Back
Erythrophleum suaveolens (Guill. & Perr.) Brenan
| Family Name: | Fabaceae (Leguminosae) |
| Synonyms: | Erythrophleum guineense G. Don, Fillaea |
| Common Name: | Ordeal Tree, Red Water Tree, Sasswood, Sassy Bark |
Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Division | Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) (Dicotyledon) |
|---|---|
| Plant Growth Form | Tree (Medium (16m-30m)) |
| Lifespan (in Singapore) | Perennial |
| Mode of Nutrition | Autotrophic |
| Plant Shape | Irregular |
| Maximum Height | 20 m |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | Tropical Africa |
|---|---|
| Native Habitat | Terrestrial |
| Preferred Climate Zone | Tropical |
| Local Conservation Status | Non-native (Horticultural / Cultivated Only) |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | It is a medium to large sized tree, up to 20 (- 30) m tall. |
|---|---|
| Foliage | Its stalked, alternately arranged, pinnate leaves are twice-pinnate, with 2-3 pairs of pinnae, and about 7-13 leaflets at each pinna. Leaflets are large, ovate in shape, about 5 cm long and 2.5 cm wide. |
| Flowers | Its cream coloured to yellow flowers are borne on stalked inflorescences. |
| Fruit | Its fruit is a hard and flat woody pod. |
| Habitat | It grows in tropical lowland forests along streams. |
| Associated Fauna | Its flowers are pollinated by insects. |
| Cultivation | It can be propagated from seed. |
| Etymology | Greek, Erythrophleum, red sap, referring to the red sap in the species Erythrophleum suaveolens. Latin suaveolens, sweetly-scented, referring to the flowers. |
| Ethnobotanical Uses | Cultural / Religious: Heritage Tree: There are 2 individuals of Erythrophleum suaveolens listed as a Heritage Tree in Singapore. One can be found in Upper Seletar Reservoir Park while the other is found in Singapore Botanic Gardens. To find out more about these trees, please visit the Heritage Tree Register. |
Landscaping Features
| Landscaping | It is suitable for planting along streetscapes and in parks for its spreading canopy which provides shade. |
|---|---|
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Form, Fragrant (Flowers) |
| Landscape Uses | Suitable for Roadsides, Parks & Gardens, Small Gardens, Riverine, Shade Providing Tree / Palm |
Fauna, Pollination and Dispersal
| Pollination Method(s) | Biotic (Fauna) |
|---|
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Full Sun |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Moderate Water |
| Plant Growth Rate | Moderate |
| Rootzone Tolerance | Moist Soils, Well-Drained Soils, Fertile Loamy Soils |
| Maintenance Requirements | Moderate |
| Propagation Method | Seed |
Foliar
| Foliage Retention | Evergreen |
|---|---|
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green |
| Mature Foliage Texture(s) | Leathery |
| Foliar Type | Compound |
| Foliar Arrangement Along Stem | Alternate |
| Foliar Attachment to Stem | Petiolate |
| Foliar Shape(s) | Non-Palm Foliage (Ovate) |
| Foliar Venation | Pinnate / Net |
| Foliar Margin | Entire |
| Leaf Area Index (LAI) for Green Plot Ratio | 3.0 (Tree - Intermediate Canopy) |
Floral (Angiosperm)
| Flower & Plant Sexuality | Bisexual Flowers |
| Flower Colour(s) | Cream / Off-White, Yellow / Golden |
|---|---|
| Flower Grouping | Cluster / Inflorescence |
| Flower Location | Axillary |
Fruit, Seed and Spore
| Mature Fruit Colour(s) | Brown |
|---|---|
| Fruit Classification | Simple Fruit |
| Fruit Type | Dehiscent Dry Fruit , Legume / Pod |
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 1589 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 2882 |
| 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. |