Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Division | Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) |
|---|---|
| Plant Growth Form | Climber |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore |
|---|---|
| Native Habitat | Terrestrial |
| Preferred Climate Zone | Tropical |
| Local Conservation Status | Native to Singapore (Critically Endangered (CR)) |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Foliage | Its spirally arranged, stalked leaves bear 3–5 leaflets. The stalked leaflets have leathery leaf blades with toothed margins. The terminal leaflet blade is oval and 17–24 by 7–8.5 cm, while the lateral leaflet blade is asymmetrically oval and 13–15 by 5.5–6.5 cm. |
|---|---|
| Flowers | Its branched, stalked flowering clusters are up to 30 cm long, with spikes up to 11 cm long. |
| Fruit | Its purple fruits are round to oblong berries. |
| Habitat | It grows in the understorey of lowland dipterocarp forests. It occurs locally along Chestnut Avenue, in the vicinities of MacRitchie Reservoir and the Upper Pierce Reservoirs. |
| Associated Fauna | Its flowers are pollinated by bees, and its fruits and seeds may be eaten and dispersed by birds. |
| Cultivation | The plant can be propagated from cuttings. |
| Etymology | Greek ampelos, vine; Greek kissos, ivy, referring to its resemblance to the genus Cissus; Greek polys, many; Greek stachys, spike, probably alluding to the flowering branch |
| Ethnobotanical Uses | Others: A poultice made from the roots is used to treat rheumatism and lumbago. |
Landscaping Features
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Flowers, Ornamental Foliage |
|---|---|
| Landscape Uses | Parks & Gardens |
Fauna, Pollination and Dispersal
| Fauna Pollination Dispersal Associated Fauna | Bird-Attracting |
|---|---|
| Pollination Method(s) | Biotic (Fauna) |
| Seed or Spore Dispersal | Biotic (Fauna) |
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Semi-Shade |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Moderate Water |
| Plant Growth Rate | Fast to Moderate |
Foliar
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green |
|---|---|
| Mature Foliage Texture(s) | Leathery |
Fruit, Seed and Spore
| Mature Fruit Colour(s) | Purple |
|---|
References
| References | Latiff, A. . 1982. Studies in Malesian Vitaceae, 4. The genera Ampelocissus, Ampelopsis and Parthenocissus in the Malay Peninsula.. Federation Museums Journal. 27. 75-77 Yeo, C.K. . 2001. The Vitaceae and Leeaceae of Singapore. Honours Thesis, Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore. 96pp |
|---|
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 33644 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 8058 |
| 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. |
