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Hernandia nymphaeifolia

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Hernandia nymphaeifolia (C. Presl) Kubitzki

Family Name: Hernandiaceae
Common Name: Buah Keras Laut, Sea-hearse, 莲叶桐

Name

Family Name
Genus Epithet
Species Epithet
Name Authority
Name Status (botanical)
Common Names
Comments

Classifications and Characteristics

Plant Division Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) (Dicotyledon)
Plant Growth Form Tree (Medium (16m-30m))
Lifespan (in Singapore) Perennial
Mode of Nutrition Autotrophic
Plant Shape Rounded
Maximum Height 22 m

Biogeography

Native Distribution Coasts of the Indian and West Pacific Oceans, including Singapore.
Native Habitat Terrestrial (Coastal Forest), Shoreline (Sandy Beach, Rocky Beach)
Preferred Climate Zone Tropical
Local Conservation Status Native to Singapore (Presumed Nationally Extinct (NEx))

Description and Ethnobotany

Growth Form It is an evergreen sea-shore tree up to 22 m tall, with an uneven, open, rounded crown. The trunk is also shortly buttressed, and slightly crooked at the base.
Foliage Its spirally arranged, long-stalked leaves have rather fleshy-leathery leaf blades that are usually broadly egg-shaped, short-tipped, and up to 33 by 29 cm, with yellowish veins and midribs. The leaf blades are attached at the centre of its undersides to the stalk.
Flowers Its much-branched, upright flowering shoots are up to 30 cm long. They bear fragrant flowers that are yellowish-white and 8.5 mm wide.
Fruit Its long-stalked fruits are black nuts, grow in drooping clusters, and about 2.5 cm long, with 8–10 longitudinal grooves. The fruit is enclosed inside a cup that is up to 2.5 cm wide, and pale green then greyish-white.
Habitat It grows most commonly along sandy and rocky coasts.
Associated Fauna Its flowers are insect-pollinated.
Cultivation It can be propagated by seed, but germination takes almost a year.
Etymology Latin Hernandia, commemorating Francisco Hernandez (d. 1578), a Spanish naturalist and explorer; Latin Nymphaea, water-lily; Latin foliacea, leaf-like, referring to this species’ leaves resembling that of the water-lily, Nymphaea
Ethnobotanical Uses Timber & Products: The lightweight, soft timber breaks down quickly, but is used for making canoes.
Others: It is cultivated as an ornamental plant. The seeds can be used to make candles as they contain about 51% of red-brown, inedible oil. The alkaloid-containing seeds cause dizziness and purging when eaten. The leaves also cause purging. Poison of the ipoh tree (Antiaris toxicaria), crabs or fish is thought be counteracted using the plant.

Landscaping Features

Landscaping It is suitable for planting in streetscapes, parks and gardens for its unique fruits and leaves. It can also be planted in coastal parks as it is able to withstand the environmental conditions.
Desirable Plant Features Ornamental Foliage, Ornamental Fruits, Fragrant (Flowers)
Landscape Uses General, Suitable for Roadsides, Parks & Gardens, Small Gardens, Coastal, Beachfront / Shoreline

Fauna, Pollination and Dispersal

Pollination Method(s) Biotic (Fauna)
Seed or Spore Dispersal Abiotic

Plant Care and Propagation

Light Preference Full Sun
Water Preference Moderate Water
Plant Growth Rate Moderate
Rootzone Tolerance Moist Soils, Well-Drained Soils, Saline Soils / Salt Spray
Propagation Method Seed
Seed / Spore Germination Duration 12 months

Foliar

Foliage Retention Evergreen
Mature Foliage Colour(s) Green
Mature Foliage Texture(s) Leathery
Foliar Type Simple / Unifoliate
Foliar Arrangement Along Stem Spiral
Foliar Attachment to Stem Petiolate
Foliar Shape(s) Non-Palm Foliage (Ovate)
Foliar Venation Pinnate / Net
Foliar Margin Entire
Foliar Base Perifoliate

Floral (Angiosperm)

Flower & Plant Sexuality Bisexual Flowers
Flower Colour(s) Cream / Off-White
Flower Grouping Cluster / Inflorescence

Fruit, Seed and Spore

Mature Fruit Colour(s) Black
Fruit Classification Simple Fruit
Fruit Type Indehiscent Dry Fruit , Nut / Nutlet

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Master ID 29083
Species ID 3396
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.
Species record last updated on: 18 August 2022.
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