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Monoon sclerophyllum

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Monoon sclerophyllum (Hook.f & Thomson) B. Xue & R.M.K Saunders

Family Name: Annonaceae
Synonyms: Polyalthia sclerophylla Hook.f. & Thoms.

Name

Family Name
Genus Epithet
Species Epithet
Name Authority
Name Status (botanical)
Synonyms
Comments

Classifications and Characteristics

Plant Division Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) (Dicotyledon)
Plant Growth Form Tree (Medium (16m-30m), Shrubby (1m-5m))
Lifespan (in Singapore) Perennial
Mode of Nutrition Autotrophic
Plant Shape Irregular
Maximum Height 5 m to 16 m

Biogeography

Native Distribution Peninsular Malaysia, Singapore, and Sumatra
Native Habitat Terrestrial (Primary Rainforest)
Preferred Climate Zone Tropical
Local Conservation Status Native to Singapore (Critically Endangered (CR))

Description and Ethnobotany

Growth Form It is a tree that grows 5–16 m tall.
Foliage Its alternate, stalked leaves have leathery blades that are oblong-lance-shaped to lance-shaped, shiny green on both sides, and 15–20 by 4–6.5 cm. Its leaf blade midrib is distinct on both sides and raised below.
Flowers Its odourless flowers have petals that are linear-oblong, greenish-yellow then brownish-red when mature and slightly covered with hair on both sides.
Fruit Its fruits are elliptic-oblong, red then black when ripe and 2.5–3.7 cm long. Its seeds are oblong with a linear groove.
Habitat It grows in inland forests.
Associated Fauna Its flowers are insects pollinated.
Cultivation It can be propagated by seed.
Etymology Greek sclera, hard; Greek phylla, leaves, referring to its leathery leaf blades

Landscaping Features

Landscaping It is suitable for parks.
Desirable Plant Features Ornamental Flowers, Ornamental Fruits
Landscape Uses Parks & Gardens

Fauna, Pollination and Dispersal

Pollination Method(s) Biotic (Fauna)

Plant Care and Propagation

Light Preference Full Sun, Semi-Shade
Water Preference Moderate Water
Plant Growth Rate Moderate
Rootzone Tolerance Moist Soils, Well-Drained Soils, Fertile Loamy Soils
Propagation Method Seed

Foliar

Foliage Retention Evergreen
Mature Foliage Colour(s) Green
Mature Foliage Texture(s) Leathery
Foliar Type Simple / Unifoliate
Foliar Arrangement Along Stem Alternate
Foliar Attachment to Stem Petiolate
Foliar Shape(s) Non-Palm Foliage (Lanceolate, Oblong, Oblanceolate)
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) Green, Red
Flower Grouping Cluster / Inflorescence
Flower Location Axillary
Flower Symmetry Radial

Fruit, Seed and Spore

Mature Fruit Colour(s) Red, Black
Fruit Classification Aggregate Fruit (Syncarp)
Fruit Type Fleshy Fruit , Non-Accessory Fruit

References

References Xue, B., Su, Y.C.F., Thomas, D. C & Saunders, R.M.K. 2012. Pruning the polyphyletic genus Polyalthia (Annonaceae) and resurrecting the genus Monoon. Taxon. 61. 5. 1021-1039

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Master ID 1789
Species ID 3082
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.
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