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Taxillus chinensis (DC.) Danser
| Family Name: | Loranthaceae |
| Synonyms: | Scurrula chinensis |
| Common Name: | Chinese mistletoe |
Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Division | Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) |
|---|---|
| Plant Growth Form | Shrub |
| Lifespan (in Singapore) | Perennial |
| Mode of Nutrition | Heterotrophic (Symbiotic - Parasite of) |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | China and Southeast Asia, including Singapore |
|---|---|
| Native Habitat | Terrestrial |
| Preferred Climate Zone | Tropical |
| Local Conservation Status | Native to Singapore (Critically Endangered (CR)) |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | Parasitic shrub, able to grow up to 0.5 - 1 m in length. |
|---|---|
| Foliage | Opposite green leaves, ovate to ovate-oblong, measuring about 2.5 - 6 by 1.5 - 4 cm, both surfaces becoming smooth as leaves mature, leaf margins reddish brown, leaf stalk measuring about 8 - 10 mm long. |
| Flowers | Tubular, curved flowers, usually 2 - 4 in an umbel, peduncle measuring about 2 - 4 mm, stellate hairy, bracts triangular in shape, pedicel measuring about 6 - 7 mm, ovoid calyx, style red in colour. |
| Fruit | Ellipsoid berry yellow in colour, measuring about 8 - 10 by 5 - 6 mm, surface becoming smooth as fruit matures. |
| Etymology | chinensis in Latin refers to "Chinese" or "from China". |
Landscaping Features
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Flowers, Ornamental Foliage |
|---|
Fauna, Pollination and Dispersal
| Pollination Method(s) | Biotic (Fauna) |
|---|---|
| Seed or Spore Dispersal | Biotic (Fauna) |
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Semi-Shade |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Little Water |
| Plant Growth Rate | Fast |
Foliar
| Foliage Retention | Evergreen |
|---|---|
| Foliar Arrangement Along Stem | Opposite |
| Foliar Attachment to Stem | Petiolate |
| Foliar Margin | Entire - Wavy / Undulate |
| Foliar Apex - Tip | Obtuse |
| Foliar Base | Cuneate |
Floral (Angiosperm)
| Flower Colour(s) | Brown |
|---|---|
| Flower Grouping | Cluster / Inflorescence |
| Individual Flower Shape | Tubular |
Fruit, Seed and Spore
| Mature Fruit Colour(s) | Yellow / Golden |
|---|---|
| Fruit Type | Fleshy Fruit , Non-Accessory Fruit |
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 32143 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 6549 |
| 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. |