Pterisanthes polita (Miq.) Lawson
| Etymology | Genus | From Greek, pteron=wing, anthe=flower; referring to the blade like inflorescence |
|---|---|---|
| Species | Smoothed or polished | |
| Family | Vitaceae | |
| Synonyms | - | |
| Common Names | Simple-Leaved Ribbon Vine, Akar Janggut Baung | |
| Status | Native: Critically Endangered | |
| Form | Climber | |
| Native Distribution | Myanmar, Thailand, Sumatra, Peninsular Malaysia, Philippines, Borneo | |
Diagnostics
Pterisanthes polita is a climber with simple leaves, with a few serrations along the margin. The leaf blade is ovate-oblong to broadly-ovate, with a slight cordate base. The tendrils lies opposite to the leaf.
Interesting Facts
Pterisanthes polita is the most common of other two extant Pterisanthes species in Singapore, but it is restricted to the Nee Soon Swamp Forest region (Yeo et al., 2012).
A small climber in Nee Soon Swamp Forest (2013)
Leaf upperside.
Leaf underside.
Inflorescence.
Developing fruits.
References
Yeo CK, Ang WF & Lok AFSL (2012) Pterisanthes (Vitaceae) of Singapore: With a Note on the Rediscovery of Pterisanthes cissioides Blume. Nature in Singapore. 5, 185-190.