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Cratoxylum maingayi Dyer
| Family Name: | Hypericaceae |
| Common Name: | Derum, Derum Bukit |
Cratoxylum maingayi is a critically endangered tree species in Singapore, best known for their beautiful, pale pink ornamental flowers which are often accompanied by a flush of reddish young leaves. Growing up to 20 m tall, this deciduous species sheds its leaves seasonally, adding variety to the landscape. One individual is listed as a Heritage Tree and can be observed in its natural forest habitat at Bukit Timah Nature Reserve.
Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Division | Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) (Dicotyledon) |
|---|---|
| Plant Growth Form | Tree (Small (6m-15m)) |
| Lifespan (in Singapore) | Perennial |
| Mode of Nutrition | Autotrophic |
| Plant Shape | Rounded, Irregular |
| Maximum Height | 20 m |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | Myanmar, Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam, Sumatra, Peninsular Malaysia, Singapore, and Borneo |
|---|---|
| Native Habitat | Terrestrial (Primary Rainforest, Secondary Rainforest) |
| Preferred Climate Zone | Tropical, Sub-Tropical / Monsoonal |
| Local Conservation Status | Native to Singapore (Critically Endangered (CR)) |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | It is a deciduous tree, up to 20 m tall. |
|---|---|
| Foliage | Its opposite, stalked leaves have leathery leaf blades that are broadly oval, pointed, and 1.5–5.5 by 0.8–3 cm. |
| Flowers | Its flowers develop singly and are arranged in opposites on leaf axils. They also have pale pink or white petals. |
| Fruit | Its fruits are capsules, 6–15 by 3–5.5 mm, and covered for nearly half of its length by the sepals. Its seeds are found in a group of 5–6 per locule, with a wing on one side each. |
| Habitat | It grows on lowland limestone substrates. |
| Associated Fauna | Its flowers are insect-pollinated. |
| Cultivation | It can be propagated by seed. |
| Etymology | Greek kratos, strength; Greek xulon, wood, referring to the strong timber; Latin maingayi, given in honour of A. C. Maingay (1836–1869), botanist of the East India Company. |
| Ethnobotanical Uses | Cultural / Religious: Heritage Tree: There is currently one individual of Cratoxylum maingayi listed as Heritage Trees in Singapore. To find out more about this tree, please visit the Heritage Tree Register. |
Landscaping Features
| Landscaping | It is suitable for parks and streetscapes for its small stature, ornamental pink blossoms and reddish new leaves. |
|---|---|
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Foliage, Ornamental Flowers |
| Landscape Uses | General, Suitable for Roadsides, Parks & Gardens, Small Gardens |
Fauna, Pollination and Dispersal
| Pollination Method(s) | Biotic (Fauna) |
|---|---|
| Seed or Spore Dispersal | Abiotic |
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 |
| Maintenance Requirements | Moderate |
| Propagation Method | Seed |
Foliar
| Foliage Retention | Deciduous, Drought / Semi-Deciduous |
|---|---|
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green |
| Mature Foliage Texture(s) | Leathery |
| Prominent Young Flush Colour(s) | Red |
| Foliar Type | Simple / Unifoliate |
| Foliar Arrangement Along Stem | Opposite |
| Foliar Attachment to Stem | Petiolate |
| Foliar Shape(s) | Non-Palm Foliage (Oval) |
| Foliar Venation | Pinnate / Net |
| Foliar Margin | Entire |
| Foliar Apex - Tip | Acute |
| Foliar Base | Acute |
Floral (Angiosperm)
| Flower & Plant Sexuality | Bisexual Flowers |
| Flower Colour(s) | Pink, White |
|---|---|
| Flower Grouping | Solitary |
| Flower Location | Axillary |
| Flower Symmetry | Radial |
Fruit, Seed and Spore
| Mature Fruit Colour(s) | Brown |
|---|---|
| Fruit Classification | Simple Fruit |
| Fruit Type | Dehiscent Dry Fruit , Capsule |
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 29376 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 3685 |
| 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. |
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