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Litsea myristicifolia (Wall. ex Nees) Hook.f.
| Family Name: | Lauraceae |
| Common Name: | Nutmeg Laurel |
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 | 30 m |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | Peninsular Malaysia, and Singapore. |
|---|---|
| Native Habitat | Terrestrial (Primary Rainforest, Mountain, Secondary Rainforest) |
| Preferred Climate Zone | Tropical |
| Local Conservation Status | Native to Singapore (Critically Endangered (CR)) |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | It is a tree up to 30 m tall. |
|---|---|
| Foliage | Its alternate, stalked leaves have leathery leaf blades that are usually elliptic, pointed, and 8–20 by 3.5–7.6 cm. When dry, the leaf blades are greenish above and pale brown with a white, waxy layer below. New leaves are reddish to orange in colour. |
| Flowers | Its flowering clusters are found at the leaf axils. |
| Fruit | Its round fruits are white, up to 1 cm wide, and half-covered by a white, club-shaped, fleshy structure formed by the persistent calyx. |
| Habitat | It grows in lowland to montane forests. |
| Associated Fauna | Its flowers are insect-pollinated, and fruits eaten by birds and other mammals. |
| Cultivation | It can be propagated by seed. |
| Etymology | Litsea, from the Mandarin characters li; plum, and tse, little, referring to the plant’s Chinese name; Latin myristicifolia, with similar leaves to plants of the genus Myristica |
| Ethnobotanical Uses | Edible Plant Parts : Edible Fruits Food (Fruit or Vegetable) Timber & Products: The wood is used in building houses. |
Landscaping Features
| Landscaping | It is suitable for parks. |
|---|---|
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Foliage |
| Landscape Uses | Parks & Gardens |
Fauna, Pollination and Dispersal
| Fauna Pollination Dispersal Associated Fauna | Bird-Attracting |
|---|---|
| Pollination Method(s) | Biotic (Fauna) |
| Seed or Spore Dispersal | Biotic (Fauna) |
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Semi-Shade, Full Sun |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Moderate Water |
| Plant Growth Rate | Moderate |
| Rootzone Tolerance | Moist Soils, Well-Drained Soils, Fertile Loamy Soils |
Foliar
| Foliage Retention | Evergreen |
|---|---|
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green |
| Mature Foliage Texture(s) | Leathery |
| Prominent Young Flush Colour(s) | Orange, Red |
| Foliar Type | Simple / Unifoliate |
| Foliar Arrangement Along Stem | Alternate |
| Foliar Attachment to Stem | Petiolate |
| Foliar Shape(s) | Non-Palm Foliage (Elliptical) |
| 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 Grouping | Cluster / Inflorescence |
|---|---|
| Flower Location | Axillary |
Fruit, Seed and Spore
| Mature Fruit Colour(s) | White |
|---|---|
| Fruit Classification | Simple Fruit |
| Fruit Type | Fleshy Fruit , Non-Accessory Fruit |
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 1709 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 3002 |
| 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. |
