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. |