Photo taken by Teo Siyang.

FAGRAEA FRAGRANS Roxb.

Vernacular namesFlora Malesiana. (1962). Steenis, C.G.G.J. van ed. Series I vol. 6 part 2 pp. 299-309

Table of Contents

DESCRIPTION HabitFlora Malesiana. (1962). Steenis, C.G.G.J. van ed. Series I vol. 6 part 2 pp. 299-309 ]]>,Corner, E.J.H. (1988). Wayside Trees of Malaya in two volumes. vol. 1 pp. 466-470. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: The Malayan Nature Society ]]>,Tree Flora of Sabah and Sarawak. (1996). Soepadmo, E., Wong, K.M., and Saw, L.G. ed.s vol. 2 pp. 190-207. Malaysia: The Malaysian Nature Society ]]>,Singapore Biodiversity: An Encyclopedia of the Natural Environment and Sustainable Development. (2011). Ng, P.K.L., Corlett, R.T., and Tan, H.T.W. ed.s p. 477. Singapore: Raffles Museum of Biodiversity Research ]]> Fagraea fragrans grows as a tree, sometimes as a shrub. The species can grow to a maximum height of 35m. The tree appears to branch rather low down along the trunk. The branches grow perpendicular to the trunk for a short distance, then shoot vertically upwards, giving one the impression of an upturned palm with multiple fingers reaching for the heavens. The crown can be conical in young trees, and is more irregular in older trees. The trees can grow up to 2.5m in diameter, and sometimes have buttresses of up to 2.5m.	The conical crown of a young Fagraea fragrans tree. Photo by Louise Neo.	"Like fingers reaching for the heavens". Photo by Louise Neo.
BarkTree Flora of Sabah and Sarawak. (1996). Soepadmo, E., Wong, K.M., and Saw, L.G. ed.s vol. 2 pp. 190-207. Malaysia: The Malaysian Nature Society ]]>,Singapore Biodiversity: An Encyclopedia of the Natural Environment and Sustainable Development. (2011). Ng, P.K.L., Corlett, R.T., and Tan, H.T.W. ed.s p. 477. Singapore: Raffles Museum of Biodiversity Research ]]> The bark of the trunk is very distinctive with its deep ridges and irregular fissures. The colour of the bark may be dark brown, grayish or black.	Deeply fissured bark. Photo by Louise Neo

LeavesFlora Malesiana. (1962). Steenis, C.G.G.J. van ed. Series I vol. 6 part 2 pp. 299-309 ]]>,Corner, E.J.H. (1988). Wayside Trees of Malaya in two volumes. vol. 1 pp. 466-470. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: The Malayan Nature Society ]]>,Tree Flora of Sabah and Sarawak. (1996). Soepadmo, E., Wong, K.M., and Saw, L.G. ed.s vol. 2 pp. 190-207. Malaysia: The Malaysian Nature Society ]]>,Singapore Biodiversity: An Encyclopedia of the Natural Environment and Sustainable Development. (2011). Ng, P.K.L., Corlett, R.T., and Tan, H.T.W. ed.s p. 477. Singapore: Raffles Museum of Biodiversity Research ]]> The leaves of Fagraea fragrans are simple, elliptical, entire, and sub-coriaceous.The midrib is prominent on the lower side of the leaf. There are 9-12 pairs of lateral veins, which are distinct, flat to slightly prominent on the lower side of the leaf, and flat and indistinct to obscure on the upper side of the leaves. The intercostal veins are obscure. The leaf apex is cuspidate. The leaves are 4-14 x 1.5-6cm in dimension.
Upper side of leaf. Photo by Louise Neo.		Underside of leaf. Photo by Louise Neo.
The leaf base is acute and decurrent on the petiole. The petioles are 0.5-2.5cm in length, and enlarge at the base into a ring that clasps the stem. Fagraea fragrans leaves are oppositely arranged.	Photo showing features of leaves and stem, including leaf base. Photo by Teo Siyang.	Leaf arrangement. Photo by Louise Neo.

Inflorescence. Photo by Louise Neo.

InflorescencesFlora Malesiana. (1962). Steenis, C.G.G.J. van ed. Series I vol. 6 part 2 pp. 299-309 ]]>,Corner, E.J.H. (1988). Wayside Trees of Malaya in two volumes. vol. 1 pp. 466-470. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: The Malayan Nature Society ]]>,Tree Flora of Sabah and Sarawak. (1996). Soepadmo, E., Wong, K.M., and Saw, L.G. ed.s vol. 2 pp. 190-207. Malaysia: The Malaysian Nature Society ]]>,Singapore Biodiversity: An Encyclopedia of the Natural Environment and Sustainable Development. (2011). Ng, P.K.L., Corlett, R.T., and Tan, H.T.W. ed.s p. 477. Singapore: Raffles Museum of Biodiversity Research ]]>,Cambodia Tree Seed Project: Cambodian Tree Species ]]> The flowers of Fagraea fragrans grow in a many-flowered cluster known as a cyme(a type of inflorescence). The cymeis axillary, 6.5-12cm long and 4-7cm wide, with the main axis branching 2-3 orders. The cyme can be quite dense. The peduncle is 4-6cm long. The individual flowers are whitish-yellow and fragrant. They turn yellow when old. Each individual flower is bisexual and has 5 petals. In each flower: the corolla-tube is narrowly funnel-shaped the 5 stamens are exsert of the corolla-tube, with 14-17mm long filamentsinserted just above the middle of the corolla-tube, and oblong-linear anthers of about 1.5mm long the style is 1.25-6cm long and exsert for 8-10 mm, exceeding the stamens, with a faintly 2-lobed stigma the calyx is campanulate, 2-2.5 mm long and 2-2.5 mm in diameter the pedicel is 5-7 mm long (See pollination.)

FruitsFlora Malesiana. (1962). Steenis, C.G.G.J. van ed. Series I vol. 6 part 2 pp. 299-309 ]]>,Corner, E.J.H. (1988). Wayside Trees of Malaya in two volumes. vol. 1 pp. 466-470. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: The Malayan Nature Society ]]>,Flora Indica. (1824). Carey & Wallich ed.s vol. ii. p. 32 ]]>,Tree Flora of Sabah and Sarawak. (1996). Soepadmo, E., Wong, K.M., and Saw, L.G. ed.s vol. 2 pp. 190-207. Malaysia: The Malaysian Nature Society ]]>,Singapore Biodiversity: An Encyclopedia of the Natural Environment and Sustainable Development. (2011). Ng, P.K.L., Corlett, R.T., and Tan, H.T.W. ed.s p. 477. Singapore: Raffles Museum of Biodiversity Research ]]>,Forest and Landscape Denmark: Seed Leaflet ]]> The fruits are smooth and round with a small pointed tip. They are two-celled and 0.75-1cm in diameter. Each fruit weighs 1.2g on average. They ripen from green to yellow to orange to red. According to CornerCorner, E.J.H. (1988). Wayside Trees of Malaya in two volumes. vol. 1 pp. 466-470. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: The Malayan Nature Society ]]>, the fruits are bitter. (See dispersal.)	Unripe fruits. Photo by Louise Neo.	Half-ripened fruits. Photo by Teo Siyang.
Depiction of the sizes of Fagraea fragrans fruits and the successive stages of development. Photo by Louise Neo.
SeedsFlora Indica. (1824). Carey & Wallich ed.s vol. ii. p. 32 ]]>,Tree Flora of Sabah and Sarawak. (1996). Soepadmo, E., Wong, K.M., and Saw, L.G. ed.s vol. 2 pp. 190-207. Malaysia: The Malaysian Nature Society ]]>,Singapore Biodiversity: An Encyclopedia of the Natural Environment and Sustainable Development. (2011). Ng, P.K.L., Corlett, R.T., and Tan, H.T.W. ed.s p. 477. Singapore: Raffles Museum of Biodiversity Research ]]>,Forest and Landscape Denmark: Seed Leaflet ]]> There are 20-30 seeds in each fruit. They are less than 1mm in diameter, and are angular and scarbrous. The seeds are brown and have a very thin seed coat. Sterile seeds are around 4 times smaller than fertile seeds.		Seeds. Photo by Teo Siyang.

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BIOLOGY

Growth and Phenology

The growth of Fagraea fragrans is rather slowCorner, E.J.H. (1988). Wayside Trees of Malaya in two volumes. vol. 1 pp. 466-470. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: The Malayan Nature Society

"...the Tembusu responds very slowly to the climatic stimulus, its flowers opening after an interval of nearly four months. But in all its activities the tree is leisurely. It grows slowly: it develops new leaves a pair at a time, never in flush like so many of our eager trees: its flower-buds need several weeks to open: its flowers last for several days and are not morning-glories or night-dreams like so many others: and the tiny berries require more than three months to mature. Such sluggishness is remarkable in a tropical plant, the environment of which imposes no hindrance upon its growth, but it is not unparalleled for both Mangosteen and Nutmeg are almost, if not quite, as lethargic."Corner, E.J.H., Wayside Trees of Malaya p.468

According to Corner, the regular seasonality in the flowering and fruiting of Fagraea fragrans gives reliable indication of the slight seasonality of the tropicsCorner, E.J.H. (1988). Wayside Trees of Malaya in two volumes. vol. 1 pp. 466-470. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: The Malayan Nature Society

Ecology

PollinationThe flowers of Fagraea fragrans open in the eveningCorner, E.J.H. (1988). Wayside Trees of Malaya in two volumes. vol. 1 pp. 466-470. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: The Malayan Nature Society

"This yearly event, the fruiting of Tembusu trees, which takes place in September and sometimes again in January if there has been a second flowering during the preceding year, is one of the marvels and mysteries of local natural history. The flying foxes arrive from far and wide, flapping across the evening sky from the islands to the south, from the mangrove swamps on the mainland, and even, from the coast of Sumatra, but how they know the season of the Tembusu trees, whether they have scouts or by what sequence they are led to return, for at other times they are scarcely to be seen, we do not know. For two or three weeks they revel nightly in the succession of berries, squawking and fighting for position on the trees, disgorging the skins and seeds in red splashes."

Natural Habitat

Fagraea fragrans grows naturally in lowland (sea level to around 800 m) secondary or disturbed forest, coastal or beach forest, and even lalang fieldsFlora Malesiana. (1962). Steenis, C.G.G.J. van ed. Series I vol. 6 part 2 pp. 299-309

DISTRIBUTION

Native range

Asia-TemperateFlora Malesiana. (1962). Steenis, C.G.G.J. van ed. Series I vol. 6 part 2 pp. 299-309

Status in Singapore

Fagraea fragrans is native to Singapore, found commonly, and also cultivatedChong, K.Y., Tan, H.T.W. and Corlett, R.T. (2009) A checklist of the total vascular plant flora of Singapore: native, naturalized and cultivated species. Raffles Museum of Biodiversity Research, National University of Singapore

USES

Symbolic

Owing to the magnificence of the trees of this species, Fagraea fragrans has been used as an icon in various ways. A Fagraea fragrans tree is illustrated on the back of the Singapore $5 note (first issued in 1999). This individual can be found growing on Lawn E in the Singapore Botanic Gardens, and has been declared a Heritage Tree. This tree is believed to have been growing in the same spot even before the Singapore Botanic Gardens was established in 1859Singapore Infopedia: Tembusu

The vernacular name tembusu has also been used considerably in Singapore, suggesting its cultural significance. A local University college and an equity firm have been named after the species.

Ornamental

Fagraea fragrans is commonly planted as a shade tree along streets, and in parks and gardens all around SingaporeFlora Malesiana. (1962). Steenis, C.G.G.J. van ed. Series I vol. 6 part 2 pp. 299-309

Fagraea fragrans planted in the Engineering Faculty of the National University of Singapore, Kent Ridge. Photo by Louise Neo.

Fagraea fragrans planted in Kent Ridge Park, Singapore. Photo by Louise Neo.

Fagraea fragrans planted on St John's Island, Singapore. Photo by Louise Neo.

Forestry

The timber of Fagraea fragrans is yellow, fine to medium-textured, hard, and very durableFlora Malesiana. (1962). Steenis, C.G.G.J. van ed. Series I vol. 6 part 2 pp. 299-309

Medicinal

Parts of Fagraea fragrans have been used in traditional medicine. The bark has been used in decoction as a febrifuge, for example to cure malaria. In Kedah, Malaya, a decoction of the leaves and twigs has been drunk for dysenteryFlora Malesiana. (1962). Steenis, C.G.G.J. van ed. Series I vol. 6 part 2 pp. 299-309

SCIENTIFIC CLASSIFICATION

Fagraea fragrans was placed previously in the family LoganiaceaeFlora Malesiana. (1962). Steenis, C.G.G.J. van ed. Series I vol. 6 part 2 pp. 299-309

TAXONOMY

Diagnosis

A species diagnosis is important in helping one tell different members of the same plant family and genus apart.

FamilyDiagnostic features of the family Gentianaceae includeGentian Research Network

• glabrous plants (no simple or glandular hairs)
• leaves which are opposite, simple, and entire
• leaves with prominent midrib
• no stipules
• bisexual flowers
• stamens inserted in the corolla-tube
• petals and sepals fused at least at the base

GenusThree sections have been recognised in the genus FagraeaTree Flora of Sabah and Sarawak. (1996). Soepadmo, E., Wong, K.M., and Saw, L.G. ed.s vol. 2 pp. 190-207. Malaysia: The Malaysian Nature Society

Adapted from Tree Flora of Sabah and SarawakTree Flora of Sabah and Sarawak. (1996). Soepadmo, E., Wong, K.M., and Saw, L.G. ed.s vol. 2 pp. 190-207. Malaysia: The Malaysian Nature Society

1. Fruits typically large at maturity (always more than 25mm across), the epidermis detaching from the pericarp on drying. Inflorescence either without any branching (with only a solitary flower) or with well-developed primary branches (which resemble the lower internodes of the main axis in length) that rebranch typically only once but exceptionally (in F. floribunda) to 3 orders. Axillary scales developing above the petiole base and loosely clasping the node..................................................................................................................................................2
Fruits always smaller (less than 20mm across), the epidermis not detaching from the pericarp on drying (sometimes the pericarp wrinkled). Inflorescence either pendulous or with all branches very condensed and grouped as distinct tiers along the main axis, or with well-developed primary branches that rebranch 3-6 orders. Axillary scales developing at the very base of the leaf stalk and slightly clasping the node.................................................................................28

28. Inflorescence pendulous or typically with all branches very condensed and grouped in distinct tiers along the main axis. Stigma capitate but at maturity developing an expanded rim that gives it a peltate structure. Stamens and style not or only slightly exsert in the open flower.........................................................................................29
Inflorescence rigid and erect, with well-developed primary branches (as long as the lower internodes of the main axis) that rebranch 3-6 orders. Stigma capitate throughout, an expanded rim not developing. Stamens and style long-exsert in the open flower...............................................................................................................................................35

35. Inflorescences exclusively axillary.........................................................................................36
Inflorescences terminal.........................................................................................38

36. Inflorescence a 3-branched cyme, or (sometimes) reduced unbranched inflorescence, (1-)3-flowered. Corolla tube 10-12 mm long. Leaves coriaceous, the margins never wavy, with lateral veins 3-6 pairs...........................................................................................................................F. caudata
Inflorescence a many-branched, many-flowered cyme. Corolla tube 6-8mm long. Leaves chartaceous with wavy margins, or leaves (sub)coriaceous with lateral veins 9-12 pairs....................................................................................................................37

37. Inflorescence peduncle 4-6 cm long. Open flowers with calyx diameter 2-2.5 mm, corolla lobes (5-)6-7 mm long and 3-4 mm wide, and styles exsert for 8-10 mm. Leaves with 9-12 pairs of lateral veins which are flat on the upper surface, and plane margins when fresh...........................................................................................................................F. fragrans

Key to species adapted from Tree Flora of Sabah and Sarawak8. Note: the key has been truncated to include only the sections relevant to Fagraea fragrans.

Original description and holotype

A holotype is the very first physical example of the species that was referenced by the person who first described the species. It thus "typifies" the species. As there can only be one single example of the species that was first referenced and described, there can only be one holotype.The original description of a species is the very first description that was written about the species, and is the description to which the given species name is attached.
Fagraea fragrans was originally described by Dr. William Roxburgh in the 1800s in Flora Indica. Carey & Wallich ed.s vol. ii. p. 32 , based on a specimen found by Dr. William Hunter in “Pullo Penang” (type locality) (probably modern day Penang Island, Peninsular Malaysia)Flora Indica. (1824). Carey & Wallich ed.s vol. ii. p. 32

LITERATURE AND REFERENCES

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COMMENTS

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This page was authored by Neo Louise
Last curated on 2011