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Urceola laevigata (Juss.) D.J.Middleton & Livsh. (variegated)
| Family Name: | Apocynaceae |
| Synonyms: | Parameria laevigata (Juss.) Moldenke (variegated), Parameria barbata (variegated) |
| Common Name: | Kayu Rapat, Cebu Balsam |
Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Division | Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) |
|---|---|
| Plant Growth Form | Climber, Vine & Liana |
| Lifespan (in Singapore) | Perennial |
| Mode of Nutrition | Autotrophic |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | East Asia (China, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Philippines, Andaman and Nicobar Islands). |
|---|---|
| Native Habitat | Terrestrial |
| Preferred Climate Zone | Tropical |
| Local Conservation Status | Native to Singapore (Critically Endangered (CR)) |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | It is an evergreen climbing shrub producing stems as long as 10 m. |
|---|---|
| Foliage | Petiole is 2-4 cm long; leaf blade is ovate, green and variegated with white nearer to the leaf margin. |
| Stems | Stems are pale grey. |
| Flowers | Yellowish, white flowers, borne on inflorescence called as cymes; each flowers has broadly ovate sepals, reddish to white corolla measuring around 7 mm in diameter and tubular about 2.5 mm. |
| Fruit | Follicles with seeds about 1 cm. |
| Habitat | It is found in montane forests, at elevation of between 800 and 1500 m in China; in thickets and open forests in the Philippines and in primary and secondary forests as well. |
| Etymology | The genus Parameria is from the Greek para which means near or beside, and meris which means part, which refers to an allusion to the same floral parts. |
| Ethnobotanical Uses | Medicinal: All parts of the plants are said to be useful in treating rheumatism and injury. The leaves and twigs are pounded before applied as poultice on cuts. In Indonesia, the plant is an ingredient of folk medicine used traditionally to treat ulcer, diarrhoea and wounds. The bark decoction is given after childbirth for shrinking uterus. Others: Fibre from the bark is used in rope making and to tie bundles of rice. |
Landscaping Features
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Foliage, Fragrant (Flowers) |
|---|---|
| Landscape Uses | Trellis / Arbour / Pergola |
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Full Sun |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Moderate Water |
| Rootzone Tolerance | Well-Drained Soils |
| Propagation Method | Stem Cutting |
Foliar
| Foliage Retention | Evergreen |
|---|---|
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green, White, Patterned |
| Mature Foliage Texture(s) | Smooth |
| Prominent Young Flush Colour(s) | Green, White |
| Young Flush Texture(s) | Smooth |
| Foliar Type | Simple / Unifoliate |
| Foliar Arrangement Along Stem | Opposite |
| Foliar Attachment to Stem | Petiolate |
| Foliar Shape(s) | Non-Palm Foliage (Ovate) |
| Foliar Venation | Pinnate / Net |
| Foliar Margin | Entire |
| Foliar Apex - Tip | Acuminate |
| Foliar Base | Rounded / Obtuse |
Floral (Angiosperm)
| Flower & Plant Sexuality | Bisexual Flowers |
| Flower Colour(s) | White |
|---|---|
| Flower Texture(s) | Smooth |
| Flower Grouping | Cluster / Inflorescence |
| Flower Location | Axillary, Terminal |
| Flower Symmetry | Radial |
| Individual Flower Shape | Tubular |
| Inflorescence Type | Cyme |
| Flowering Period | Free-Flowering |
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 30619 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 4928 |
| Flora Disclaimer | The information in this website has been compiled from reliable sources, such as reference works on medicinal plants. It is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment and NParks does not purport to provide any medical advice. Readers should always consult his/her physician before using or consuming a plant for medicinal purposes. |