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Donax canniformis (G.Forst.) K.Schum.
| Family Name: | Marantaceae |
| Synonyms: | Ataenidia grandis, Thalia canniformis, Maranta grandis, Donax parviflora, Donax gracilis, Phrynium canniforme, Donax grandis |
| Common Name: | Common Donax, Bemban, Bamban Ai, Bamban Batu, 竹叶蕉, 蘭嶼竹芋 |
Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Division | Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) (Monocotyledon) |
|---|---|
| Plant Growth Form | Aquatic & Hydrophyte (Waterside / Marginal), Herbaceous Plant |
| Lifespan (in Singapore) | Perennial |
| Mode of Nutrition | Autotrophic |
| Plant Shape | Irregular |
| Maximum Height | 4 m to 5 m |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | China, Taiwan, Indochina, Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Western Pacific |
|---|---|
| Preferred Climate Zone | Tropical, Sub-Tropical / Monsoonal |
| Local Conservation Status |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Ethnobotanical Uses | Food (Herb or Spice) Others: Medicinal: Leaf sap used as refreshing eyedrop. Roots boiled and drunk to relieve body heatiness. Products: Spilt stalks used in raw or processed form to weave fishing traps, mats, hats, baskets, baby carriers and handicrafts. Fibres reported to be softer than rattan, and more stronger than pandan. |
|---|
Landscaping Features
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Flowers, Ornamental Foliage, Ornamental Fruits |
|---|---|
| Landscape Uses | Riverine |
| Thematic Landscaping | Water Garden, Economic Garden, Naturalistic Garden |
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Semi-Shade, Full Sun |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Moderate Water, Lots of Water |
| Plant Growth Rate | Moderate |
| Rootzone Tolerance | Fertile Loamy Soils, Waterlogged Soils (Drains Site) |
| Maintenance Requirements | Moderate |
| Propagation Method | Seed, Storage Organ, Division |
Foliar
| Foliage Retention | Evergreen |
|---|---|
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green |
| Mature Foliage Texture(s) | Smooth, Glossy / Shiny, Raised / Sunken Veins |
| Foliar Type | Simple / Unifoliate |
| Foliar Shape(s) | Non-Palm Foliage (Ovate, Oval) |
| Foliar Venation | Parallel |
| Foliar Margin | Entire |
Non - Foliar and Storage
| Stem Type & Modification | Acaulescent |
|---|---|
| Root Type | Underground (Fibrous Root) |
| Specialised Storage Organ(s) | Underground (Rhizome) |
Floral (Angiosperm)
| Flower & Plant Sexuality | Bisexual Flowers |
| Flower Colour(s) | White |
|---|---|
| Inflorescence Type | Panicle |
| Flowering Habit | Polycarpic |
Fruit, Seed and Spore
| Mature Fruit Colour(s) | Yellow / Golden |
|---|---|
| Fruit Classification | Simple Fruit |
| Fruit Type | Fleshy Fruit |
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 31213 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 5607 |
| 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. |