Back

Lophopetalum wightianum

Family Name:	Celastraceae
Synonyms:	Lophopetalum pachyphyllum auct. non King <1>, Lophopetalum fimbriatum Wight

Lophopetalum wightianum is a large tree native to Singapore. Growing to 50 m tall, it has slightly leathery leaves, broadly to narrowly elliptic or egg shaped. Flowers are borne in clusters, distinctly 5-lobed, yellow petals with a red, sunken, cup-shaped disk. The fruit is a woody spindle-shaped capsule that splits to release oblong, flat, winged seeds.

Full Sun

Moderate Water

Native to Singapore

Tree

Name

Family Name
Genus Epithet
Species Epithet
Name Status (botanical)
Synonyms
Comments
Species Summary

Classifications and Characteristics

Plant Division	Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) (Dicotyledon)
Plant Growth Form	Tree (Big (>30m))
Maximum Height	50 m

Biogeography

Native Distribution	India, East Pakistan, Mynmmar, Peninsular Malaysia, Sumatra, Singapore, Borneo
Native Habitat
Preferred Climate Zone	Tropical

Local Conservation Status

Native to Singapore (Endangered (EN))

Description and Ethnobotany

Growth Form	It is a large-sized tree that can grow up to 50 m tall. Buttress may be present up to 8 m in height.
Foliage	Leaves are slightly leathery, often broadly to narrowly elliptic or egg, rarely spoon-shaped, measuring 8 - 25 cm long by 4 - 10 cm wide. Tufts of hair are found on the stipules which may fall early.
Flowers	Flowers are borne on an inflorescence, up to 12 cm long. The flower is 10 - 13mm wide, distinctly 5-lobed, yellow petals and a red, sunken, cup-shaped disk at the center. Stamens and pistils emerging from the circular to 5-lobed disk.

Fruit	The fruit is a woody, spindle-shaped capsule, 3-lobed measuring 10 - 15 cm long. Upon maturity, it splits to release oblong, flat, winged seeds measuring to 6.5 cm long and 1.5 cm wide.
Habitat	Occurs in evergreen forest, from near sea level to altitude 780 m. <2,3>
Cultivation	It can be propagated by seed.

Plant Care and Propagation

Light Preference	Full Sun
Water Preference	Moderate Water
Plant Growth Rate	Moderate to Slow

Rootzone Tolerance	Moist Soils, Fertile Loamy Soils
Propagation Method	Seed

Foliar

Foliage Retention	Evergreen
Foliar Type	Simple / Unifoliate
Foliar Arrangement Along Stem	Opposite

Foliar Attachment to Stem	Petiolate
Foliar Shape(s)	Non-Palm Foliage (Elliptical, Oblong, Ovate)
Foliar Venation	Reticulate
Foliar Margin	Entire
Foliar Apex - Tip	Acuminate, Acute
Foliar Base	Rounded / Obtuse, Cuneate, Peltate

Non - Foliar and Storage

Stem Type & Modification	Woody
Root Type	Underground

Floral (Angiosperm)

Flower & Plant Sexuality	Bisexual Flowers , Bisexual Flowers
Flower Colour(s)	Yellow / Golden, Red

Flower Grouping	Cluster / Inflorescence
Flower Location	Axillary
Flower Symmetry	Radial
Inflorescence Type	Thyrse

Fruit, Seed and Spore

Mature Fruit Colour(s)	Brown, Black
Fruit Classification	Simple Fruit
Fruit Type	Dehiscent Dry Fruit , Capsule

References

References	<1> Chew, P.T., Saifuddin, S. & Ali, I. (1997). Checklist of Vascular Plants in the Nature Reserves of Singapore. Gardens' Bulletin Singapore 49(2): 176. Singapore: Singapore Botanic Gardens, National Parks Board. <2> Hou, D. 1962. Lophopetalum. In: Hou, D. (ed.) Celastraceae, Flora Malesiana, ser. 1, vol. 6, pt. 2, pp. 267-268. Leiden: Rjksherbarium. <3> Hou, D., Savinov, I.A., van Welzen, P.C. (2010). Celastraceae. Flora of Thailand, vol. 10(2), pp. 179-180. Bangkok: The Forest Herbarium, Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant conservation.

References

<1> Chew, P.T., Saifuddin, S. & Ali, I. (1997). Checklist of Vascular Plants in the Nature Reserves of Singapore. Gardens' Bulletin Singapore 49(2): 176. Singapore: Singapore Botanic Gardens, National Parks Board.

<2> Hou, D. 1962. Lophopetalum. In: Hou, D. (ed.) Celastraceae, Flora Malesiana, ser. 1, vol. 6, pt. 2, pp. 267-268. Leiden: Rjksherbarium.

<3> Hou, D., Savinov, I.A., van Welzen, P.C. (2010). Celastraceae. Flora of Thailand, vol. 10(2), pp. 179-180. Bangkok: The Forest Herbarium, Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant conservation.

Image Repository

Images

Others

Master ID	30100
Species ID	4409
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.

Species record last updated on: 21 December 2023.