 |
|
|
plants
text index | photo
index
|
| coastal plants |
| Pelir
musang Fagraea auriculata Family Gentianaceae/Loganiaceae updated Feb 11 Where seen? This rare scrambling shrub is found on natural cliffs of our offshore islands. According to The Total Vascular Plants of Singapore blog, it is found at Lazarus Island, Pulau Tekukor and Pulau Biola. According to Hsuan Keng, it was found at Pulau Pawai. It is also widely cultivated as an ornamental because of its large pretty flowers. Features: A climbing shrub or epiphyte (growing on other trees). According to Burkill, it starts life as an epiphyte, extending its roots to the ground in the process killing the host tree. Leaves leathery and large (25-35cm) with a pair of 'ears' (auricles) at the base of the leaf stalk. Leaves are arranged opposite to one another and appear at the tips of thick twigs. Flowers creamy yellow and fleshy, tubular with a long corolla (30cm) and large petals (to 30cm across). 'Pelir musang' means 'civet cat's testicles' in Malay, referring to the fruits. The fruits have a thin skin. Human uses: According to Burkill the very sticky substance found under the thin skin of the fruit is used for making glue that is considered very good. Status and threats: This plant is listed as 'Critically Endangered' in the Red List of threatened plants of Singapore. |
 Lazarus Island, Feb 11 |
 Lazarus Island, Feb 11 |
 A pair of 'ears' at the base of the leaf stalk. Lazarus Island, Feb 11 |
 Lazarus Island, Feb 11 |
 Pulau Biola, May 10 |
 Pulau Biola, May 10 |
|
 Pulau Tekukor, May 10 |
 Pulau Tekukor, May 10  |
|
|
Acknowledgements Links
References
|
.
Singapore University Press. 222 pp.|
|