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Pinanga simplicifrons

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Pinanga simplicifrons (Miq.) Becc.

Family Name: Arecaceae (Palmae)
Synonyms: Ptychosperma simplicifrons Miq.

Name

Family Name
Genus Epithet
Species Epithet
Name Authority
Name Status (botanical)
Name Status (wrt SBG BG-BASE)
Synonyms
Comments

Classifications and Characteristics

Plant Division Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) (Monocotyledon)
Plant Growth Form Palm (Clustered Habit)
Lifespan (in Singapore) Perennial
Mode of Nutrition Autotrophic
Plant Shape Irregular
Maximum Height 1 m

Biogeography

Native Distribution From south east Thailand to Peninsular Malaysia, Singapore and Sumatra
Native Habitat Terrestrial (Primary Rainforest, Freshwater Swamp Forest)
Preferred Climate Zone Tropical
Local Conservation Status Native to Singapore (Critically Endangered (CR))

Description and Ethnobotany

Growth Form It is a small, clustering, understorey palm, usually less than a metre tall to 1.5 m. Stems are slender, with old persistent leaf sheaths. Its simple (or rarely pinnate) leaves spread radially from the stem.
Foliage Its alternate, stalked, simple (or rarely pinnate) leaves have leaf blades that are oblong, deeply forked at the apex, with prominent veins from the mid rib to the margins, 25–35 cm long.
Stems Its stems are slender, about 8 mm in diameter with overlapping dry leaf sheaths throughout.
Crown Shaft Absent.
Flowers Its small yellow flowers are borne on both sides of a pendulous rachis, 5.5–7 cm long, encased in a rigid leaf sheath.
Fruit Its red fruits are long-ovoid in shaped and slightly curved, 1.8 by 1 cm, arranged in two neat rows along the rachis.
Habitat In wet lowland forests, often on alluvial or periodically freshwater-inundated areas. It occurs locally at Nee Soon Swamp Forest and forests around MacRitchie Reservoir.
Associated Fauna Its flowers are insect pollinated. Fruits are probably bird dispersed.
Cultivation It is propagated by division of the suckers or seeds.
Etymology Malay pinang, vernacular name applied to the betel palm, and members of the Areca, Pinanga and Nenga genera; Latin simplicifrons, simple leaves, referring to the usual undivided leaf fronds of this species
Ethnobotanical Uses Others: It has horticultural potential as an ornamental palm.

Landscaping Features

Landscaping This plant is suitable for planting in cool, moist, shaded areas and is suitable as an indoor plant for its attractive oblong foliage.
Desirable Plant Features Ornamental Foliage, Ornamental Fruits, Ornamental Form
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, Sucker

Foliar

Foliage Retention Evergreen
Mature Foliage Colour(s) Green
Mature Foliage Texture(s) Smooth
Foliar Type Simple / Unifoliate
Foliar Arrangement Along Stem Alternate
Foliar Attachment to Stem Petiolate
Foliar Shape(s) Palm Fronds (Simple)

Floral (Angiosperm)

Flower Colour(s) Cream / Off-White
Flower Grouping Cluster / Inflorescence
Flower Location Axillary

Fruit, Seed and Spore

Mature Fruit Colour(s) Red
Fruit Classification Simple Fruit
Fruit Type Fleshy Fruit

References

References Ang, W. F., A. F. S. L. Lok & H. T. W. Tan. 2010. Rediscovery in Singapore of Pinanga simplicifrons (Miq.) Becc. (Arecaceae). Nature in Singapore. 3. 83–86

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Master ID 30700
Species ID 5012
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: 28 August 2024.
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