Singapore Government Logo

A Singapore Government Agency Website

Hura crepitans

Back

Hura crepitans

Family Name: Euphorbiaceae
Common Name: Sandbox Tree, Monkey's Dinner Bell, Huru, Pin Wheel Tree

Name

Family Name
Genus Epithet
Species Epithet
Name Status (botanical)
Common Names
Comments

Classifications and Characteristics

Plant Growth Form Tree
Mode of Nutrition Autotrophic

Biogeography

Native Distribution Tropical North and South America
Native Habitat Terrestrial
Preferred Climate Zone Tropical
Local Conservation Status Non-native

Description and Ethnobotany

Growth Form Large tree, able to grow up to about 40 m tall in its natural habitat.
Trunk Surface of trunk has dark, conical spines, bark is grey.
Foliage Green broadly ovate leaves, texture papery thin, measuring about 5 - 29 cm long and 5 - 17 cm wide, petiole about 5 - 20 cm long, margins slightly dentate.
Flowers Monoecious, male red flowers with no petals borne on a spike inflorescence about 5 cm long, female reddish brown flowers are solitary and in leaf axils.
Fruit Fruit is a dehiscent pumpkin-shaped capsule about 3 - 5 cm long and 5 - 8 cm wide, turns to reddish-brown when ripen, contains flattened seeds about 2 cm wide.
Others - Plant Morphology White sap exudes from the plant when injured.
Etymology Genus Hura is from a vernacular South American name. Species crepitans means rattling and refers to the seeds in the fruit capsule.

Landscaping Features

Desirable Plant Features Ornamental Flowers
Landscape Uses Suitable for Roadsides, Parks & Gardens
Usage Hazard - Cons Toxic Upon Ingestion, Irritant - Sap

Plant Care and Propagation

Light Preference Full Sun
Water Preference Moderate Water
Plant Growth Rate Moderate
Rootzone Tolerance Moist Soils, Well-Drained Soils

Foliar

Mature Foliage Colour(s) Green
Foliar Attachment to Stem Petiolate
Foliar Apex - Tip Acuminate, Caudate
Foliar Base Cordate

Floral (Angiosperm)

Flower Colour(s) Red

Image Repository

Images

Others

Master ID 1673
Species ID 2966
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.
Species record last updated on: 18 February 2022.
Share