Etymology | Genus | Swelling; referring to the fruit that becomes swollen when ripe |
---|---|---|
Species | Sour; probably referring to the taste of the fruit | |
Family | Lythraceae | |
Synonyms | Lythrum pemphis L., Pemphis angustifolia Roxb. | |
Common Names | Mentigi, Dakul, Bungor | |
Status | Native: Critically Endangered | |
Form | Shrub or small tree | |
Native Distribution | Tropical Old World and Australia, including Polynesia |
Pemphia acidula is a very rare plant found in coastal or rocky shores. The leaves are oppositely arranged and elliptic in shape. The secondary veins are hardly noticable. Both the leaves and young branches are densely covered with fine white hairs, thus having a smooth texture.
The lone individual in Changi.
Bark from the trunk right up to the branches is light grey.
Leaves front and back.
"Pin" flower form. Note that the stigma is above the anthers.
The flower bud.
Fruit with a brown cap.
Removing it reveals a jigsaw puzzle-like cluster of seeds.