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Tristaniopsis obovata (Benn.) Peter G.Wilson & J.T.Waterh.

Family Name:	Myrtaceae
Common Name:	Sea Tristania, Pelawan-pelawan

Tristaniopsis obovata, commonly known as Pelawan-pelawan, is a critically endangered tree in Singapore. Its distinctive flaky bark results as outer layers of the bark peel off, and the reddish-brown inner bark becomes exposed. Over time, the young bark transitions through a spectrum of colours from brown to grey, resulting in a unique mottling pattern.

Full Sun

Moderate Water

Native to Singapore

Coastal Plant

Suitable for Roadsides

Ornamental Leaves

Tree

Name

Family Name
Genus Epithet
Species Epithet
Name Authority
Name Status (botanical)
Common Names
Comments
Species Summary

Classifications and Characteristics

Plant Division	Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants)
Plant Growth Form	Tree (Big (>30m))
Lifespan (in Singapore)	Perennial

Mode of Nutrition	Autotrophic
Plant Shape	Irregular
Maximum Height	45 m

Biogeography

Native Distribution	Peninsular Malaysia, Singapore, Sumatra, Riau Archipelago and Borneo
Native Habitat	Terrestrial, Shoreline
Preferred Climate Zone	Tropical

Local Conservation Status

Native to Singapore (Critically Endangered (CR))

Description and Ethnobotany

Growth Form	It is a tree, up to 45 m tall, but in Singapore, it is seldom 10 m or taller.
Trunk	Its trunk has flaky bark that are orange, grey to greenish.
Foliage	Its alternate, stalked leaves have thick leathery leaf blades that are narrowly obovate, and 5-10 by 1.8-4.5 cm.

Flowers	Its small, musky-scented, white-petalled flowers develop in clusters that are 2.5-5 cm long.
Fruit	Its capsule fruits are 6 by 5-6 mm, and release many flat seeds when they split open into three parts when ripe.
Habitat	It grows on islands, and rocky headlands.
Cultivation	It can be propagated by seed.
Etymology	Latin Tristaniopsis, commemorating Marquess de Tristan (1776–1861), a French botanist; Latin obovata, obovate, referring to the shape of the leaves.

Landscaping Features

Landscaping	It is suitable for streetscapes, parks and gardens for its bushy form, colourful bark, and attractive leaves.
Desirable Plant Features	Ornamental Foliage, Ornamental Trunk, Ornamental Form
Landscape Uses	Roadside Tree / Palm, Parks & Gardens, Small Gardens, Coastal

SGMP Treatment

Fauna, Pollination and Dispersal

Pollination Method(s)	Biotic (Fauna)
Seed or Spore Dispersal	Abiotic

Plant Care and Propagation

Light Preference	Full Sun
Water Preference	Moderate Water
Plant Growth Rate	Moderate

Rootzone Tolerance	Moist Soils, Well-Drained Soils, Saline Soils / Salt Spray, Fertile Loamy Soils
Propagation Method	Seed

Foliar

Foliage Retention	Evergreen
Mature Foliage Colour(s)	Green
Mature Foliage Texture(s)	Leathery

Prominent Young Flush Colour(s)	Orange
Foliar Type	Simple / Unifoliate
Foliar Arrangement Along Stem	Alternate
Foliar Attachment to Stem	Petiolate
Foliar Shape(s)	Non-Palm Foliage (Obovate)
Foliar Venation	Pinnate / Net
Foliar Margin	Entire

Floral (Angiosperm)

Flower & Plant Sexuality	Bisexual Flowers
Flower Colour(s)	White
Flower Grouping	Cluster / Inflorescence

Flower Location	Axillary
Flower Symmetry	Radial

Fruit, Seed and Spore

Mature Fruit Colour(s)	Brown, Orange
Fruit Classification	Simple Fruit
Fruit Type	Dehiscent Dry Fruit , Capsule

Image Repository

Images

Others

Master ID	1944
Species ID	3236
Flora Disclaimer	The information in this website has been compiled from reliable sources, such as reference works on medicinal plants. It is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment and NParks does not purport to provide any medical advice. Readers should always consult his/her physician before using or consuming a plant for medicinal purposes.