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Anthoshorea gratissima

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Anthoshorea gratissima (Wall. ex Kurz) P.S.Ashton & J.Heck.

Family Name: Dipterocarpaceae
Synonyms: Shorea gratissima (Wall. ex Kurz) Dyer
Common Name: Meranti Laut, Penggiran

Name

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

Classifications and Characteristics

Plant Division Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) (Dicotyledon)
Plant Growth Form Tree (Big (>30m))
Lifespan (in Singapore) Perennial
Mode of Nutrition Autotrophic
Plant Shape Irregular
Maximum Height 60 m

Biogeography

Native Distribution Thailand, Sumatra, Peninsular Malaysia, Singapore, and Borneo
Native Habitat Terrestrial (Primary Rainforest, Coastal Forest)
Preferred Climate Zone Tropical
Local Conservation Status Native to Singapore (Critically Endangered (CR))

Description and Ethnobotany

Growth Form It is a tree up to 60 m tall.
Foliage Its alternate, stalked leaves have leathery leaf blades that are oval or egg-shaped, brown above and yellowish-brown below when dry, and 4-10 by 2.5-4.5 cm.
Flowers Its flowering shoots are up to 10 cm long, and bear up to 8 white or white-pink flowers.
Fruit Its ovoid fruit consists of a nut that is 8-15 by 6-8 mm, with 3 longer wings that are 4.8-7 by 1-1.3 cm and 2 shorter wings that are 2.5-5.5 by 0.5-0.6 cm.
Habitat It grows in forests on dry hills near the coast. It occurs locally in Bukit Timah Nature Reserve.
Associated Fauna Its flowers are insect-pollinated.
Etymology The specific epithet gratissima is Latin for very pleasing, the reference to which is unknown.
Ethnobotanical Uses Timber & Products: It is a source of timber and resin.

Landscaping Features

Landscaping It is suitable for parks.
Landscape Uses Parks & Gardens

Fauna, Pollination and Dispersal

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

Plant Care and Propagation

Light Preference Full Sun
Water Preference Moderate Water
Rootzone Tolerance Moist Soils, Well-Drained Soils, Fertile Loamy Soils
Maintenance Requirements Moderate
Propagation Method Seed

Foliar

Foliage Retention Evergreen
Mature Foliage Colour(s) Green
Mature Foliage Texture(s) Leathery
Foliar Type Simple / Unifoliate
Foliar Arrangement Along Stem Alternate
Foliar Attachment to Stem Petiolate
Foliar Shape(s) Non-Palm Foliage
Foliar Venation Pinnate / Net
Foliar Margin Entire

Floral (Angiosperm)

Flower & Plant Sexuality Bisexual Flowers
Flower Colour(s) White, Pink
Flower Grouping Cluster / Inflorescence
Flower Location Axillary
Flower Symmetry Radial

Fruit, Seed and Spore

Mature Fruit Colour(s) Brown
Fruit Classification Simple Fruit
Fruit Type Indehiscent Dry Fruit , Nut / Nutlet

References

References Ashton, P.S. & Heckenhauer, J. (2022). Tribe Shoreae (Dipterocarpaceae subfamily Dipterocarpoideae) finally dissected. Kew Bull. 77: 885–903.

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Master ID 31035
Species ID 5422
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: 02 April 2024.
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