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Eurycoma longifolia

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Eurycoma longifolia Jack

Family Name: Simaroubaceae
Synonyms: Eurycoma merguensis, Ailanthus siamense, Manotes asiatica
Common Name: Tongkat Ali, Bidara Pahit, Ali's Umbrella, Payong Ali, Penawa Pahit

Name

Family Name
Genus Epithet
Species Epithet
Name Authority
Name Status (botanical)
Synonyms
Common Names
Comments

Classifications and Characteristics

Plant Division Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) (Dicotyledon)
Plant Growth Form Tree (Small (6m-15m))
Lifespan (in Singapore) Perennial
Mode of Nutrition Autotrophic
Plant Shape Open
Maximum Height 12 m

Biogeography

Native Distribution Southern Myanmar, Vietnam, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, Sumatra, Peninsular Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines, and Borneo
Native Habitat Terrestrial (Mountain), Shoreline (Coastal Cliff, Sandy Beach)
Preferred Climate Zone Tropical, Sub-Tropical / Monsoonal
Local Conservation Status Native to Singapore (Endangered (EN))

Description and Ethnobotany

Growth Form It is an usually unbranched, small tree up to 12 m tall, with branches crowned by a rosette of leaves.
Foliage Its alternate, stalked pinnate leaves are up to 100 cm long. Its leathery leaflets are lance- to egg-shaped, dark green above, mid-green below, and 5–20 by 1–6 cm.
Flowers Its flowers are bell-shaped, greenish white to greenish red or purple, 6 mm wide, with petals that are 4.5–5.5 by 1.5–3 mm, and develop each into 1–5 fruits.
Fruit Its fruits are oblong, yellow when ripe turning red, and 10–20 by 5–12 mm.
Habitat It grows in heath forest, sandy coasts, submontane forest, and the understorey of primary and secondary forest to 1,200m altitude. It is abundant on well-drained, sandy soils.
Cultivation It can be propagated by seed.
Ethnobotanical Uses Medicinal: The young leaves are eaten raw to relieve stomach pains. The roots are used as an aphrodisiac based mostly on folklore, and they also contain anti-malarial compounds. A decoction of the root is used to reduce fevers, reduce high blood pressure, and relieve gastric pains. The roots are also used to induce vomiting, and poultice sores, ulcers, and wounds. The bark is used for blood clotting in childbirth complications.

Landscaping Features

Landscaping It is suitable for streetscapes, parks and gardens.
Desirable Plant Features Ornamental Flowers, Ornamental Form
Landscape Uses General, Suitable for Roadsides, Parks & Gardens, Small Gardens, Coastal

Fauna, Pollination and Dispersal

Pollination Method(s) Biotic (Fauna)
Seed or Spore Dispersal Biotic (Fauna)

Plant Care and Propagation

Light Preference Semi-Shade, Full Sun
Water Preference Moderate Water
Plant Growth Rate Moderate
Rootzone Tolerance Moist Soils, Well-Drained Soils, Saline Soils / Salt Spray, Fertile Loamy Soils
Propagation Method Seed

Foliar

Foliage Retention Evergreen
Mature Foliage Colour(s) Green
Mature Foliage Texture(s) Leathery
Foliar Type Compound (Odd-Pinnate)
Foliar Arrangement Along Stem Rosulate / Rosette
Foliar Shape(s) Non-Palm Foliage (Lanceolate, Elliptical)
Foliar Venation Pinnate / Net
Foliar Margin Entire
Leaf Area Index (LAI) for Green Plot Ratio 2.5 (Tree - Open Canopy)

Floral (Angiosperm)

Flower & Plant Sexuality Bisexual Flowers
Flower Colour(s) Red
Flower Grouping Cluster / Inflorescence
Flower Location Axillary
Flower Symmetry Radial

Fruit, Seed and Spore

Mature Fruit Colour(s) Red
Fruit Classification Simple Fruit
Fruit Type Dehiscent Dry Fruit , Capsule

Image Repository

Images

Others

Master ID 1597
Species ID 2890
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.
Species record last updated on: 20 August 2022.
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