Back
Quisqualis conferta (Jack) Exell
| Family Name: | Combretaceae |
| Synonyms: | Quisqualis densiflora Wallich ex Miquel. |
| Common Name: | Vientiane Creeper, 小花使君子 |
Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Division | Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) (Dicotyledon) |
|---|---|
| Plant Growth Form | Climber |
| Lifespan (in Singapore) | Perennial |
| Mode of Nutrition | Autotrophic |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia and Malaysia |
|---|---|
| Native Habitat | Terrestrial |
| Preferred Climate Zone | Tropical |
| Local Conservation Status | Non-native |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | It is a woody climber. |
|---|---|
| Foliage | The leaves are oblong in shape with a pilose petiole 3 to 7mm in length and is glabrous while the midvein and lateral veins are sparsely pilose. The leaf petiole has an inflated joint near at the base. Leaves measuring about 5 - 13 cm by 2 - 5.5 cm. |
| Stems | The tertiary branches are brown and pilose. |
| Flowers | The flowers are borne on dense, axillary inflorescences. The calyx tube is 1.7 to 2.4cm in length with cuspidate and recurved lobes. The petals are dark red and oblong-elliptic in shape. |
| Fruit | The fruit is glossy and black when ripe, ovoid and is 5-ridged. Size of fruit measuring about 2.5 cm. |
| Habitat | It can be found growing in dense forests and wetlands at altitudes of 400 to 1100m. |
| Etymology | Genus name Quisqualis is derived from the Malay name "udani" and refers to the variable habit and colouring of the plant. Species name conferta is referring to the dense or crowded foliage and flowers of the plant. |
| Ethnobotanical Uses | Medicinal: A decoction of the leaves or juice from the pounded roots is used as a vermifuge. |
Landscaping Features
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Flowers |
|---|---|
| Landscape Uses | Parks & Gardens, Small Gardens, Trellis / Arbour / Pergola |
Fauna, Pollination and Dispersal
| Pollination Method(s) | Biotic (Fauna) |
|---|
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Full Sun |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Moderate Water |
| Plant Growth Rate | Fast |
| Rootzone Tolerance | Well-Drained Soils |
Foliar
| Foliage Retention | Evergreen |
|---|---|
| Foliar Apex - Tip | Acuminate |
| Foliar Base | Rounded / Obtuse |
Floral (Angiosperm)
| Flower & Plant Sexuality | Bisexual Flowers |
| Flower Colour(s) | Red |
|---|
Fruit, Seed and Spore
| Mature Fruit Colour(s) | Black |
|---|
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 31787 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 6187 |
| 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. |