Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Division | Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) (Dicotyledon) |
|---|---|
| Plant Growth Form | Climber |
| Lifespan (in Singapore) | Perennial |
| Mode of Nutrition | Autotrophic |
| Plant Shape | Irregular |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | Peninsular Malaysia, Singapore, and Borneo |
|---|---|
| Native Habitat | Terrestrial (Primary Rainforest, Secondary Rainforest, Riverine) |
| Preferred Climate Zone | Tropical |
| Local Conservation Status | Native to Singapore (Vulnerable (VU)) |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | It is a slender, woody climber. |
|---|---|
| Foliage | Its alternate, stalked leaves have thinly leathery leaf blades that are usually narrowly egg-shaped, saw-toothed or nearly entire, and 5.8–15 by 6.4 cm. |
| Flowers | Its green flowers are 2.5 mm wide, and borne in clusters that are 3.8–5.1 mm wide. |
| Fruit | Its round fruits are nuts half-covered by cup-like structures formed by the surviving outer flower parts. Each fruit is attached to a narrow, yellow, linear-oblong wing that is 5–6 cm long. |
| Habitat | It grows along riverbanks and in inland forests. |
| Associated Fauna | Its flowers are insect-pollinated. |
| Cultivation | It can be propagated by seed. |
| Etymology | Latin Ventilo, to be exposed to the wind; Latin ago, to drive away, possibly referring to the winged fruit being scattered by the wind; Latin malaccensis, of Malacca, referring to one locality in the natural distribution of this species |
Landscaping Features
| Landscaping | It is suitable for parks. |
|---|---|
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Fruits |
| Landscape Uses | General, Parks & Gardens, Small Gardens, Trellis / Arbour / Pergola, Riverine |
Fauna, Pollination and Dispersal
| Pollination Method(s) | Biotic (Fauna) |
|---|---|
| Seed or Spore Dispersal | Abiotic |
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Full Sun, Semi-Shade |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Moderate Water |
| Plant Growth Rate | Moderate |
| Maintenance Requirements | Moderate |
| Propagation Method | Seed |
Foliar
| Foliage Retention | Evergreen |
|---|---|
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green |
| Mature Foliage Texture(s) | Leathery, Thin |
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 32271 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 6679 |
| 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. |