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Acanthus antiquorum
| Family Name: | Acanthaceae |
| Synonyms: | Euphorbia cactus, Euphorbia cervicornis, Euphorbia nuvulia |
| Common Name: | Sesudu, Malayan Tree Spurge, Sudu, Sudu Sudu, Ancient Euphorbia, Fleshy Spurge |
Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Division | Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) (Dicotyledon) |
|---|---|
| Plant Growth Form | Herbaceous Plant |
| Lifespan (in Singapore) | Perennial |
| Mode of Nutrition | Autotrophic |
| Plant Shape | Irregular |
| Maximum Height | 5 m to 7 m |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | Origin is uncertain. |
|---|---|
| Native Habitat | Terrestrial |
| Preferred Climate Zone | Desert / Arid |
| Local Conservation Status | Non-native (Horticultural / Cultivated Only) |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | Highly branched succulent with a cactus-like growth form, growing up to 5-7 m tall. In the wild, it can grow up to 20 m tall. |
|---|---|
| Foliage | Smooth, glossy leaves are borne along the stem ridges. Leaves are obovate with entire leaf margin. |
| Stems | The fleshy, 3-winged stem (but sometimes 4- or 5- winged) is armed with paired spines that line the edge of the wings. The spines are 2-5 mm long and extend past the tiny, prickly stipules. |
| Flowers | The inflorescence (called a cyathia) looks like a single yellowish-green to pinkish, cup-shaped flower. The cup if formed by bracts (modified leaves) which are fused together. The actual flowers are tiny and unisexual, located in the middle of the cup-like bracts. It is pollinated by bees, attracting them with abundant nectar. |
| Fruit | Smooth, lobed capsule (8-10 mm wide) turns deep red at maturity. It carries smooth, round seeds which are brown-yellow and 2 mm wide. |
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Full Sun |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Little Water |
| Plant Growth Rate | Fast |
| Rootzone Tolerance | Drought Tolerant |
| Propagation Method | Seed, Stem Cutting |
| Plant Growth Rate Remarks | It can become large in 3-5 years. |
Foliar
| Foliage Retention | Evergreen |
|---|---|
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Yellow / Golden, Green - Light Green |
| Mature Foliage Texture(s) | Smooth, Glossy / Shiny |
| Foliar Type | Simple / Unifoliate |
| Foliar Attachment to Stem | Sessile |
| Foliar Shape(s) | Non-Palm Foliage (Oblong) |
| Foliar Venation | Pinnate / Net |
| Foliar Margin | Entire |
| Foliar Apex - Tip | Rounded |
| Foliar Base | Cuneate |
| Leaf Area Index (LAI) for Green Plot Ratio | 4.5 (Shrub & Groundcover - Dicot) |
Floral (Angiosperm)
| Flower Colour(s) | Pink |
|---|---|
| Flower Texture(s) | Thick / Fleshy |
| Flower Grouping | Cluster / Inflorescence |
| Flower Symmetry | Radial |
| Individual Flower Shape | Bowl-shaped |
| Flower Colour(s) Remarks | Yellowish Green |
Fruit, Seed and Spore
| Mature Fruit Colour(s) | Red |
|---|---|
| Mature Fruit Texture(s) | Smooth |
| Fruit Classification | Simple Fruit |
| Fruit Type | |
| Mature Seed Texture(s) | Smooth |
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 705 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 2000 |
| 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. |
