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Mundulea sericea (Willd.) A.Chev.
| Family Name: | Fabaceae (Leguminosae) |
| Synonyms: | Abrus sericeus, Dalbergia sericea |
| Common Name: | Cork bush |
Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Division | Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) (Dicotyledon) |
|---|---|
| Plant Growth Form | Shrub, Tree (Shrubby (1m-5m)) |
| Lifespan (in Singapore) | Perennial |
| Mode of Nutrition | Autotrophic |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | Africa, Asia-Tropical |
|---|---|
| Native Habitat | Terrestrial (Grassland / Savannah/ Scrubland) |
| Preferred Climate Zone | Tropical, Sub-Tropical / Monsoonal |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Ethnobotanical Uses | Medicinal: Although the plant is poisonous, its bark was used by Zulus to treat poisoning. Others: Crushed bark and seeds are used as a fish poison and insecticide in tropical Africa. |
|---|
Landscaping Features
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Flowers |
|---|---|
| Landscape Uses | General, Parks & Gardens, Hedge / Screening, Focal Plant, Container Planting |
Fauna, Pollination and Dispersal
| Fauna Pollination Dispersal Associated Fauna | Bird-Attracting Plant (Flowers), Butterfly-Attracting Plant |
|---|---|
| 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 | Drought Tolerant, Well-Drained Soils |
| Propagation Method | Seed |
| Seed / Spore Germination Duration | 14 days to 42 days |
Foliar
| Foliage Retention | Evergreen |
|---|---|
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green |
| Mature Foliage Texture(s) | Glossy / Shiny, Rough |
| Foliar Type | Compound (Odd-Pinnate) |
| Foliar Arrangement Along Stem | Alternate |
| Foliar Attachment to Stem | Petiolate |
| Foliar Margin | Pinnately Lobed / Pinnatifid |
Floral (Angiosperm)
| Flower Colour(s) | Purple |
|---|---|
| Flower Texture(s) | Smooth |
| Flower Grouping | Cluster / Inflorescence |
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 30142 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 4451 |
| 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. |