Canthium malayense K.M.Wong
| Etymology | Genus | From Greek, kantha=thorny |
|---|---|---|
| Species | Of Malayan origin | |
| Family | Rubiaceae | |
| Synonyms | Canthium horridum auct. non Blume | |
| Common Names | Malayan Canthium | |
| Status | Native: Endangered | |
| Form | Shrub | |
| Native Distribution | Thailand, Peninsular Malaysia, Singapore, Borneo, Sumatra | |
Diagnostics:
A woody, spiny shrub or climbing vine that grows up to 3 meters tall with curved, paired thorns along its branches. It has small, leathery leaves with distinctive veins and fine hairs on both the stems and leaves. It can be found in dryland lowland forest sites, swamp forests, and coastal areas.
Interesting Facts:
This was previously identified as Canthium horridum, but in Wong & Lua (2018), it was described as a new species.
Along Mandai Track 7 (2026).
Leaf upper surface.
Leaf lower surface.
Branching.
Hairs along mid-vein, branch and spines.
References
Wong, K. M., & Lua, H. K. (2018). Flora of Singapore precursors, 3. A new species of Canthium (Rubiaceae: Vanguerieae) previously confused with C. horridum. Gardens' Bulletin Singapore, 70(2), 275–282.
Author: Siyang
Posted: 2026-02-24