Chinese Laurel (HT 2013 211)

Reference ID
HT 2013-211

Scientific name: Antidesma bunius
Family name: Phyllanthaceae
Girth: 3.4 m @ 1.3 m height
Height: 11.6 m

Location
Singapore Botanic Gardens,
Lawn H

The Chinese Laurel is an evergreen tree that can grow up to 10 m in height. It can produce a single straight trunk or multiple trunks that branches near the base, with a dense crown of of oblong-lanceolate leaves. This species is native to India, through to Southeast Asia and Australia.

This species is dioecious, producing male or female flowers on separate individuals. The flowers are minute and inconspicuous, arranged in a cluster called a spike. The flowers of male trees will produce a strong scent reminiscent of 'belachan' or shrimp paste. Female trees bear ornamental, edible fruits that change colour as they ripen: from yellowish-red to bluish-violet. In this region, the fruits are used to produce jam, jellies, and wine.

This Heritage Tree has been planted on site since 1926 and has been observed producing female flowers.

For more information on this species, please refer to NParks' Flora & Fauna Web profile here.

Gallery

Heritage Tree in 2024
(📷: Hazri Boey)

Heritage Tree in 2021
(📷: Heritage Tree Secretariat)