Name
Classifications and Characteristics
Plant Division | Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) (Dicotyledon) |
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Plant Growth Form | Tree |
Lifespan (in Singapore) | Perennial |
Mode of Nutrition | Autotrophic |
Biogeography
Native Distribution | Peninsular Malaysia, Sarawak, Singapore |
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Native Habitat | Terrestrial |
Preferred Climate Zone | Tropical |
Local Conservation Status | Native to Singapore (Critically Endangered (CR)) |
Description and Ethnobotany
Growth Form | A tree. |
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Foliage | Leaves are oblong, measuring about 20 cm long and 7 cm wide, arranged alternately. Leaf adaxial side (upper surface) is dark green and glabrous (no hair), while the abaxial side (lower surface) is brownish-green, covered with copper-colored hairs. |
Stems | Stems are covered with hairs. |
Fruit | Fruits are elliptical and brown colored, covered with short hairs. |
Habitat | Primary lowland and hill forests. |
Etymology | Diospyros is derived from two Greek words, dios (divine) and pyros (wheat), meaning divine wheat (fruit). |
Ethnobotanical Uses | Medicinal: Leaves are burned to repel flies. The pounded roots are used in the treatment of herpes. |
Landscaping Features
Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Foliage, Ornamental Fruits, Ornamental Form |
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Landscape Uses | Parks & Gardens |
Fauna, Pollination and Dispersal
Pollination Method(s) | Biotic (Fauna) |
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Seed or Spore Dispersal | Biotic (Fauna) |
Plant Care and Propagation
Light Preference | Full Sun |
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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 |
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Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green |
Mature Foliage Texture(s) | Leathery |
Foliar Type | Simple / Unifoliate |
Fruit, Seed and Spore
Mature Fruit Colour(s) | Brown |
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Mature Fruit Texture(s) | Hairy / Hirsute |
Image Repository
Others
Master ID | 29627 |
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Species ID | 3936 |
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. |