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Cyrtosperma merkusii (Hassk.) Schott
| Family Name: | Araceae |
| Synonyms: | Cyrtosperma lasioides Griff., Lasia merkusii Hassk. |
| Common Name: | Geli-geli, Birah Hutan, Keladi Pari, Swamp Taro, Pulaka |
Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Division | Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) (Monocotyledon) |
|---|---|
| Plant Growth Form | Aquatic & Hydrophyte (Emergent Aquatic) |
| Lifespan (in Singapore) | Perennial |
| Mode of Nutrition | Autotrophic |
| Maximum Height | 1 m |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | Peninsular Malaysia, Singapore, Sumatra, Borneo, Java, the Philippines, and Oceania. |
|---|---|
| Native Habitat | Aquatic (Freshwater Pond / Lake / River) |
| Preferred Climate Zone | Tropical |
| Local Conservation Status | Native to Singapore (Vulnerable (VU)) |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | It is a prickly, non-woody aquatic emergent plant that can grow up to 1 m tall. |
|---|---|
| Foliage | Its alternate, prickly-stalked leaves have arrow-shaped leaf blades that are 30-51 cm long, with prickles on the veins. |
| Stems | The underground stem is a rhizome and is globular in shape. |
| Flowers | Its flowers are borne on a pinkish-brown, 8-10 cm long flowering shoot (spadix) enclosed by a 10-20 cm long modified leaf (spathe) that has shiny, brownish-purple exterior, and pale green or cream interior. |
| Fruit | Its fruits are embedded in the flowering shoot's axis, turning greenish purple or brown when ripe, with a light brown tip. |
| Habitat | It grows in lowland swamp forests, open swamps and along streams of primary or old secondary forests. It occurs locally in Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, Central Catchment Nature Reserve and Nee Soon Swamp Forest. |
| Associated Fauna | Its flowers are pollinated by insects. It is the host-plant for the brown tussock moth (Olene mendosa). |
| Cultivation | It can be grown under partial shade or full sun, in waterlogged, loamy soil, rich in organic matter. It can be grown in soils with varying pH levels and can survive at a minimum temperature of 15°C. |
| Etymology | Greek kurto-sperma, curved-seed, referring to the shape of the seed. |
| Ethnobotanical Uses | Edible Plant Parts : Edible Storage Organs Food (Fruit or Vegetable): The underground storage stem of the plant is eaten as a source of starch and calcium. Although the leaves yield some hydrocyanic acid, the young leaves are reportedly eaten, presumably after cooking properly, which eliminates the poison. The starchy roots are eaten in the Pacific. Medicinal: The spadix is used as an agent that promotes menstrual discharge. |
Landscaping Features
| Landscaping | It can be used as a marsh plant for the edges of ponds or reservoirs. The prickly leaves can serve to screen areas off. |
|---|---|
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Foliage, Ornamental Form |
| Landscape Uses | Parks & Gardens, Small Gardens, Riverine, Pond / Lake / River, Marsh / Bog |
Fauna, Pollination and Dispersal
| Pollination Method(s) | Biotic (Fauna) |
|---|---|
| Seed or Spore Dispersal | Abiotic |
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Full Sun, Semi-Shade |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Lots of Water |
| Rootzone Tolerance | Waterlogged Soils (Does not Drain Site), Heavy Clay Soils |
| Propagation Method | Seed, Division |
Foliar
| Foliage Retention | Evergreen |
|---|---|
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green |
| Mature Foliage Texture(s) | Leathery |
| Foliar Modification | Prickle / Emergence (blade) |
| Foliar Type | Simple / Unifoliate |
| Foliar Arrangement Along Stem | Alternate, Rosulate / Rosette |
| Foliar Attachment to Stem | Petiolate |
| Foliar Shape(s) | Non-Palm Foliage (Sagittate) |
| Foliar Margin | Entire |
Floral (Angiosperm)
| Flower & Plant Sexuality | Unisexual Flowers |
| Flower Colour(s) | Brown, Cream / Off-White, Purple, White |
|---|---|
| Flower Grouping | Cluster / Inflorescence |
| Flower Location | Terminal |
| Inflorescence Type | Spathe & Spadix |
Fruit, Seed and Spore
| Mature Fruit Colour(s) | Brown |
|---|---|
| Fruit Classification | Simple Fruit |
| Fruit Type | Fleshy Fruit , Non-Accessory Fruit |
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 31512 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 5909 |
| 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. |
