The tembusu is a large evergreen tree in the family Gentianaceae, native to Southeast Asia (from Indo-China to New Guinea). It is the Malay name for Cyrtophyllum fragrans (synonym Fagraea fragrans).[2]
| Tembusu | |
|---|---|
| |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Asterids |
| Order: | Gentianales |
| Family: | Gentianaceae |
| Genus: | Cyrtophyllum |
| Species: | C. fragrans
|
| Binomial name | |
| Cyrtophyllum fragrans | |
| Synonyms | |
| |
Its trunk is dark brown, with deeply fissured bark, looking somewhat like a bittergourd. The tree grows in an irregular shape from 10 to 25 metres high,[3] with light green oval-shaped leaves, and yellowish flowers with a distinct fragrance. The fruits of the tree are bitter tasting red berries, which are eaten by Pteropus fruit bats.[4]
Common names
editBuabua (Fiji Islands), Urung (Philippines), Temasuk (Sabah), Tatrao, Trai (Vietnam), Kan Krao (Thailand), Tembesu (Indonesia), Anan, Anama (Burma), Munpla (Thailand, Laos), Ta Trao (Cambodia).[citation needed]
Uses
editThe trunk of this tree can produce very hard wood that can be used to make chopping boards and floors.[citation needed] The wood can last over a hundred years, as it is not consumed by termites and weevils.
Cultural significance
editA distinctive and well-loved tembusu tree growing in the Botanic Gardens is pictured on the Singaporean five-dollar bill.[citation needed]
In Thailand, it is the provincial tree of Surin Province and the university tree of Ubonratchathani.[citation needed]
References
edit- ^ Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI) & IUCN SSC Global Tree Specialist Group (2018). "Cyrtophyllum fragrans". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2018: e.T135891057A135895554. Retrieved 1 January 2024.
- ^ POWO: Cyrtophyllum fragrans (Roxb.) DC. (retrieved 12 November 2020)
- ^ Tropical plants site description
- ^ Hargreaves, Dorothy; Hargreaves, Bob (1970). Tropical Trees of the Pacific. Kailua, Hawaii: Hargreaves. p. 61.
- Note: Fagraea cochinchinensis is now considered a synonym of Aidia cochinchinensis
External links
edit
Data related to Cyrtophyllum fragrans at Wikispecies
Media related to Cyrtophyllum fragrans at Wikimedia Commons- Description from a woods supply site
