Anisophyllea disticha (Jack) Baill.
| Etymology | Genus | Unequal leaves |
|---|---|---|
| Species | Two-rows; referring to the two types of leaves arranged at different rows | |
| Family | Anisophylleaceae | |
| Synonyms | Anisophyllum trapezoidale Baill., Anisophyllea rhomboidea Baill. | |
| Common Names | Mousedeer Plant, Leechwood | |
| Status | Native: Least Concern | |
| Form | Shrub or small tree | |
| Native Distribution | West Malesia | |
Diagnostics:
Anisophyllea disticha is a shrub or small tree seldom over 2m (but can reach up to 7m according to Corner [1997]). The diagnoistic feature is the two types of leaves; the large being rhomboid and the minute ones being tear-drop shape. It is very common in the understorey of our Central Catchment and Bukit Timah Nature Reserves.
Interesting Facts:
The Mousedeer Plant is so named because of rumours that the ripe red fruits are eaten by mousedeers. The wood is hard and suitable for making into walking-sticks (Corner, 1997)
The Mousedeer Plant often a single stemmed and short tree.
There are two distinct types of leaves, differing is size and shape.
Branching of the leaves.
The fruit ripens to bright red.
References
Corner EJH. (1997) Wayside Trees of Malaya. Volume 1. 4th edition. The Malaysian Nature Society, Kuala Lumpur. 476 pp.Author: Siyang
Posted: 2013-08-17 / Modified: 2026-02-18
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