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Neea psychotrioides Donn.Sm.
Family Name: | Nyctaginaceae |
Common Name: | Pigeon Plum, Saltwood |
Pigeon Plum is a large shrub up to 3 m tall. It produces ornamental, drooping clusters of glossy, bright red, berry-like fruit.
Name
Classifications and Characteristics
Plant Division | Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) (Dicotyledon) |
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Plant Growth Form | Shrub |
Lifespan (in Singapore) | Perennial |
Mode of Nutrition | Autotrophic |
Plant Shape | Shrubby |
Maximum Height | 3 m |
Biogeography
Native Distribution | Mexico to Colombia |
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Native Habitat | Terrestrial |
Preferred Climate Zone | Tropical |
Local Conservation Status | Non-native (Horticultural / Cultivated Only) |
Description and Ethnobotany
Growth Form | A shrub to small tree up to 3 m tall. |
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Foliage | Leathery leaves are elliptic with a distinct tip that is sometimes curved to one side. |
Flowers | Flowers are inconspicuous. The species is dioecious with male and female flowers occurring on separate plants. Male plants produce more inflorescences with larger flowers compared to females. |
Fruit | Bright red, glossy, oval fruit when ripe. The pointed fruit apex is marked by thickened rings. Clusters of fruit hang down from a long stalk that extends beyond the leaves. The fruiting period lasts several months. |
Landscaping Features
Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Fruits |
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Landscape Uses | Parks & Gardens |
Fauna, Pollination and Dispersal
Fauna Pollination Dispersal Associated Fauna | Bird-Attracting (Seeds) |
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Seed or Spore Dispersal | Biotic (Fauna) |
Plant Care and Propagation
Light Preference | Full Sun, Semi-Shade |
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Water Preference | Moderate Water |
Plant Growth Rate | Moderate |
Rootzone Tolerance | Well-Drained Soils |
Foliar
Foliage Retention | Evergreen |
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Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green |
Mature Foliage Texture(s) | Thick, Leathery |
Prominent Young Flush Colour(s) | Green |
Foliar Type | Simple / Unifoliate |
Foliar Arrangement Along Stem | Opposite |
Foliar Attachment to Stem | Petiolate |
Foliar Shape(s) | Non-Palm Foliage |
Foliar Venation | Pinnate / Net |
Foliar Margin | Entire |
Foliar Apex - Tip | Acute, Acuminate |
Foliar Base | Acute |
Floral (Angiosperm)
Flower & Plant Sexuality | Unisexual Flowers |
Flower Grouping | Cluster / Inflorescence |
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Flower Location | Axillary |
Image Repository
Others
Master ID | 33636 |
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Species ID | 8050 |
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. |