Back
Cnidoscolus aconitifolius subsp. aconitifolius
| Family Name: | Euphorbiaceae |
| Synonyms: | Cnidoscolus chayamansa McVaugh, Jatropha aconitifolia var. palmata (Willd.) Müll.Arg., Jatropha aconitifolia var. papaya (Medik.) Pax |
| Common Name: | Mayan Spinach Tree, Chaya |
Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Division | Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) (Dicotyledon) |
|---|---|
| Plant Growth Form | Shrub |
| Lifespan (in Singapore) | Perennial |
| Mode of Nutrition | Autotrophic |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | Central America |
|---|---|
| Native Habitat | Terrestrial |
| Preferred Climate Zone | Tropical |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | Shrub to small tree, able to grow up to about 3 m tall. |
|---|---|
| Foliage | Leaves green, palmately 3 - 5 lobed, measuring up to 15 cm long. |
| Flowers | This species bears separate male and female flowers, but on the same long peduncled cyme inflorescence. Flowers white, about 1 cm wide. |
| Fruit | Fruit is a seed pod. |
| Etymology | Genus Cnidoscolus is from the Greek words "knide" and "skolos" which mean "nettle" and "thorn", and refers to the stinging hairs on the plant. |
| Ethnobotanical Uses | Edible Plant Parts : Edible Leaves, Edible Stems Food (Fruit or Vegetable): Younger leaves and stems can be eaten, but they must be cooked thoroughly before consumption. Raw leaves and stems are poisonous and cannot be eaten. |
Landscaping Features
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Foliage |
|---|---|
| Landscape Uses | General, Parks & Gardens, Small Gardens |
| Usage Hazard - Cons | Irritant - Sap |
| Usage Hazard - Cons Remarks | Stinging hairs are present on the young parts of the stem. Avoid handling the plant unless using gloves. Produces a white sap when injured or cut. Avoid getting into contact with the sap as it may cause allergies. |
Fauna, Pollination and Dispersal
| Pollination Method(s) | Biotic (Fauna) |
|---|
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Full Sun |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Moderate Water |
| Rootzone Tolerance | Well-Drained Soils |
| Pest(s) | Sucking Insects |
| Propagation Method | Stem Cutting |
Foliar
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green |
|---|
Floral (Angiosperm)
| Flower Colour(s) | White |
|---|---|
| Flower Grouping | Cluster / Inflorescence |
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 30530 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 4839 |
| 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. |
