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Tabernaemontana corymbosa Roxb. ex Wall.
| Family Name: | Apocynaceae |
| Synonyms: | Ervatamia corymbosa, Pagiantha peninsularis, Ervatamia continentalis, Ervatamia chinensis |
| Common Name: | Great Rosebay, Flower of Love, Jelutong Badak |
Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Division | Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) |
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| Plant Growth Form | Shrub, Tree |
| Mode of Nutrition | Autotrophic |
| Maximum Height | 0.8 m to 8 m |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | Northern India to Malaya |
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| Native Habitat | Terrestrial |
| Preferred Climate Zone | Tropical |
| Local Conservation Status | Native to Singapore (Endangered (EN)) |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | Large shrub or small tree with a dense, rounded crown. |
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| Foliage | Opposite, glabrous (hairless) leaves have short petioles (0.3 - 2 cm). Elliptic to obovate leaf blade has an elongated tip (acuminate apex) and wavy leaf margin (7 - 30 cm long, 2 - 14 cm wide). |
| Flowers | Fragrant, white flowers have a yellow throat and are shaped like pinwheels (1.8 - 3.1 cm long, 2 cm wide). Salverform flowers have 5 bean-shaped lobes with thin, hook-like tips. Floral buds are rounded. The inflorescence is known as a cyme. |
| Fruit | Dry, dehiscent fruits are known as follicles. Ellipsoid follicles may be sharply pointed or rounded on the ends (2 - 4.5 cm long, 0.6 - 3 cm wide). |
| Habitat | Occurs in tropical mixed forests and brushwoods at altitudes of 500 - 1700 m. It is native to Singapore, but considered an endangered species. |
| Cultivation | This species flowers best in full sun, but it also tolerates light shade. It should be planted in fertile, well-drained soil that is kept moist. Apply mulch near the base of the plant to conserve soil moisture. The branch tips should be pruned to encourage bushy growth. |
| Etymology | Genus Tabernaemontana is named after Jakob Theodor von Bergzaben (1520 - 1590) (Latinised surname Tabernaemontanus meaning "tavern in the mountain"), who was a German herbalist. Species corymbosa means with flowers arranged in corymbs. |
| Ethnobotanical Uses | Medicinal: In China, the barks and leaves are thought to help fractures heal. |
Landscaping Features
| Landscaping | This free-flowering species would make an attractive, formal hedge. Consider placing it next to pathways as a border. |
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| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Flowers, Fragrant |
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Semi-Shade, Full Sun |
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| Water Preference | Moderate Water |
| Plant Growth Rate | Fast to Moderate |
Foliar
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green |
|---|---|
| Mature Foliage Texture(s) | Smooth, Glossy / Shiny |
| Leaf Area Index (LAI) for Green Plot Ratio | 4.5 (Shrub & Groundcover - Dicot) |
Floral (Angiosperm)
| Flower Colour(s) | White |
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Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 1192 |
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| Species ID | 2485 |
| 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. |
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