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Donax canniformis (G.Forst.) K.Schum.
| Family Name: | Marantaceae |
| Synonyms: | Thalia canniformis G.Forst., Maranta grandis Miq., Donax parviflora Ridl. , Donax gracilis K.Schum., Phrynium canniforme (G.Forst.) Schrank, Donax grandis (Miq.) Ridl. |
| Common Name: | Common Donax, Bemban, Bamban Ai, Bamban Batu, 竹叶蕉, 蘭嶼竹芋 |
Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Division | Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) (Monocotyledon) |
|---|---|
| Plant Growth Form | Herbaceous Plant |
| Lifespan (in Singapore) | Perennial |
| Mode of Nutrition | Autotrophic |
| Plant Shape | Irregular |
| Maximum Height | 4 m to 5 m |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | Taiwan, Myanmar, Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand, Peninsular Malaysia, Singapore, Borneo, Philippines, Andaman Islands, Nicobar Islands, Sumatra, Jawa, Sulawesi, Maluku, Lesser Sunda Islands, New Guinea, Bismarck Archipelago, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu |
|---|---|
| Native Habitat | |
| Preferred Climate Zone | Tropical, Sub-Tropical / Monsoonal |
| Local Conservation Status | Native to Singapore (Critically Endangered (CR)) |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Habitat | It can be found in wet locations, such as swamps and periodically flooded areas, as well as secondary forests, teak forests, bamboo forests, and agricultural lands such as coconut plantations and near paddy fields. |
|---|---|
| Ethnobotanical Uses | Food (Herb or Spice) Others: Medicinal: Leaf sap used as refreshing eyedrop. Roots boiled and drunk to relieve body heatiness. Products: Spilt stalks used in raw or processed form to weave fishing traps, mats, hats, baskets, baby carriers and handicrafts. Fibres reported to be softer than rattan, and more stronger than pandan. |
Landscaping Features
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Flowers, Ornamental Fruits, Ornamental Form |
|---|---|
| Landscape Uses | Marsh / Bog, Pond / Lake / River, Parks & Gardens, Hedge / Screening |
| Thematic Landscaping | Naturalistic Garden, Marsh Garden |
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Semi-Shade, Full Sun |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Moderate Water, Lots of Water |
| Plant Growth Rate | Moderate |
| Rootzone Tolerance | Fertile Loamy Soils, Waterlogged Soils (Drains Site) |
| Maintenance Requirements | Moderate |
| Propagation Method | Seed, Storage Organ, Division |
Foliar
| Foliage Retention | Evergreen |
|---|---|
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green |
| Mature Foliage Texture(s) | Smooth, Glossy / Shiny, Raised / Sunken Veins |
| Foliar Type | Simple / Unifoliate |
| Foliar Shape(s) | Non-Palm Foliage (Ovate, Oval) |
| Foliar Venation | Parallel |
| Foliar Margin | Entire |
Non - Foliar and Storage
| Stem Type & Modification | Acaulescent |
|---|---|
| Root Type | Underground (Fibrous Root) |
| Specialised Storage Organ(s) | Underground (Rhizome) |
Floral (Angiosperm)
| Flower & Plant Sexuality | Bisexual Flowers |
| Flower Colour(s) | White |
|---|---|
| Inflorescence Type | Panicle |
| Flowering Habit | Polycarpic |
Fruit, Seed and Spore
| Mature Fruit Colour(s) | Yellow / Golden |
|---|---|
| Fruit Classification | Simple Fruit |
| Fruit Type | Fleshy Fruit |
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 31213 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 5607 |
| 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. |