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plants
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| coastal plants |
| Tit-berry
Allophylus cobbe Family Sapindaceae updated Oct 09 Where seen? This pretty shrub with bright red fruits are sometimes seen in our back mangroves and sandy shores. According to Hsuan Keng, common along seashores including Kranji, Seletar and Jurong. Elsewhere, they are also found in secondary forest. Globally widely distributed from South America, South Africa through India to Southeast Asia and Papua New Guinea. Features: A shrub to tree (3-5m tall), sometimes a climber. Variable shape and growth form, Corners identified 5 varieties. Distinguished by leaf made up of three leaflets (4-9cm long), with a toothed edge, green that wither yellow. Tiny white flowers on spikes. Berries green, small (0.5cm) and round, several packed on a long stem. These ripen orange or red and are fleshy. The seeds are dispersed by birds. Human uses: According to Giesen, the wood is not considered of good quality and only used for roofing and sometimes as firewood. According to Selvan, the wood was used to make bows. The fruits are edible and according to Selvam, tastes "very sweet". The leaves are used as a mouthwash, to treat fractures, relieve rashes. The roots are used to treat diarrhoea. |
 Pulau Ubin, Oct 09  |
 Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, Sep 09 |
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 Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, Sep 09 |
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References
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Singapore University Press. 222 pp.|
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