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Cryosophila warscewiczii (H.Wendl.) Bartlett
| Family Name: | Arecaceae (Palmae) |
Cryosophila warscewiczii is a solitary palm which can reach up to 10 m tall. It is easily recognized by its palmate leaves, white fleshy fruits, and branched spines on the stems. The stem is covered in long spines when young. As it matures, the spines are sometimes restricted to the base of the stem.
Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Division | Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) |
|---|---|
| Plant Growth Form | Palm |
| Lifespan (in Singapore) | Perennial |
| Mode of Nutrition | Autotrophic |
| Maximum Height | 10 m |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | Central America |
|---|---|
| Native Habitat | Terrestrial |
| Preferred Climate Zone | Tropical |
| Local Conservation Status | Non-native |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | It is a palm which can reach up to 10 m tall and has a solitary growth habit. The stem is covered in long spines when young. As it matures, the spines are sometimes restricted to the base of the stem. The spines can be simple or branched, and may reach up to 16 (- 35) cm long. |
|---|---|
| Foliage | The leaves are palmate, reaching up to 1.5 – 2 m in diameter. They are irregularly lobed almost to the base of the leaf blade. The upper surface of the leaf is green and glabrous, while the underside is densely covered with white hairs. |
| Flowers | The inflorescence occurs between the leaves and densely packed with tiny flowers. Flowers are bisexual and comprises of 3 broadly obovate petals, 6 stamens and 3 pistils. |
| Fruit | Fruit is round to obovate (about 1 – 2 cm diameter), smooth and fleshy. It turns white when mature. Each fruit contains 1 seed within. |
| Habitat | It is found in the understory of rainforest. |
| Associated Flora | It is pollinated by insects. |
Fauna, Pollination and Dispersal
| Pollination Method(s) | Biotic (Fauna) |
|---|
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Semi-Shade |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Moderate Water |
| Plant Growth Rate | Moderate |
Non - Foliar and Storage
| Trunk Type (Palm) | Solitary Habit, Aboveground |
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References
| References | Croat, T.B. (1978). Flora of Barro Colorado Island. Stanford, California: Stanford University Press. 943 pp. |
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Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 29565 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 3874 |
| 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. |
