Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Growth Form | Shrub |
|---|---|
| Lifespan (in Singapore) | Perennial |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | Southern China, Taiwan, Philippines, Thailand, Peninsular Malaysia (Kedah), Borneo (Sabah), Sumatra, Java, Lesser Sunda Islands, Papua New Guinea, Northern and Eastern Australia, Micronesia |
|---|---|
| Native Habitat | Terrestrial |
| Preferred Climate Zone | Tropical, Sub-Tropical / Monsoonal |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | Shrub or small tree to 14 m tall |
|---|---|
| Foliage | Leaves elliptic or obovate, 3 - 14.1cm (-25cm) long by 1 - 6.5cm (-10cm) long wide, papery or slightly so, mid-dark green above, mid rib and lateral veins a lighter shade of green. |
| Flowers | Flowers white to pale yellow, faintly scented or not. Corolla tube (0.8-) 1.8-2.3cm long; corolla lobes |
| Fruit | Follicles yellow, orange or red, with distinct longitudinal ridges, 0.9 - 7.1cm long by 0.5 - 3cm wide, slightly reflexed at the apical portion. Seeds with bright red aril. |
| Etymology | Genus Tabernaemontana is named after Jakob Theodor von Bergzaben (1520 - 1590) (Latinised surname Tabernaemontanus meaning "tavern in the mountain"), who was a German herbalist. |
Landscaping Features
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Flowers, Ornamental Fruits |
|---|---|
| Landscape Uses | General, Parks & Gardens, Small Gardens |
| Thematic Landscaping | Silver Garden, Bird & Wildlife Garden |
Fauna, Pollination and Dispersal
| Fauna Pollination Dispersal Associated Fauna | Bird-Attracting (Fruits) |
|---|---|
| Pollination Method(s) | Biotic (Fauna) |
| Seed or Spore Dispersal | Biotic (Fauna) |
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Full Sun, Semi-Shade |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Moderate Water |
| Rootzone Tolerance | Fertile Loamy Soils, Easy to Grow |
| Pest(s) | Sucking Insects |
| Propagation Method | Seed, Stem Cutting |
Foliar
| Foliage Retention | Evergreen |
|---|---|
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green |
| Mature Foliage Texture(s) | Smooth |
Floral (Angiosperm)
| Flower Colour(s) | White, Yellow / Golden |
|---|---|
| Flower Grouping | Cluster / Inflorescence |
Fruit, Seed and Spore
| Mature Fruit Colour(s) | Orange, Red, Yellow / Golden |
|---|
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 31986 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 6388 |
| 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. |
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