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Oncosperma horridum

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Oncosperma horridum (Griff.) Scheff.

Family Name: Arecaceae (Palmae)
Common Name: Bayas

Name

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

Classifications and Characteristics

Plant Growth Form Palm
Maximum Height 20 m

Biogeography

Native Distribution Peninsular Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines, and Borneo
Native Habitat Terrestrial
Preferred Climate Zone Tropical
Local Conservation Status Native to Singapore (Least Concern (LC))

Description and Ethnobotany

Growth Form It is a slender palm that grows in clusters of 4–6 stems or more, and has very dense crowns. Its stem can grow up to 20 m tall, and is covered with black prickles.
Foliage It produces pinnate leaves, whose leaflets are arranged closely and neatly on both sides of the rachis, like the teeth of a comb.
Flowers Its spirally arranged flowers are unisexual, and develop on up to 61 cm-long flowering shoots.
Fruit Its fleshy fruits are round, slightly flattened, waxy, black, one-seeded, and 1.5–1.8 cm across, with finely pimpled surfaces. Its seeds are round.
Habitat It grows in inland forests, including hillsides, up to 914 m altitude. It occurs locally in the Central Catchment Nature Reserve, and Pulau Tekong.
Etymology Greek onkos, protuberance; Greek sperma, seed, referring to the surfaces of its seeds; Latin horridum, very prickly, referring to the presence of prickles on this species’ trunks

Landscaping Features

Usage Hazard - Cons Spines/Thorns - Trunk
SGMP Treatment

Plant Care and Propagation

Light Preference Full Sun, Semi-Shade
Water Preference Moderate Water
Plant Growth Rate Fast

Foliar

Mature Foliage Colour(s) Green
Foliar Shape(s) Palm Fronds

Fruit, Seed and Spore

Mature Fruit Colour(s) Black

References

References Keng, H., S.C. Chin and H.T.W. Tan. 1998. The Concise Flora of Singapore Volume II: Monocotyledons. Singapore: Singapore University Press. 215

LaFrankie Jr., J. V.. 2010. Trees of Tropical Asia: An Illustrated Guide to Diversity.. Manilla.: Black Tree Publications, Inc.. 750 pp.

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Master ID 1950
Species ID 3242
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: 04 August 2022.
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