Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Division | Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) (Dicotyledon) |
|---|---|
| Plant Growth Form | Shrub, Tree |
| Lifespan (in Singapore) | Perennial |
| Mode of Nutrition | Autotrophic |
| Plant Shape | Shrubby, Open |
| Maximum Height | 8 m |
Biogeography
| Local Conservation Status | Non-native (Horticultural / Cultivated Only) |
|---|
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | It is a scrambling shrub to a small tree which can grow up to 8 m tall. |
|---|---|
| Foliage | Simple leaves with oval shape. Variegated with pink, white, green and light green. Stipules are narrow triangular. |
| Stems | Thin and smooth, reddish-brown, turn greyish-brown when old. |
| Etymology | The genus Bridelia is named after S. E. von Bridel-Brideri (1761 - 1828) who was a Swiss botanist. The specific epithet ovata means egg-shaped and refers to the shape of the leaves. |
| Ethnobotanical Uses | Medicinal: The dried leaves are used in Thai traditional medicine as expectorant and laxative. |
Landscaping Features
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Foliage |
|---|---|
| Landscape Uses | General, Parks & Gardens, Small Gardens, Container Planting |
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 |
| Propagation Method | Stem Cutting |
Foliar
| Foliage Retention | Evergreen |
|---|---|
| Foliar Type | Simple / Unifoliate |
| Foliar Arrangement Along Stem | Alternate |
| Foliar Shape(s) | Non-Palm Foliage |
| Foliar Margin | Entire |
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 29796 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 4105 |
| 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. |
