Xanthophyllum vitellinum (Blume) Dietr.

Etymology Genus Yellow leaves; referring to the colour of the dried leaves
Species Egg yellow; referring to the flower colour
Family Polygalaceae
Synonyms Jakkia vitellina Blume
Common Names Minyak Beruk, Rawai
Status Native: Vulnerable
Form Tree
Native Distribution Peninsular Malaysia, Singapore, Sumatra, Borneo, Java, and Philippines.

Diagnostics:

Xanthophyllum vitellinum is a tree growing up to 30m tall. It has distinct pointed axillary buds. The leaf margins are slightly rolled inwards. The secondary venation are depressed, while the mid-vein is raised on the upper surfaces.


Interesting Facts:

Minyak Beruk can be found in our Central Catchment and Bukit Timah Nature Reserves, as well as in the Singapore Botanic Gardens' Jungle. It is one of the most common species among its 94 other congeners (Meijden, 1988).


Minyak Beruk along MacRitchie Nature Trail.

Leave underside.

Leaf upper surface.

Stem.

Distinct pointed axillary buds.

A branch.

Inflorescence.

References

R van der Meijden. (1988) Polygalaceae. Flora Malesiana, 10(3): 455-539.


Author: Siyang
Posted: 2014-09-27 / Modified: 2019-07-28


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