Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Division | Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) (Dicotyledon) |
|---|---|
| Plant Growth Form | Shrub |
| Lifespan (in Singapore) | Perennial |
| Mode of Nutrition | Autotrophic |
Biogeography
| Native Habitat | Terrestrial |
|---|
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | A dense, spreading shrub, it can grow up to 0.4m in height under full sun with a spread of up to 1.4m. |
|---|---|
| Foliage | The leaves are dark green, lanceolate in shape with red leaf tips and an entire margin and are arranged in opposite pairs on the stem, the underside has a layer of hairs while the upper leaf surface is glabrous. The new leaf growth is red in colour and are covered with dense, silky hairs. |
| Flowers | The flowers are solitary or borne in clusters of 2 to 5 in the upper leaf axils and are white in colour. |
| Fruit | The fruits come in the form of berries which are white and covered with dark blue spots. |
| Habitat | It is found in open forests and on the forest margin. |
| Ethnobotanical Uses | Edible Plant Parts : Edible Fruits |
Landscaping Features
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Foliage, Ornamental Fruits |
|---|---|
| Landscape Uses | Hedge / Screening |
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Full Sun |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Moderate Water |
| Plant Growth Rate | Moderate to Slow |
| Rootzone Tolerance | Acidic (low pH) Soils |
| Propagation Method | Seed, Stem Cutting (Semi-Hardwood) |
| Propagation Method Remarks | The seed should be cleaned and washed before planting. Germination occurs in 3 to 4 weeks. |
Foliar
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green |
|---|---|
| Prominent Young Flush Colour(s) | Red |
| Young Flush Texture(s) | Hairy / Hirsute |
| Foliar Type | Simple / Unifoliate |
| Foliar Arrangement Along Stem | Opposite |
| Foliar Attachment to Stem | Petiolate |
| Foliar Shape(s) | Non-Palm Foliage |
| Foliar Margin | Entire |
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 31368 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 5765 |
| 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. |