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Lysiphyllum hookeri (F.Muell.) Pedley
Family Name: | Fabaceae (Leguminosae) |
Synonyms: | Bauhinia hookeri F.Muell, Bauhinia hookeri var. broomensis Hochr. |
Common Name: | Pegunny, Hooker's Bauhinia, Queensland Ebony, White Bauhinia |
Lysiphyllum hookeri is a small tree with spreading crown and bonsai-like growth form. It has small butterfly-winged leaves and clusters of white flowers with bright red long stamens.
Name
Classifications and Characteristics
Plant Division | Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) (Dicotyledon) |
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Plant Growth Form | Tree, Shrub |
Lifespan (in Singapore) | Perennial |
Mode of Nutrition | Autotrophic |
Maximum Height | 10 m |
Biogeography
Native Distribution | New South Wales, Northern Territory, Queensland |
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Native Habitat | Terrestrial (Coastal Forest, Monsoon Forest) |
Preferred Climate Zone | Tropical |
Local Conservation Status | Non-native |
Description and Ethnobotany
Growth Form | A big shrub to a small tree with spreading crown. |
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Foliage | Leaves are bi-lobed, resembling butterfly wings. |
Stems | Stem has multiple branching. |
Flowers | White flowers, with long red stamens. Fragrant. |
Fruits | Flat pods containing multiple seeds. |
Habitat | Found growing in monsoon forests, beach forests and open forests. |
Cultivation | Prefers full sun, drought tolerant once established. Seed requires soaking before planting due to the hard coating. |
Etymology | The genus Lysiphyllum means loose leaves, most likely with reference to the loose branching. The specific epithet hookeri refers to either Sir William Jackson Hooker or his son Sir Joseph Dalton Hooker, both directors of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. |
Landscaping Features
Landscaping | Potential for planting in parks and gardens and along streetscapes for its ornamental leaves and showy flowers. |
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Desirable Plant Features | Fragrant (Flowers), Ornamental Flowers, Ornamental Foliage, Ornamental Form |
Plant & Rootzone Preference - Tolerance | Dry Soils / Drought |
Landscape Uses | Coastal, Parks & Gardens, Roadside Tree / Palm |
Fauna, Pollination and Dispersal
Fauna Pollination Dispersal Associated Fauna | Bird Attracting |
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Plant Care and Propagation
Light Preference | Full Sun |
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Water Preference | Moderate Water |
Plant Growth Rate | Moderate to Slow |
Propagation Method | Seed |
Seed or Spore Germination Duration From | 14 |
Seed or Spore Germination Duration To | 90 |
Seed or Spore Germination Duration Unit | Days |
Foliar
Foliage Retention | Drought / Semi-Deciduous |
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Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green |
Mature Foliage Texture(s) | Smooth |
Prominent Young Flush Colour(s) | Green, Red |
Young Flush Texture(s) | Smooth |
Foliar Type | Compound (Biofoliate) |
Foliar Arrangement Along Stem | Alternate |
Foliar Attachment to Stem | Petiolate |
Foliar Shape(s) | Non-Palm Foliage |
Foliar Venation | Pinnate / Net |
Foliar Margin | Entire |
Foliar Apex - Tip | Rounded |
Non - Foliar and Storage
Root Type | Underground |
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Floral (Angiosperm)
Flower & Plant Sexuality 1 | Bisexual Flowers |
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Flower Colour(s) | White |
Flower Texture(s) | Smooth |
Flower Grouping | Cluster / Inflorescence |
Image Repository
Others
Master ID | 30104 |
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Species ID | 4413 |
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. |