Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Division | Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) |
|---|---|
| Plant Growth Form | Climber |
| Lifespan (in Singapore) | Perennial |
| Mode of Nutrition | Autotrophic |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | Sumatra, Peninsular Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines, Borneo, West Java, Madura, and Kangean Islands |
|---|---|
| Native Habitat | Terrestrial |
| Preferred Climate Zone | Tropical |
| Local Conservation Status | Native to Singapore (Least Concern (LC)) |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | It is a woody climber up to 25 m long. |
|---|---|
| Foliage | Its stalked leaves have leathery leaf blades that are drop-shaped-oblong and 5–18 by 2.5–8.5 cm, with pointed tips. |
| Flowers | Its flowering clusters are up to 7 cm long and often located near the tips of branches. Each cluster bears 3–25 fragrant flowers. Its sepals are clothed with brown star-shaped hair. |
| Fruit | Its fruits are ellipsoid to egg-shaped and about 12 by 7 mm. They ripen from orange or red to black when mature. |
| Habitat | It grows in scrub and lowland forest, up to 1200 m altitude. |
| Associated Fauna | Host plant of Lassipa tiga siaka (Malayan Lascar) |
| Etymology | Latin Erycibe, climbing, referring to the plant’s climbing habit; Latin tomentosa, covered with hair, probably referring to the hairy young branches and leaves that soon become hairless |
Landscaping Features
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Flowers, Ornamental Fruits, Fragrant |
|---|---|
| Landscape Uses | Parks & Gardens, Trellis / Arbour / Pergola |
Fauna, Pollination and Dispersal
| Fauna Pollination Dispersal Associated Fauna | Butterfly Host Plant (Leaves) |
|---|
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Full Sun, Semi-Shade |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Moderate Water |
| Plant Growth Rate | Moderate |
| Rootzone Tolerance | Moist Soils, Well-Drained Soils |
| Propagation Method | Stem Cutting |
References
| References | Van Ooststroom, S..J.. 1953. Convolvulaceae. Flora Malesiana, Series I. 4: 388 - 512 |
|---|
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 32814 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 7227 |
| 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. |