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Sarcophrynium brachystachyum (Benth.) K.Schum.
| Family Name: | Marantaceae |
| Synonyms: | Donax brachystachya (Benth.) Roberty, Maranta brachystachys Benth., Phrynium brachystachyum (Benth.) Körn., Phrynium molle A.Chev., Phrynium villosum K.Schum., Sarcophrynium brachystachyum Koechlin, var. puberulifolium, Sarcophrynium strictifolium Schnell, Thalia brachystachys (Benth.) K.Koch |
Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Division | Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) |
|---|---|
| Plant Growth Form | Herbaceous Plant |
| Lifespan (in Singapore) | Perennial |
| Mode of Nutrition | Autotrophic |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | West and western central Africa |
|---|---|
| Native Habitat | Terrestrial |
| Preferred Climate Zone | Tropical |
| Local Conservation Status | Non-native |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | Rhizomatous herb to 1.8m tall |
|---|---|
| Foliage | Leaves dark green, to 40cm long by 20cm wide. |
| Flowers | Flowers cream, yellowish or pinkish white |
| Fruit | Fruits globose,, to 1.5cm in diameter, red. |
| Ethnobotanical Uses | Edible Plant Parts : Edible Fruits Medicinal: In the Ivory Coast, the seeds are ground and mixed with palm wine or water, and taken as a remedy for pulmonary complaints such as cough and bronchitis. The rhizomes, made into a decoction with leaves of several other plant species, are taken for similar purposes in Gabon. Cultural / Religious: Used by the Yoruba people of Nigeria in ritual incantations to 'obtain a wife' Others: In its native range, leaves are used as wrapping and thatching material; split petioles (after processing) are used for tying and also woven into into baskets and mats. |
Landscaping Features
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Foliage |
|---|---|
| Landscape Uses | Parks & Gardens, Small Gardens, Indoor Plant, Container Planting |
Fauna, Pollination and Dispersal
| Pollination Method(s) | Biotic (Fauna) (Insects (Bee)) |
|---|
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Semi-Shade |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Lots of Water, Moderate Water, Occasional Misting |
| Plant Growth Rate | Fast |
| Rootzone Tolerance | Moist Soils, Fertile Loamy Soils, Easy to Grow |
| Pest(s) | Chewing Insects |
| Propagation Method | Seed, Division |
Foliar
| Foliage Retention | Evergreen |
|---|---|
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green |
Floral (Angiosperm)
| Flower Colour(s) | Yellow / Golden, White, Cream / Off-White |
|---|---|
| Flower Texture(s) | Thin |
| Flower Grouping | Cluster / Inflorescence |
| Flower Lifespan on Plant | [Remarks] (Flowers stay open only for a few hours; opening early in the morning and closing by noon.) |
| Flower Lifespan on Plant - Remarks | Flowers stay open only for a few hours; opening early in the morning and closing by noon. |
Fruit, Seed and Spore
| Mature Fruit Colour(s) | Red, Orange |
|---|
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 31092 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 5482 |
| 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. |