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Ardisia kteniophylla Aug.DC.
| Family Name: | Primulaceae |
| Synonyms: | Ardisia gigantifolia auct. non Stapf |
| Common Name: | 走马胎 |
Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Division | Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) |
|---|---|
| Plant Growth Form | Shrub |
| Lifespan (in Singapore) | Perennial |
| Mode of Nutrition | Autotrophic |
| Plant Shape | Irregular |
| Maximum Height | 1 m to 3 m |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | China, Vietnam, Thailand, Peninsular Malaysia and Indonesia |
|---|---|
| Native Habitat | Terrestrial (Primary Rainforest, Mountain, Secondary Rainforest, Monsoon Forest, Riverine) |
| Preferred Climate Zone | Tropical, Sub-Tropical / Monsoonal |
| Local Conservation Status | Non-native (Horticultural / Cultivated Only) |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | It is a stoloniferous shrub, 1-3 m tall, with angular branches. |
|---|---|
| Foliage | Its alternate, stalked, membranous leaves are elliptic to obovate or oblanceolate in shape, 25-48 by 5-19 cm, hairless or minutely hairy along the veins on the top side. |
| Flowers | Its stalked, white or pinkish flowers are 5-petaled and 4-5 mm wide, borne on a terminal, or rarely on an axillary inflorescence. |
| Fruit | Its round and reddish fruits are 6 mm in diameter. |
| Habitat | It grows in forests, on hillsides and valleys, moist ravines, along stream banks and in damp shady places. |
| Cultivation | It can be propagated by seeds, stem cuttings or leaf cuttings. |
Landscaping Features
| Landscaping | It is suitable for growing in parks and gardens, in cool, moist shaded areas for its ornamental leaves and fruits. |
|---|---|
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Foliage, Ornamental Fruits |
| Landscape Uses | General, Parks & Gardens, Small Gardens, Interiorscape/ Indoor Plant |
Fauna, Pollination and Dispersal
| Pollination Method(s) | Biotic (Fauna) |
|---|---|
| Seed or Spore Dispersal | Biotic (Fauna) |
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Semi-Shade, Full Shade |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Moderate Water |
| Plant Growth Rate | Moderate |
| Rootzone Tolerance | Moist Soils, Well-Drained Soils, Fertile Loamy Soils |
| Propagation Method | Seed, Stem Cutting |
Foliar
| Foliage Retention | Evergreen |
|---|---|
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green |
| Mature Foliage Texture(s) | Velvety / Furry / Tomentose, Leathery |
| Foliar Type | Simple / Unifoliate |
| Foliar Arrangement Along Stem | Alternate |
| Foliar Attachment to Stem | Petiolate |
| Foliar Shape(s) | Non-Palm Foliage (Obovate, Elliptical, Oblanceolate) |
| Foliar Venation | Pinnate / Net |
Floral (Angiosperm)
| Flower & Plant Sexuality | Bisexual Flowers |
| Flower Colour(s) | Pink, White |
|---|---|
| Flower Grouping | Cluster / Inflorescence |
| Flower Location | Axillary, Terminal |
| Flower Symmetry | Radial |
Fruit, Seed and Spore
| Mature Fruit Colour(s) | Red |
|---|---|
| Fruit Classification | Simple Fruit |
| Fruit Type | Fleshy Fruit , Non-Accessory Fruit |
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 30597 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 4906 |
| 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. |
