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Diospyros argentea

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Diospyros argentea Griff.

Family Name: Ebenaceae
Common Name: Bedil Lalat, Silver-leaved Ebony

Name

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

Classifications and Characteristics

Plant Division Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) (Dicotyledon)
Plant Growth Form Tree
Lifespan (in Singapore) Perennial
Mode of Nutrition Autotrophic

Biogeography

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

Description and Ethnobotany

Growth Form A tree.
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
Landscape Uses Parks & Gardens

Fauna, Pollination and Dispersal

Pollination Method(s) Biotic (Fauna)
Seed or Spore Dispersal Biotic (Fauna)

Plant Care and Propagation

Light Preference Full Sun
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

Fruit, Seed and Spore

Mature Fruit Colour(s) Brown
Mature Fruit Texture(s) Hairy / Hirsute

Image Repository

Images

Others

Master ID 29627
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.
Species record last updated on: 10 August 2022.
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