Ploiarium alternifolium (Vahl) Melch.
| Etymology | Genus | From Greek, ploiarion (small boat) or ploion (floating vessel, ship); referring to the fruit capsule |
|---|---|---|
| Species | Alternate leaves | |
| Family | Bonnetiaceae | |
| Synonyms | - | |
| Common Names | Cicada Tree, Riang Riang | |
| Status | Native: Common | |
| Form | Shrub | |
| Native Distribution | Indochina, Peninsula Malaysia, Sumatra, Borneo | |
Diagnostics:
Ploiarium alternifolium is a shrub or small tree that can grow to 15m. It is easy to distinguish from its linear, thick leaves with no apparent veins, and lacking a petiole. They are arranged spirally. It also frequently bears white flowers and capsule fruits, which splits open like an umbrella.
Interesting Facts:
From FloraFaunaWeb (2019), a "decoction of the leaves and roots is used in treating stomachache".
A small tree at Nee Soon Swamp Forest, 2023.
A small shrub in Kent Ridge Park, 2018.
Thick elongated leaves with no petiole.
Fissured bark on a larger individual in Nee Soon Swamp Forest.
White flower.
Fruit capsules that have split.
Seeds.
References
FloraFaunaWeb. (2019) Ploiarium alternifolium (Vahl) Melch. National Parks Board, Singapore. https://florafaunaweb.nparks.gov.sg. Accessed on 8-Nov-2019.
Author: Siyang
Posted: 2019-11-06 / Modified: 2025-09-07