 |
|
|
plants
text index | photo
index
|
| coastal plants |
| Bedara
laut Ximenia americana Family Olacaceae updated Nov 10 Where seen? A shrub or small tree, it is seen growing wild on some of our undisturbed shores and back mangroves. According to Hsuan Keng, they were found in Changi, Jurong, Pasir Panjang and Pulau Seletar. According to Giersen, these plants are found throughout the tropics. It is also known as Tallow-wood or Tallowwood. Features: A shrub or small tree up to 2-4m tall. Leaves 3-4cm long, leathery, elliptical with a short stalk. There are thorns in the leaf axils. Fruits about 2cm long, oval, thin-skinned, yellow to orange with firm green flesh. The fruit has an acidic taste, and contains a hard stone. Flowers small (2-2.5cm) white and hairy, grows in clusters. Bark greyish brown with red cork and rounded lenticels. According to Giersen, the seeds are dispersed by birds and by the sea. Human uses: According to Burkill, the sour fruits are eaten fresh or pickled. They are also used as a substitute for lemon with fish. The seed is oily and the oil is used in cooking in southern India. The nuts are eaten but have a strong purgative effect so ony a few can be taken at a time; "many cause deleterious effects". The crushed leaves smell of bitter almonds and are sometimes used as flavouring by the Dutch who lived in the tropics. The pounded roots are used to treat colic, in Africa the pounded bark is used treat sores on animals and used to keep insects away. The hard, heavy timber is pleasantly scented when freshly cut and is thus sometimes powdered and used as a substitute for sandalwood in India. |
 Pulau Hantu, Apr 09 |
 Pulau Semakau, Dec 04  |
 Pulau Semakau, Dec 04  |
 Pulau Hantu, Apr 09  |
 Pulau Ubin, Jul 09  Fallen fruits on the shore. |
 Pulau Ubin, Jul 09  |
 Pulau Sekudu, May 10 |
|
Links
Other references
|
.
Singapore University Press. 222 pp.|
|