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Pterisanthes polita

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Pterisanthes polita (Miq.) M.A.Lawson

Family Name: Vitaceae
Synonyms: Pterisanthes gladiata Steenis, Pterisanthes parvifolia Merr., Pterisanthes sinuosa Merr., Vitis polita Miq.
Common Name: Simple-leaved ribbon vine, Akar janggut baung

Pterisanthes polita, also known as the Simple-leaved Ribbon Vine, is a critically endangered climber native to Singapore. It thrives in the shaded, moist understorey of lowland dipterocarp and swamp forests. This vine bears distinctive ribbon-like inflorescences. The small, delicate flowers are likely pollinated by bees, while birds are drawn to its small red berries.

Name

Family Name
Genus Epithet
Species Epithet
Name Authority
Name Status (botanical)
Synonyms
Common Names
Comments
Species Summary

Classifications and Characteristics

Plant Division Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) (Dicotyledon)
Plant Growth Form Climber
Lifespan (in Singapore) Perennial
Mode of Nutrition Autotrophic

Biogeography

Native Distribution Peninsular Myanmar, Peninsular Thailand, Sumatra, Peninsular Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines, and Borneo.
Native Habitat Terrestrial
Preferred Climate Zone Tropical
Local Conservation Status Native to Singapore (Critically Endangered (CR))

Description and Ethnobotany

Growth Form It is a herbaceous climber.
Foliage Its spirally arranged, stalked leaves have papery to leathery leaf blades that are egg-shaped, 7–13 by 4–7 cm, and with toothed margins. They are also covered with hair when young, and hairless or rarely sparsely covered with hair when old.
Flowers Its stalked, red flowering shoot is covered with brown hair and 6.5–27 cm long. They bear few to numerous flowers.
Fruit Its fruits are round berries up to 3–5 mm wide.
Habitat It grows on the fringes and in the understorey of lowland dipterocarp and swamp forests. It occurs locally in Nee Soon Swamp Forest.
Associated Fauna Its flowers are pollinated by bees, and its fruits and seeds may be eaten and dispersed by birds.
Cultivation It can be propagated by seed or stem cuttings.
Etymology Greek pteron, wing; Greek anthe, flower, probably referring to the flat blade-like inflorescence; Latin polita, polished, the reference to which is unknown

Landscaping Features

Landscaping It may be suitable for parks.
Desirable Plant Features Ornamental Flowers
Landscape Uses General, Parks & Gardens, Small Gardens

Fauna, Pollination and Dispersal

Fauna Pollination Dispersal Associated Fauna Bird-Attracting
Pollination Method(s) Biotic (Fauna)
Seed or Spore Dispersal Biotic (Fauna)

Plant Care and Propagation

Light Preference Semi-Shade
Water Preference Moderate Water
Rootzone Tolerance Moist Soils, Well-Drained Soils
Propagation Method Seed, Stem Cutting (Herbaceous)

Foliar

Foliage Retention Evergreen
Mature Foliage Colour(s) Green
Mature Foliage Texture(s) Leathery
Foliar Type Simple / Unifoliate
Foliar Arrangement Along Stem Alternate
Foliar Attachment to Stem Petiolate
Foliar Shape(s) Non-Palm Foliage (Elliptical)
Foliar Venation Pinnate / Net
Foliar Margin Serrate / Toothed
Foliar Apex - Tip Acuminate
Foliar Base Cordate

Floral (Angiosperm)

Flower Colour(s) Red
Flower Grouping Cluster / Inflorescence
Flower Location Axillary
Inflorescence Size 6.5 cm x 27 cm

Fruit, Seed and Spore

Mature Fruit Texture(s) Smooth
Fruit Classification Simple Fruit
Fruit Type Fleshy Fruit , Non-Accessory Fruit

References

References Yeo, C. K., W. F. Ang & A. F. S. L. Lok. 2012. Pterisanthes (Vitaceae) of Singapore: With a Note on the Rediscovery of Pterisanthes cissioides Blume. Nature in Singapore. 5. 185-190

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Master ID 31177
Species ID 5571
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: 09 July 2025.
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