Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Division | Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) |
|---|---|
| Plant Growth Form | Palm (Solitary Habit) |
| Maximum Height | 20 m |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | Southern Thailand to Peninsular Malaysia, Singapore, and Sumatra |
|---|---|
| Native Habitat | Terrestrial |
| Preferred Climate Zone | Tropical |
| Local Conservation Status | Native to Singapore (Critically Endangered (CR)) |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | It is a single-trunked, canopy to emergent palm, up to 20 m tall, with a trunk girth of up to 45 cm. The trunk is grey with rings and knobs. Its medium- to large-sized pinnate leaves spread spirally, rising or drooping from the tip of the trunk. |
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| Foliage | Its spirally arranged, stalked, medium- to large-sized leaves are pinnate, with 60–75 leaflets arranged regularly on each side of the rachis, and 3.6 by 1.5 m. The leaflets are narrowly drop-shaped, with jagged tips, green above, greyish below, and 75–100 by 5–8 cm. |
| Flowers | Its small flowers are borne on a 3–5-branched, spreading inflorescence, 75–90 cm long. The inflorescences are usually borne amongst the leaves. The male flowers are oblong, while the female flowers are roundish. |
| Fruit | Its greenish yellow to yellow fruits are round and 3.5–4 cm. |
| Habitat | It grows in wet lowland forests, often in wet areas. It occurs locally in the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve and in the vicinity of MacRitchie Reservoir. |
| Etymology | Orania, commemorating F.G.L. Willem van Nassau, the Prince of Orange (Oranje) and the Crown Prince of the Netherlands (1792–1849); Latin sylvicola, growing in forests, referring to the habitat this species thrives in. |
Landscaping Features
| Landscaping | This plant is suitable for planting in moist, partially-shaded or open areas for its attractive, pinnate foliage. |
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| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Foliage |
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Full Sun, Semi-Shade |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Lots of Water, Moderate Water |
| Plant Growth Rate | Fast |
| Rootzone Tolerance | Moist Soils |
Foliar
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green |
|---|---|
| Foliar Shape(s) | Palm Fronds (Pinnate / Feather) |
Fruit, Seed and Spore
| Mature Fruit Colour(s) | Green, Yellow / Golden |
|---|
References
| References | Dransfield, J., Uhi, N.W., Asmussen, C.B., Baker, W.J., Harley, M.M. & Lewis, C.E. . 2008. Genera Palmarum. The Evolution and Classification of Palms. . United Kingdom: Kew Publishing. 732 |
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Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 1949 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 3241 |
| 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. |