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 |
| Maximum Height | 12 m |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | Mediterranean |
|---|---|
| Native Habitat | Terrestrial |
| Preferred Climate Zone | Mediterranean |
| Local Conservation Status | Non-native (Horticultural / Cultivated Only) |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | Shrubby or small tree up to 12 m tall. |
|---|---|
| Foliage | Smooth, leathery leaves are elliptic with smooth edges or lined with rounded teeth. Crushed leaves are fragrant. |
| Flowers | Yellowish white to greenish yellow flowers occur in clusters in the leaf axils (the space between the upper surface of a leaf and the stem). Male and female flowers occur on separate individuals. |
| Fruit | Egg-shaped fruits are dark purple when ripe. |
| Others - Plant Morphology | The leaves contain 0.3-0.5% essential oil, while the fruits contain 1%. |
| Cultivation | It is prone to attack by scale insects which can be removed by applying horticultural oil or alcohol on them. |
| Ethnobotanical Uses | Food (Herb or Spice): In French cuisine, the leaves are tied with other herbs and used to flavor soups and sauces. Medicinal: The leaves have anti-diabetic compounds, according to studies based on experimental animals. Cultural / Religious: In ancient times, the leaves were used to make a crown to acknowledge the accomplishments of various individuals. Others: The seeds can be used to make soap. |
Landscaping Features
| Landscape Uses | General, Small Gardens, Topiary, Container Planting |
|---|---|
| Thematic Landscaping | Economic Garden |
Fauna, Pollination and Dispersal
| Pollination Method(s) | Biotic (Fauna) (Insects (Bee)) |
|---|
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Full Sun |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Moderate Water |
| Plant Growth Rate | Moderate |
| Rootzone Tolerance | Well-Drained Soils |
| Propagation Method | Seed, Stem Cutting (Semi-Hardwood) |
| Propagation Method Remarks | Take cuttings from stem that has just become woody. It will take at least 3 months for stem cuttings to root. |
| Seed / Spore Germination Duration | 6 months to 12 months |
Foliar
| Foliage Retention | Evergreen |
|---|---|
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green |
| Mature Foliage Texture(s) | Smooth, Glossy / Shiny, Leathery, Thick |
| Foliar Type | Simple / Unifoliate |
| Foliar Arrangement Along Stem | Alternate |
| Foliar Attachment to Stem | Petiolate |
| Foliar Shape(s) | Non-Palm Foliage (Lanceolate, Elliptical, Oblong) |
| Foliar Venation | Pinnate / Net |
| Foliar Margin | Entire, Crenate |
| Foliar Apex - Tip | Acute |
| Foliar Base | Acute |
Floral (Angiosperm)
| Flower & Plant Sexuality | Unisexual Flowers , Dioecious |
| Flower Grouping | Cluster / Inflorescence |
|---|
| Flower Location | Axillary |
| Inflorescence Type | Umbel |
| Flowering Period | Free-Flowering |
| Flowering Habit | Polycarpic |
| Flower Colour(s) Remarks | Yellowish White, Greenish Yellow |
Fruit, Seed and Spore
| Mature Fruit Colour(s) | Purple, Black |
|---|---|
| Mature Fruit Texture(s) | Smooth, Glossy / Shiny |
| Plant Sexuality (non-Angiosperm) | Dioecious |
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 30060 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 4369 |
| 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. |