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plants text index | photo
index
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| coastal plants |
| Kelat
nasi nasi Syzygium zeylanicum Family Myrtaceae updated Feb 11 Where seen? This small shrub is sometimes seen growing wild on our natural coastal cliffs such as those at St. John's Island. It is also cultivated. According to Hsuan Keng, it was found in sandy spots near the sea, including Tanglin, Changi, Kranji and Tuas. According to Corners, it is common by rivers and seashores of Indo-Malesia, in secondary jungles and the tops of low hills up to 2,000 feet. It was previously known as Eugenia zeylanica and Eugenia spicata. Features: Usually a bush, sometimes a short tree (rarely exceeding 10m). Leaves leathery with very short leaf stalks, 2cm or less. Leaves oval, leathery with pointed tips, arranged opposite, in pairs. No stipules and no latex from broken parts. The young leaves are purple pink. The puffy white inflorescence is very short and dense (2cm or less) and calyx is minutely pimpled with oil glands. When the bushy trees are in bloom, the effect is 'snowy'. The fruit is small (less than 1cm) oblong, white and pithy, appearing in bunches. Human uses: According to Burkill, the fruit is sweet, aromatic and edible. The reddish or brown wood is used for fuel and in boat building. The leaves and roots are also used in traditional medicine. |
 St. John's Island, Feb 11 |
 St. John's Island, Feb 11  |
 St. John's Island, Feb 11  |
 St. John's Island, Feb 11 |
 Lazarus Island, Feb 11 |
 Lazarus Island, Feb 11  |
 Pasir Ris Park, May 11  Planted in the park. |
 Pasir Ris Park, May 11 Planted in the park. |
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Acknowledgements
References
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Singapore University Press. 222 pp.|
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