 |
|
|
plants text index | photo
index
|
| mangroves |
| Kalak
kambing Finlaysonia obovata Family Apocynaceae updated Nov 10 Where seen? This climber with distinctive horn-like fruits is rarely seen. According to Hsuan Keng, it is found in mangroves and tidal river banks including at Kranji and Geylang. Ang et al have found it in some of our remaining mangroves. Generally uncommon in global distribution, but where they occur, they can be common. Usually found in mangroves and on borders of tidal creeks and fishponds. Features: A slender, woody climber up to 5m long. Scrambling over and draping mangrove trees. Leaves fleshy (5-10cm) green, arranged opposite one another. Flowers small (about 1cm) with fuzzy petals, arranged in a branched inflorescence. According to Giesen, the flowers have a noxious smell. According to Ang et al, it is believed to be pollinated by flies and beetles that are attracted to rotting carcasses. In Java it flowers comparatively rarely. Fruits are green, ribbed (8-10cm) in a pair, described as resembling the horns of a buffalo. Bark pale, warty and papery. A white latex oozes out of all broken surfaces. Human uses: According to Burkill, the leaves are eaten in salads in the Moluccas, but "apparently this use does not extend to Malaya". According to Ang et al, this plant was recently found to contain substances that have antibacterial properties against fish diseases. |
 Kranji Canal, Mar 09 |
|
 |
 |
 Kranji Canal, Mar 09  |
 Kranji Canal, Mar 09  |
 Kranji Canal, Mar 09  |
 Pulau Ubin, May 09  |
 Pulau Ubin, May 09  |
 Pulau Ubin, May 09 |
 Kranji Canal, Dec 10  |
 Kranji Canal, Dec 10 |
 Kranji Canal, Dec 10 |
 Mandai, Mar 11 
|
 Mandai, Mar 11 
|
 Mandai, Mar 11 |
 Mandai, May 11 
|
 Mandai, May 11 
|
 Mandai, May 11 |
|
Links
References
|
.
Singapore University Press. 222 pp.
|
|