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Dischidia vidalii Becc.
| Family Name: | Apocynaceae |
| Synonyms: | Dischidia pectenoides H. Pearson |
| Common Name: | Kangaroo Pocket, Ant Plant |
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Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Division | Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) (Dicotyledon) |
|---|---|
| Plant Growth Form | Climber, Epiphyte |
| Lifespan (in Singapore) | Perennial |
| Mode of Nutrition | Autotrophic |
| Maximum Height | 0.6 m |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | Philippines |
|---|
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | Slender climber and epiphyte |
|---|---|
| Foliage | The thick, fleshy leaves are oval-shaped and light green. There are also modified leaves which form a purse-like pouch filled with roots. |
| Flowers | Bright red to magenta flowers are arranged in clusters known as umbels. The flowers occur in the leaf axils (the space above where the leaf is attached to the stem). |
| Habitat | In native range, recorded to be epiphytic on bamboos. |
| Associated Fauna | Dischidia vidalii has a symbiotic relationship with ants. The plant's modified leaves provide shelter for ants, while the ants help to guard the plant from pests and also fertilize the plant with their waste products. |
| Cultivation | This plant is an epiphytic climber which can be grown on a trellis, mounted on bark or grown in a hanging basket or snail shell. It grows well in humid air and can be planted in a terrarium. If grown indoors, the plant may need supplementary fluorescent lighting. |
Landscaping Features
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Flowers, Ornamental Foliage |
|---|---|
| Landscape Uses | Interiorscape/ Indoor Plant, Suitable for Hanging Baskets |
| Usage Hazard - Cons | Irritant - Sap |
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Semi-Shade |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Moderate Water, Occasional Misting |
| Plant Growth Rate | Fast to Moderate |
| Rootzone Tolerance | Well-Drained Soils |
| Propagation Method | Seed, Stem Cutting |
| Propagation Method Remarks | The seeds need light to germinate. |
Foliar
| Foliage Retention | Evergreen |
|---|---|
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green |
| Mature Foliage Texture(s) | Smooth, Thick |
Floral (Angiosperm)
| Flower Colour(s) | Red |
|---|---|
| Flower Grouping | Cluster / Inflorescence |
| Flower Location | Axillary |
| Inflorescence Type | Umbel |
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 90 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 1386 |
| 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. |
