Macaranga grandifolia

Macaranga grandifolia
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]

References

  1. {{Citation World Conservation Monitoring Centre 1998. Macaranga grandifolia. 2006 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Downloaded on 22 August 2007. }}
  2. {{Cite web http://toptropicals.com/catalog/uid/macaranga_grandifolia.htm }}


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