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 | Thailand, Peninsular Malaysia, and Singapore |
|---|---|
| Native Habitat | Terrestrial |
| Preferred Climate Zone | Tropical |
| Local Conservation Status | Native to Singapore (Critically Endangered (CR)) |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | It is a woody climber. |
|---|---|
| Foliage | Its alternate, stalked leaves have leaf blades that are heart-shaped, and up to 13 by 9 cm. |
| Flowers | Its flowers are arranged in stalked clusters that are about 10 cm long. |
| Habitat | It grows in lowland forests. It is found locally in forests around MacRitchie Reservoir and Nee Soon Swamp Forest. |
| Associated Fauna | Its flowers are pollinated by insects. |
| Cultivation | It can be propagated from seed or stem cuttings. |
| Etymology | The genus Piper is from Sanskrit : pippali. The species baccatum, means having berries, fruits with fleshy or pulpy coats). |
Landscaping Features
| Landscaping | It is suitable for parks as a ground cover or climber on trellises in partially shaded areas. |
|---|---|
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Foliage |
| Landscape Uses | Parks & Gardens, Trellis / Arbour / Pergola, Groundcover |
Fauna, Pollination and Dispersal
| Pollination Method(s) | Biotic (Fauna) |
|---|---|
| Seed or Spore Dispersal | Biotic (Fauna) |
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Semi-Shade |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Moderate Water |
| Plant Growth Rate | Moderate |
| Rootzone Tolerance | Moist Soils, Well-Drained Soils, Fertile Loamy Soils |
| Propagation Method | Seed, Stem Cutting |
Foliar
| Foliage Retention | Evergreen |
|---|---|
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green |
| Mature Foliage Texture(s) | Leathery |
| Prominent Young Flush Colour(s) | Green - Light Green |
| 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 |
| Foliar Apex - Tip | Acute, Acuminate |
| Foliar Base | Rounded / Obtuse, Cordate |
Floral (Angiosperm)
| Flower Grouping | Cluster / Inflorescence |
|---|---|
| Flower Location | Axillary |
Fruit, Seed and Spore
| Fruit Classification | Simple Fruit |
|---|---|
| Fruit Type | Fleshy Fruit , Non-Accessory Fruit |
References
| References | Suwanphakdee, C., Simpson, D.A., Hodkinson T.R. & Chantaranothai P. (2020). A synopsis of Thai Piper (Piperaceae). Thai Forest Bulletin (Botany) 48(2): 145-183. |
|---|
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 32083 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 6489 |
| 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. |
