Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Division | Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) (Dicotyledon) |
|---|---|
| Plant Growth Form | Tree (Small (6m-15m)) |
| Lifespan (in Singapore) | Perennial |
| Mode of Nutrition | Autotrophic |
| Plant Shape | Columnar |
| Maximum Height | 8 m to 18 m |
| Tree or Palm – Trunk Diameter | 15 cm |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | Madagascar |
|---|---|
| Native Habitat | Terrestrial (Desert / Semi-Desert) |
| Preferred Climate Zone | Desert / Arid |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | Succulent tree with columnar growth up to 8 m tall in cultivation (up to 1.5-3 m indoors and 18 m in the wild). |
|---|---|
| Trunk | Trunk (15 cm at the base in mature specimens) is white and lined with columns of white, conical spines. Trunk occurs in 1 column or splits into a few vertical branches. |
| Foliage | Smooth, succulent leaves are oval to round with rounded leaf tips (1-5 cm long). Leaves occur in pairs and are directly attached to the trunk. |
| Flowers | Dense clusters of yellowish white flowers occur at the branch tips. Male and female flowers occur on separate individuals (dioecious). |
| Fruit | One-seeded fruits are small nuts (2-3 mm long). They are shaped like a top, wide on top and narrow at the base. |
Landscaping Features
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Trunk |
|---|---|
| Landscape Uses | Focal Plant |
| Thematic Landscaping | Rockery / Desert Garden |
| Usage Hazard - Cons | Spines/Thorns - Trunk |
Fauna, Pollination and Dispersal
| Pollination Method(s) | Biotic (Fauna) (Insects (Bee)) |
|---|---|
| Seed or Spore Dispersal | Abiotic |
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Full Sun |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Little Water |
| Plant Growth Rate | Moderate |
| Rootzone Tolerance | Drought Tolerant, Well-Drained Soils |
| Propagation Method | Seed, Stem Cutting |
Floral (Angiosperm)
| Flower & Plant Sexuality | Unisexual Flowers , Dioecious |
| Flower Grouping | Cluster / Inflorescence |
|---|
| Flower Location | Terminal |
| Flower Lifespan on Plant | 1 Day |
| Flowering Habit | Polycarpic |
| Flower Colour(s) Remarks | Yellowish white |
| Flowering Opening Time Remarks | Opens late in the morning |
Fruit, Seed and Spore
| Fruit Classification | Simple Fruit |
|---|---|
| Fruit Type | Indehiscent Dry Fruit , Nut / Nutlet |
| Seed Quantity Per Fruit | Few (1-5) |
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 31683 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 6082 |
| 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. |