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 (Big (>30m)) |
| Lifespan (in Singapore) | Perennial |
| Mode of Nutrition | Autotrophic |
| Plant Shape | Irregular |
| Maximum Height | 36 m |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore |
| Native Habitat | Terrestrial |
| Preferred Climate Zone | Tropical |
| Local Conservation Status | Native to Singapore (Vulnerable (VU)) |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | It is a tree up to 36 m tall. |
| Foliage | Its alternate, stalked leaves have thickly leathery leaf blades that are oblong, and 7.6-30 by 4-9 cm. Its leaves are glossy above, and covered with glittering scales below, giving a golden-coppery appearance. |
| Flowers | Its large flowers are white, 2-3 cm long, and clustered on the branches. |
| Fruits | Its green fruits are round, about 7.6-11.4 cm wide, and rather densely covered with slender and stiff rambutan-like spines. Its brown seeds are not covered in fruit pulp. |
| Habitat | It grows in lowland forests up to 915 m altitude. It occurs locally in Nee Soon Swamp Forest and in the vicinities of Upper Seletar and MacRitchie Reservoirs. |
| Associated Fauna | Its flowers are pollinated by bats. |
| Cultivation | It can be propagated by seed. |
| Etymology | Latin Durio, from the Malay name durian; Latin singaporensis, from Singapore, referring to one locality in the natural distribution of this species |
| Ethnobotanical Uses | Timber & Products ( It is a source of timber.) |
Landscaping Features
| Landscaping | It may be suitable for parks for its attractive leaves. |
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Fruits, Ornamental Foliage |
| Plant & Rootzone Preference - Tolerance | Moist Soils, Well-Drained Soils, Fertile Loamy Soils |
| Landscape Uses | General, Parks & Gardens, Small Gardens |
| Thematic Landscaping | Golden Garden |
Fauna, Pollination and Dispersal
| Fauna Pollination Dispersal Associated Fauna | Bat Food |
| Pollination Method(s) | Biotic (Fauna) |
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Full Sun |
| Water Preference | Moderate Water |
| Plant Growth Rate | Moderate |
| Maintenance Requirements | Moderate |
| Propagation Method | Seed |
Foliar
| Foliage Retention | Evergreen |
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green, Yellow / Golden |
| Mature Foliage Texture(s) | Leathery, Thick |
| Foliar Type | Simple / Unifoliate |
| Foliar Arrangement Along Stem | Alternate |
| Foliar Attachment to Stem | Petiolate |
| Foliar Shape(s) | Non-Palm Foliage (Oblong) |
| Foliar Venation | Pinnate / Net |
| Foliar Margin | Entire |
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) Remarks | Golden-coppery underneath. |
Floral (Angiosperm)
| Flower Colour(s) | White |
| Flower Grouping | Cluster / Inflorescence |
| Flower Location | Cauliflorous |
| Flower Symmetry | Radial |
Fruit, Seed and Spore
| Mature Fruit Colour(s) - Angiosperms and Gymnosperms | Green |
| Mature Fruit Texture(s) | Bristly, Thorny / Spiny |
| Fruit Classification | Simple Fruit |
| Fruit Type 1 | Dehiscent Dry Fruit |
| Fruit Type 2 | Capsule |
Image Repository
| Images |
Others
| Master ID | 29703 |
| Species ID | 4012 |
| 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. |