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Limahlania crenulata (Maingay ex C.B.Clarke) K.M.Wong & Sugumaran
| Family Name: | Gentianaceae |
| Synonyms: | Fagraea crenulata Maingay ex C.B.Clarke |
| Common Name: | Cabbage-tree, Malabera, Birah, Malabira, Berah, Malabirah, Bebirah |
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Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Growth Form | Tree |
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Biogeography
| Native Distribution | Cambodia, Vietnam, Peninsular Malaysia, Sumatra, Borneo |
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| Local Conservation Status | Native to Singapore (Presumed Nationally Extinct (NEx)) |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | It is a tree up to 20 m tall with a distinct pagoda-shaped crown and open horizontal branching. When young, the pale grey bark is densely covered in spines which are gradually shed as it matures. The bark also becomes fissured as it ages. |
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| Foliage | Leaf is broadly obovate (18 – 40 cm long and 14 – 22 cm wide) with rounded leaf tip and a pair of ear-like appendages clasping the twigs at the leaf base. Thick and fleshy like cabbage, the leaf is finely toothed along the margin. There are 5 – 8 pairs of secondary veins which are prominent and slightly raised on the underside of the leaf. Leaf stalk is absent or very short. |
| Flowers | Flowers cluster together to form a pyramid-like inflorescence, up to 25 cm long. Each flower is creamy yellow and funnel-shaped (3 – 4 cm long) with spreading lobes that almost half the length of the flower tube. Stamens are about 10 – 15 mm long with oblong anthers, and not protruding out of the flower tube. Stigma is peltate and about 1.5 – 2 mm diameter. |
| Fruit | Fruit is elliptical (2 – 3 cm long and 1.5 cm wide), leathery, dull green with many polygonal seeds within. |
| Habitat | It is found along river banks and swamp forests. |
| Etymology | The genus commemorates Professor Lim Ah Lan for her contribution and mentorship in plant biology at University of Malaya. Specific epithet crenulata refers to the minutely toothed leaves. |
| Ethnobotanical Uses | Timber & Products: The wood can be used for piling and are resistant to insect borers, especially with the bark on. The wood can also be used as firewood. |
Landscaping Features
| Landscape Uses | Suitable for Roadsides |
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Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Full Sun |
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| Water Preference | Moderate Water |
| Plant Growth Rate | Moderate |
Foliar
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green |
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| Leaf Area Index (LAI) for Green Plot Ratio | 3.0 (Tree - Intermediate Canopy) |
References
| References | Gardner, S., Sidisunthorn, P., & Chayamarit, K. (2016). Forest Trees of Southern Thailand. Volume 2 (Eu – Me). The Forest Herbarium, Bangkok, The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Pp. 749−1530. Bangkok: Kobfai Publishing Project Leenhouts, P.W. (1962a) Loganiaceae. In: Steenis, C.G.G.J. van (ed.), Flora Malesiana. Series 1 Volume. 6. Pp. 293–336. Groningen: Wolters-Noordhoff Publishing Wong, K.M. & Sugumaran, M. (2012) Studies in Malesian Gentianaceae II: A taxonomic framework for the Fagraea complex, including the new genus Limahlania. Gardens Bulletin Singapore 64(2): 481-495. |
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Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 1601 |
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| Species ID | 2894 |
| 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. |