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, Australia and Southeast Asia, including Singapore |
|---|---|
| Native Habitat | Terrestrial |
| Preferred Climate Zone | Tropical |
| Local Conservation Status | Native to Singapore (Endangered (EN)) |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | A hyper-parasitic, slender and much branched shrub, green in colour and able to grow to about 25 - 60 cm in length. |
|---|---|
| Foliage | Leaves very small, reduced to scarious scales. |
| Stems | Stems slightly flattened, usually 4-ribbed. |
| Flowers | Axillary inflorescence, usually 3-flowered spikes, minute flowers measuring about 1 mm wide, consist of both male and female flowers. |
| Fruit | White to greenish white, almost translucent, globular fruits, measuring about 3 - 5 mm wide, smooth surface. |
Landscaping Features
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Foliage |
|---|
Fauna, Pollination and Dispersal
| 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 |
|---|---|
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green |
| Foliar Modification | Scale-like |
Floral (Angiosperm)
| Flower Grouping | Cluster / Inflorescence |
|---|---|
| Flower Location | Axillary |
Fruit, Seed and Spore
| Mature Fruit Colour(s) | Cream / Off-White, Green |
|---|---|
| Mature Fruit Texture(s) | Smooth |
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 32147 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 6553 |
| 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. |
