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Cyrtophyllum giganteum (Ridl.) Ridl.
| Family Name: | Gentianaceae |
| Synonyms: | Fagraea gigantea Ridl. |
| Common Name: | Giant Tembusu, Meriang, Riang-Riang, Tembusu Bukit, Tembusu Hutan, Tembusu Talang, Tembusu Tembaga |
Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Division | Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) |
|---|---|
| Plant Growth Form | Tree (Big (>30m)) |
| Lifespan (in Singapore) | Perennial |
| Mode of Nutrition | Autotrophic |
| Plant Shape | Irregular |
| Maximum Height | 52 m |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | Sumatra, Peninsular Malaysia, Singapore, and Borneo |
|---|---|
| Native Habitat | Terrestrial (Primary Rainforest, Secondary Rainforest) |
| Preferred Climate Zone | Tropical |
| Local Conservation Status | Native to Singapore (Critically Endangered (CR)) |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | It is an evergreen tree up to 52 m tall or more, with short buttresses. |
|---|---|
| Foliage | Its opposite, stalked leaves have papery to almost leathery leaf blades that are wavy, oval-drop-shaped, and 4–14 by 1.5–5.5 cm. It has tubular sheaths that are found at the base of the leaf stalks. |
| Flowers | Its twice- or thrice-branched flowering cluster is 2.5–5.5 cm long and found at the leaf axils. Its flowers are orange-yellow and 1.3 cm wide. |
| Fruit | Its yellow fruits are oblong berries, 3–5 mm wide, and contain many dark brown, angular, tiny seeds. |
| Habitat | It grows in lowland and hill forests up to 450 m altitude. |
| Associated Fauna | Its fruits and seeds are eaten and dispersed by mammals. |
| Cultivation | It can be propagated by seed. |
| Ethnobotanical Uses | Timber & Products: The hard and durable timber is used for construction. |
Landscaping Features
| Landscaping | It is suitable for planting along streetscapes, parks and gardens. |
|---|---|
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Flowers, Ornamental Fruits, Ornamental Form |
| Landscape Uses | General, Suitable for Roadsides, Parks & Gardens, Small Gardens |
Fauna, Pollination and Dispersal
| Pollination Method(s) | Biotic (Fauna) |
|---|---|
| Seed or Spore Dispersal | 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) | Papery, Leathery |
| Foliar Type | Simple / Unifoliate |
| Foliar Arrangement Along Stem | Opposite |
| Foliar Attachment to Stem | Petiolate |
| Foliar Shape(s) | Non-Palm Foliage (Obovate, Oval) |
| Foliar Venation | Pinnate / Net |
| Foliar Margin | Entire |
Floral (Angiosperm)
| Flower & Plant Sexuality | Bisexual Flowers |
| Flower Colour(s) | Cream / Off-White, Orange, Yellow / Golden |
|---|---|
| Flower Grouping | Cluster / Inflorescence |
| Flower Location | Axillary |
| Flower Symmetry | Radial |
Fruit, Seed and Spore
| Mature Fruit Colour(s) | Yellow / Golden |
|---|---|
| Fruit Classification | Simple Fruit |
| Fruit Type | Fleshy Fruit , Non-Accessory Fruit |
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 29853 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 4162 |
| 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. |
