Piliostigma malabaricum, commonly known as the Malabar Orchid, is a small to medium-sized evergreen or nearly evergreen tree that grows up to 4-17 meters tall. It is native to Tropical Asia and Northern Australia.
The leaves are alternate, simple, and bi-fid, measuring 3.5-12 cm in length and 5-16 cm in width. The flowers are pale yellow-white, arranged in compound, densely-flowered racemes. The fruit is a brown, indehiscent pod, 17-35 cm long.
Habitat
Piliostigma malabaricum is native to Tropical Asia and Northern Australia.
Planting and Care
-
Seed Treatment: Seeds should be pretreated with hot water for 2-3 minutes and soaked in cold water for 24 hours before sowing. Sow seeds no deeper than 1 cm in full sunlight for optimal germination.
-
Soil: Prefers fertile, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil.
-
Watering: Established plants are drought-resistant but benefit from regular watering during dry periods.
-
Sunlight: Thrives in full sun.
Additional Information
-
Wildlife Significance: Provides shelter for various small mammals and birds, and the flowers provide nectar for pollinators like bees and butterflies.
-
Economic Value: The wood is used for making tools, furniture, and construction materials, and fibres extracted from the bark are used for making ropes and mats. Various parts of the plant are used in traditional medicine to treat ailments like diarrhea, dysentery, and skin diseases.
