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Kayea ferruginea Pierre
| Family Name: | Calophyllaceae |
| Synonyms: | Mesua ferruginea (Pierre) Kosterm. |
| Common Name: | Sembawang, Buah Sembawang |
Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Division | Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) (Dicotyledon) |
|---|---|
| Plant Growth Form | Tree |
| Lifespan (in Singapore) | Perennial |
| Mode of Nutrition | Autotrophic |
| Plant Shape | Irregular |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | Peninsular Malaysia |
|---|---|
| Native Habitat | Terrestrial (Primary Rainforest, Riverine) |
| Preferred Climate Zone | Tropical |
| Local Conservation Status | Native to Singapore (Presumed Nationally Extinct (NEx)) |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | It is a large straggly tree. |
|---|---|
| Foliage | Its stalked, leathery leaves are lanceolate with pointed tips, arranged in pairs, 7-23 cm long by 2.5-5 cm wide. |
| Flowers | Its flowers are arranged on axillary racemes, each flower 2-9 cm in diameter, with four round sepals and four white, broad ovate petals which are slightly smaller, and numerous stamens. |
| Fruit | Its fleshy fruits are round, with enlarged, leathery sepals that are covered with small brown hairs that cover most of the fruit except at the tip. |
| Habitat | It grows along streams and flowing rivers in forests. |
| Associated Fauna | Its flowers are pollinated by insects. |
| Cultivation | It can be propagated by seed. |
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Full Sun |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Moderate Water |
| Plant Growth Rate | Moderate |
Foliar
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green |
|---|
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 1928 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 3220 |
| 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. |








