Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Division | Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) (Dicotyledon) |
|---|---|
| Plant Growth Form | Shrub |
| Mode of Nutrition | Autotrophic |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | India, Peninsular Malaysia, Singapore, Borneo. |
|---|---|
| Native Habitat | Terrestrial |
| Preferred Climate Zone | Tropical |
| Local Conservation Status | Native to Singapore (Presumed Nationally Extinct (NEx)) |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Foliage | Leaves are oppositely arranged along the stem. Leaf blade is elliptical, with entire margin and pinnate venation, with acuminate to caudate apex. Interpetiolar stipule exists |
|---|---|
| Flowers | Inflorescence are fragrant, erect when mature, with straight peduncle. The corolla lobes are white, elliptical in shape, corolla bud has apiculate apex; the upper part near to the throat is pubescent with silky short hair. Stamens are located at the throat, alternate with corolla lobes; stigma is long and spindle-shaped. The calyx lobes are green, broadly triangular and shorter than the ovary. |
| Fruit | Fruits are crowned by short persistent calyx. |
| Habitat | Found in evergreen and deciduous forests, often in shady places near streams. It is also common in evergreen forest near the sea, at an altitude to 400 m. |
| Etymology | The genus Tarenna is from the Sri Lankan vernacular name, tarana. The specific epithet stellulata means small-starred, which refers to the small star-like flowers. |
Landscaping Features
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Flowers, Fragrant (Flowers) |
|---|---|
| Landscape Uses | Parks & Gardens, Small Gardens |
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Full Sun |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Moderate Water |
| Rootzone Tolerance | Moist Soils, Well-Drained Soils |
Foliar
| Foliage Retention | Evergreen |
|---|---|
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green |
| Foliar Type | Simple / Unifoliate |
| Foliar Arrangement Along Stem | Opposite |
| Foliar Attachment to Stem | Petiolate |
| Foliar Shape(s) | Non-Palm Foliage (Elliptical) |
| Foliar Venation | Pinnate / Net |
| Foliar Margin | Entire |
| Foliar Apex - Tip | Acuminate, Caudate |
Floral (Angiosperm)
| Flower Colour(s) | White |
|---|---|
| Flower Grouping | Cluster / Inflorescence |
| Flower Location | Terminal |
| Individual Flower Shape | Stellate / Star-shaped |
| Flowering Period | Free-Flowering |
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 33582 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 7996 |
| 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. |
