, Red |
|---|---|
| Flower Grouping | Cluster / Inflorescence |
| Flower Location | Axillary |
| Flower Symmetry | Radial |
Fruit, Seed and Spore
| Mature Fruit Colour(s) | Red, Black |
|---|---|
| Fruit Classification | Aggregate Fruit (Syncarp) |
| Fruit Type | Fleshy Fruit , Non-Accessory Fruit |
References
| References | Xue, B., Su, Y.C.F., Thomas, D. C & Saunders, R.M.K. 2012. Pruning the polyphyletic genus Polyalthia (Annonaceae) and resurrecting the genus Monoon. Taxon. 61. 5. 1021-1039 |
|---|
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 1789 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 3082 |
| 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. |
