Macaranga grandifolia | |
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Conservation status | |
Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
(unranked): | Angiosperms |
(unranked): | Eudicots |
(unranked): | Rosids |
Order: | Malpighiales |
Family: | Euphorbiaceae |
Genus: | Macaranga |
Species: | M. grandifolia |
Binomial name | |
Macaranga grandifolia (Blanco) Merr. |
Macaranga grandifolia is a species of plant in the Euphorbiaceae family. [1] Common names for this plant include Nasturtium Tree, Parasol Leaf Tree and Bingabing. It is endemic to the Philippines and has been widely cultivated in Hawaii as a tropical ornamental. This plant has become very popular garden ornamental in many parts of the tropics for the extraordinary grandiose leaves, which are rounded-ovate in shape, with prominent, reddish veins and the stem attached towards the center of the leaf blade. The flowers are pinkish red and the males are held in coral-like, congested inflorescences. The leaf ash was eaten as a cure for enlarged bellies. Twine made from the bark and the wood was used for fishing spears. The leaves were used to wrap food. Birds eat the ripe fruit. [2]