Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Division | Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) |
|---|---|
| Plant Growth Form | Shrub |
| Lifespan (in Singapore) | Perennial |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | China and Southeast Asia, including Singapore |
|---|---|
| Native Habitat | Terrestrial |
| Preferred Climate Zone | Tropical |
| Local Conservation Status | Native to Singapore (Vulnerable (VU)) |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | Hemi-parasitic shrub, able to grow to about 1 m in length. |
|---|---|
| Foliage | Opposite leaves, reddish brown, broadly elliptic to ovate, measuring 5 - 10 cm by 2 - 6 cm, leathery, underneath surface with short, verticillate hairs, top surface smooth, leaf stalk measuring about 2 - 6 mm. |
| Stems | Grey colour, presence of lenticels. |
| Flowers | Axillary flowers, usually 4 - 6 in a cluster. |
| Fruit | Pear-shaped berry, measuring about 8 - 10 by 3 - 4 mm, surface with verticillate hairs. |
| Etymology | ferruginea in Latin meaning rusty red, which refers to the colour of the foilage. |
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 | Little Water |
| Plant Growth Rate | Fast |
Foliar
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Brown, Red |
|---|---|
| Foliar Arrangement Along Stem | Opposite |
| Foliar Attachment to Stem | Petiolate |
| Foliar Margin | Entire |
Floral (Angiosperm)
| Flower Grouping | Cluster / Inflorescence |
|---|---|
| Flower Location | Axillary |
Fruit, Seed and Spore
| Fruit Type | Fleshy Fruit |
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 32142 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 6548 |
| 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. |