Eden

Penang Botanic Gardens Plant Collection

Thespesia populnea (L.) Sol. ex Correa (MALVACEAE)

Posted at — Nov 13, 2019
Bendy Tree, Milo, Bhendi Tree, Portia Tree, Pacific Rosewood, Bebaru

Description

Evergreen tree to 15 m tall with spreading crown. Leaves 8-20 cm long, heart-shaped. Flowers solitary, pale yellow with red-purple centre in the morning fading to dull reddish pink in the late afternoon and remaining on the tree for several days, c. 8 cm long. Fruits 2.2-3.5 cm, spherical or slightly flattened on top.


Ecology

Common along sandy or rocky coasts.

Distribution

Widely distributed along sea coasts throughout the tropics.

Uses

Occasionally planted as ornamental.