Penang to Singapore, endemic. In open lowland forest. Small tree to 13m, leaves elliptic-lanceolate, margin serrulate or entire. Flowers subsessile, yellowish, silky. 2 specimens June 2008.
Ploiarium alternifolium reriang
Few spp confined to Malesia & Indo-China. Shrub or tree to 10m in secondary and swampy forests, and occasionally on isolated mountain tops.
Fr TH 6.2012.
Ternstroemia bancana kuak (Sakai), medang pergam
From Banka, Perak, Pahang, Selangor, Johor, Melaka. To 20m. Leaves spirally disposed, often congested at apex of branchlets and in false whorls. Flowers solitary, fruit a berry with leathery wall. 1 from TH 11/09.
The herb garden, or Taman Sari, at Rimbun Dahan contains over 100 species of plants, many of them edible, with historical significance, with traditional medicinal properties, or with other ethnobotanical importance, in Malaysia and Southeast Asia.
There are 19 beds in the Taman Sari, separated by paths of concrete pavings. The plants in the Taman Sari are listed below, in each bed by alphabetical order of scientific name, and includes family names, common names and brief descriptions. [Updated May 2024 by Errman Saif & Amirul Arif.]
Bed 01
Aloe vera ALOEACEAE lidah buaya
Tropical America. Used for hair and cosmetics, but contains a purgative. Treats scalds and insect bites. Not for pregnant women or patients with weak gastrointestinal condition.
Alpinia mutica ALPINIEAE chengkenam Stems slender, up to 2 meters. Inflorescence of up to 12 flowers. Orange fruits break into 3 parts when squeezed. These from Rimba Ilmu, Universiti Malaya. Documented in 1880 by Hunter that Penang Malays used rhizome for stomach ache.
Artocarpussp. MORACEAE
Ardisia elliptica PRIMULACEAE mata pelanduk
A common tropical shrub throughout India, Southeast Asia and Papua. Often planted as an ornamental for its attractive fruits. It is used in traditional medicine to treat herpes, measles, diarrhea and fever.
Areca catechu ARECACEAE pinang sireh, betel SE Asia. Widely cultivated. Seed treats diarrhea, half-ripe seed pounded for skin ointment. Mild narcotic, sliced endosperm of the seed eaten with betel leaves, lime, gambier or cutch.
Dendrobium sp. ORCHIDACEAE
Morinda citrifolia RUBIACEAE noni
Widely spread across Southeast Asia and Pacific islands due to Polynesian domestication. Fruit, bark and roots can be used to produced different hues and shades of dye from brownish purple to yellow. The fruit has a strong smell and bitter taste, often consumed as famine food.
Morus alba MORACEAE Indian mulberry, besaram North India. Leaves fed to silk worms or cattle. To Chinese, all parts medicinal: restorative, tonic & astringent for nervous disorders. Young leaves good for nursing mothers. Leaf decoction treats the blood, gonorrhoea, & poisoned wounds.
Murraya paniculata RUTACEAE kemuning India to Australia, S. China, Melanesia. Ornamental. Yellow (kuning) root wood used for kris handles. Infusion of leaves for tapeworm and stomach herpes. Flowers for cosmetics and to scent hair.
Musa sp. MUSACEAE banana
Pinanga malaiana ARECACEAE lagong
Bed 02
Alpinia mutica ALPINIEAE chengkenam Stems slender, up to 2 meters. Inflorescence of up to 12 flowers. Orange fruits break into 3 parts when squeezed. These from Rimba Ilmu, Universiti Malaya. Documented in 1880 by Hunter that Penang Malays used rhizome for stomach ache.
Ardisia elliptica PRIMULACEAE mata pelanduk
A common tropical shrub throughout India, Southeast Asia and Papua. Often planted as an ornamental for its attractive fruits. It is used in traditional medicine to treat herpes, measles, diarrhea and fever.
Areca catechu ARECACEAE pinang sireh, betel SE Asia. Widely cultivated. Seed treats diarrhea, half-ripe seed pounded for skin ointment. Mild narcotic, sliced endosperm of the seed eaten with betel leaves, lime, gambier or cutch.
Areca catechu var. alba ARECACEAE pinang putih This specimen from Dato Lim Chong Keat, June 2005.
Artocarpus sp. MORACEAE breadfruit
Arundina graminifolia ORCHIDACEAE bamboo orchid Cultivated for its ornamental flowers. Widespread throughout Pacific islands, Eastern and Southeast Asia. Grows on the ground and commonly found in open spaces. The edible flowers can be stir fried and tastes like bitter gourd.
Cymbidium finlaysonianum ORCHIDACEAE boat orchid, bunga candarek
A common and attractive species, self-seeding in urban settings.
Gardenia jasminoides RUBIACEAE cape jasmine, bunga melur
Grammatophylum scriptum ORCHIDACEAE
Native to Southeast Asia, often found in coastal habitats. Large, produces a long inflorescence which dangles yellow green flowers with brown markings.
Lycoris radiata AMARYLLIDACEAE bawang jabu
Myanmar to S. China. Bulbs cleaned, crushed and boiled. Decoction drunk to relieve fevers and coughs. White flowers open late afternoon, smell of dusty rooms.
Musa gracilis MUSACEAE
Native to Peninsular Malaysia. Grows up to shoulder height, found in clumps or solitary. Cultivated for its ornamental upright pinkish purple inflorescence.
Bed 03
Acrotrema costatum DILLENIACEAE meroyan, punai tanah
Native ranges from Burma, Thailand, Malay Peninsula to northern Sumatra. Common in dense rainforest and secondary forest. Roots are boiled to treat back pain and regulate menstrual cycle
Alpinia zerumbet ZINGIBERACEAE variegated shell ginger Shellplant. An attractive clumping alpinia with a bi-coloured leaf.
Aglaia odorata MELIACEAE Chinese perfume plant, pokok telur belangkas
Used in Java as a red dye for the fingertips.
Alocasia ‘Amazonica’ ARACEAE kris plant, bireh Graceful sagittate leaf of shining metallic sheen, silver green with grey ribs, margins deeply lobed and white, reverse purple. An ornamental hybrid of which the only certain parent is A. sanderiana, native to the Philippines.
Bolbitis sp. DRYOPTERIDACEAE
Citrus hystrix RUTACEAE limau purut Leaf blade 1-2″ long, almost as wide, slightly toothed: leaf stalk widely winged, as to appear like the other half of a blade divided in two. Fruit has wrinkled skin, used for ritual bathing. Rind used in ubat jamu to drive away evil spirits, worms in children and headache. Leaf an essential ingredient in cooking.
Hedychium flavescens ZINGIBERACEAE Distributed from Himalayas, Sichuan and Indochina. A hardy plant tolerant of shade and extreme conditions, it produces yellow-white flowers which makes it a good ornamental plant in the landscape setting
Kaempferia pulchra HEDYCHIEAE peacock ginger
Malaya. Small herbs with short rhizome and tuberous roots, flowers arise in midst of a few leaves.
Myristica fragrans MYRISTICACEAE pala, nutmeg Maluku. Fruit is pickled as food. Shoots eaten as vegetable with rice to treat hypertension. Red mace for flavouring fish and cakes. Seed kernel gives commercial nutmeg. Oil is medicinal and used to flavour tonics.
Ocimum basilicum LABIATACEAE selasih, basil Cooking herb. Boil and drink for flatulence and cough. Apply extract to ringworm, insect bites and toothache. Drunk after childbirth & to relieve irregular menstrual cycles. Soaked seeds help soothe stomach and stimulate bowel movement.
Platycerium bifurcatum POLYPODIACEAE common staghorn fern
Native to Java, Papua New Guinea and Australia, now widely naturalised in Malaysia.
Pinanga malaiana ARECACEAE lagong
Schismatoglottis calyptrata ARACEAE
Wrightia religiosa APOCYNACEAE mok (Thai)
Old World tropics. Cultivated for fragrant flowers beloved of butterflies, and for bonsai.
Zingiber zerumbet ZINGEBERACEAE lempoyang
Bed 04
Clerodendrum calamitosum VERBENACEAE white butterfly bush
Coffea liberica RUBIACEAE liberica coffee
Native to Western and Central Africa, naturalised in Malaya and Java. Grows tall up to 20 metres. Cultivated for its beans which are used to make coffee and are among the largest of the coffee varieties.
Cymbidium finlaysonianum ORCHIDACEAE boat orchid, bunga candarek
A common and attractive species, self-seeding in urban settings.
Kaempferia pulchra HEDYCHIEAE peacock ginger
Malaya. Small herbs with short rhizome and tuberous roots, flowers arise in midst of a few leaves.
Melastoma malabathricum var. alba MELASTOMATACEAE senduduk Madagascar, India to Australia. Common in open places, always flowering. Species very variable. Gr., melas (black) stoma (mouth), from the berries blackening the tongue.
Plumeria rubra APOCYNACEAE bunga kemboja, frangipani Central America. Flowers sweet, cool, fragrant. Used to prevent heat stroke and to treat enteritis and dysentry. Helps indigestion and poor absorption of infantile nutrition.
Wrightia religiosa APOCYNACEAE mok (Thai)
Old World tropics. Cultivated for fragrant flowers beloved of butterflies, and for bonsai.
Zingiber zerumbet ZINGEBERACEAE lempoyang
Bed 05
Alpinia conchigera ZINGIBERACEAE lengkuas ranting India to Malay peninsula. Leaves and rhizomes are soaked and boiled together for bath water to treat post natal rheumatism. Stimulates blood circulation under the skin.
Curculigo latifolia HYPOXIDACEAE lumbah Indo-Malaya. Fruits give sweet sensation and improve appetite. Decoction of leaves & hibiscus root used as eye drop for sore eyes. Roots eaten raw treat high fever. Decoction drunk for tumours smallpox and kidney stones. Fibre for fish nets.
Hedychium coronarium ZINGIBERACEAE gandasuli, ginger lily Native to Asia. White fragrant flowers, reminiscent of jasmine. Flourishes near streams and waterlogged areas. Decoction of leaves drunk for indigestion. Leaves eaten with betel to treat abdominal pains. Stem sap applied to soothe swellings.
Kaempferia pulchra HEDYCHIEAE peacock ginger Malaya. Small herbs with short rhizome and tuberous roots, flowers arise in midst of a few leaves.
Musa gracilis MUSACEAE
Native to Peninsular Malaysia. Grows up to shoulder height, found in clumps or solitary. Cultivated for its ornamental upright pinkish purple inflorescence.
Radermachera ‘kunming’ BIGNONIACEAE dwarf tree jasmine
Native to Subtropical and Tropical Asia. Sweet and mildly bitter. Parts of the plant are used for medicines to aid in blood circulation, swelling, spasms as well as poison.
Selaginella plana SELAGINELLACEAE paka merak Malay peninsula. Various spp. used for stomach ache, rheumatism, coughs, asthma, post-natal tonics.
Strobilantes dyerianus ACANTHACEAE Persian shield Burma. Introduced to the Botanical Gardens Singapore by collector Boxall and having done well was sent to Kew and brought into wider cultivation from 1893.
Tapeinochilos ananassae COSTACEAE Indonesian wax ginger
Native throughout Maluku to New Queensland. Often cultivated in ornamental settings for its huge pineapple-like flowers. Flowers can be cut for flower arrangements
Musa sp. MUSACEAE banana
Bed 06
Alocasia heterophylla ARACEAE, Arum family
Boesenbergia rotunda ZINGIBERACEAE temu kunci India and S. China (Yunnan)? Widely cultivated species for its key-like rhizomes that are used in Thai & Malaysian cooking. Inflorescence covered by leaf sheaths. Flowers, uniformly pink, appear one by one.
Burkillanthus malaccensis RUTACEAE limau hantu
Small tree to 12m, one species in Malaya and Sumatra. Large fruits, thin peel rough with oil glands. From Rimba Ilmu, 2011. The scientific name refers to I. H. Burkill, 1870- 1965, director of Singapore Botanic Gardens.
Curculigo latifolia HYPOXIDACEAE lumbah Indo-Malaya. Fruits give sweet sensation and improve appetite. Decoction of leaves & hibiscus root used as eye drop for sore eyes. Roots eaten raw treat high fever. Decoction drunk for tumours smallpox and kidney stones. Fibre for fish nets.
Dianella ensifolia LILIACEAE akar siak, chi chiak Indo-Malaya. Leaf poultice used with Ardisia as poultice for wounds. Roots used in postnatal tonics.
Myristica fragrans MYRISTICACEAE pala, nutmeg Maluku. Fruit is pickled as food. Shoots eaten as vegetable with rice to treat hypertension. Red mace for flavouring fish and cakes. Seed kernel gives commercial nutmeg. Oil is medicinal and used to flavour tonics.
Kaempferia galanga ZINGIBERACEAE cekur, kencur India. Rhizome, spice and scent, boiled with other roots for post natal tonic. Crushed leaves used as hot compress on swellings. To treat itchy throat, chew a piece of rhizome with salt.
Kaempferia pulchra HEDYCHIEAE peacock ginger
Malaya. Small herbs with short rhizome and tuberous roots, flowers arise in midst of a few leaves.
Licuala orbicularis ARECACEAE (PALMAE) parasol palm, daun nisang
Labisia pumila MYSINACEAE kacip fatimah Sumatra, Malaya, Java, Borneo. Decoction of plant use to fortify women before labour and after childbirth, treats flatulence and irregular menses. Leaf decoction drunk for dysentery.
Salacca minuta ARECACEAE
Endemic to Gunung Janing in Endau Rompin National Park. A good landscaping plant, suitable to grow in moist, partially shaded to sunny position.
Scaphochlamys kunstleri HEDYCHIEAE Located by stream bank at Bukit Kabut, Belum, Perak. Leaves dark green with purple lower surface.
Selaginella erythropus SELAGINELLACEAE red spikemoss
Native to Costa Rica and tropical South America. Cultivated as an ornamental for its attractive red underside.
Tacca integrifolia TACCACEAE keladi murai, kelemoyang air (Sel.)
Common tuberous herb in deep shaded forest. Flowers arranged in clusters of 5+ surrounded by leaf like bracts, with pendant thread like bracts. Pulped tubers treat skin irritations caused by ulat bulu darat, stinging black caterpillars (Bentong).
Bed 07
Diospyros discolor EBENACEAE buah mentega Native to Philippines. Twigs velvety, Occasionally cultivated in Malaya for edible fruits. Separate male and female flowers, fruit a berry with fibrous to fleshy pericarp. (Species name meaning ‘having many colours’).
Licuala saribus
Serdang Native to Southeast Asia. Grows from 12 to an exceptional 30 metres, fan leaves with serrated shark teeth-like spines along the leaf stems. Leaves can be used to thatch roofs and make hats.
Phalaenopsis sp. ORCHIDACEAE
Selaginella plana SELAGINELLACEAE paka merak Malay peninsula. Various spp. used for stomach ache, rheumatism, coughs, asthma, postnatal tonics.
Ranges tropical Asia to Australia and Pacific islands. This terrestrial orchid has pleated leaves and small short-lived cinnamon-scented white flowers, believed to be pollinated by a nocturnal moth. The plant is used in Malay traditional medicine to treat fever and blood flow.
Hoya carnosa ASCLEPIADACEAE akar setebal/akar serapat East Asia to Australia and Pacific. Epiphytic herb. Toxic and narcotic latex. Fresh leaf juice with honey used for pneumonia and bronchitis; anti-inflammatory.
Licuala sp.
Musa beccarii MUSACEAE
Musa gracilis MUSACEAE
Native to Peninsular Malaysia. Grows up to shoulder height, found in clumps or solitary. Cultivated for its ornamental upright pinkish purple inflorescence.
Nephelium lappaceum SAPINDACEAE rambutan
Bed 10
Angiopterus evecta MARATTIACEAE paku gajah Big stemless fern found in moist tropical Africa, Asia and eastwards through the Pacific. In Malaya a decoction of roots is used to arrest the discharge of blood after miscarriage, and the pounded plant is applied for coughs.
Amischotolype gracilis COMMELINACE
Native to Sundaland; a common undergrowth plant. Attractive vibrant purple fruit, velvety variegated leaves.
Etlingera littoralis ALPINIEAE tepus
Gingers with tall leafy shoots and inflorescence on separate side shoots that may be some distance from the leafy shoot.
Globba cf patens ZINGIBERACEA This from Gunung Bunga Buah, Genting.
Globba sp. ZINGIBERACEA From Bukit Apek, Cheras, Selangor.
Globba sp. ZINGIBERACEA
Justicia gendarussa ACANTHACEAE gendarusa, urat sugi SE Asia. Decoction of leaves used to treat fever, jaundice, flatulence.
Kaempferia pulchra HEDYCHIEAE peacock ginger
Malaya. Small herbs with short rhizome and tuberous roots, flowers arise in midst of a few leaves.
Pteris ensiformis PTERIDACEAE paku padang A variegated white fern; a common mutation across the Asia-Pacific.
Scaphochlamys kunstleri HEDYCHIEAE
Located by stream bank at Bukit Kabut, Belum, Perak. Leaves dark green with purple lower surface.
Selaginella erythropus SELAGINELLACEAE red spikemoss
Native to Costa Rica and tropical South America. Cultivated as an ornamental for its attractive red underside.
Tacca chantrieri DIOSCOREACEAE devil flower
Distributed across Bengal, Indochina and Malay Peninsula. It has a black alien-like flower with whisker structures, theorised to be mimicking carrion to attract pollinators. The rhizomes are used in traditional medicine to treat gastric ulcers, hepatitis and high blood pressure. Stabilising agents derived from root extract of this plant have been found to possess anticancer properties.
Vallaris glabra APOCYNACEAE kesidang, kerak nasi Java. Widely cultivated in Malaysia for its strong pandan smelling flowers. “The scent is mousy but agreeable to the natives of the East, who like it, as they like rice and yams with a mousy smell” (Burkill).
Bed 11
Cinnamomum iners LAURACEAE madang teja
Native to Southeast Asia. Less commonly used as a spice because less fragrant than C. verum, but a popular host plant for butterflies. Planted as an ornamental due to pink new leaf.
Cinnamomum verum LAURACEAE kayu manis, cinnamon India. Cooking spice. Roots treat rheumatism and fever. Tree bark used in many medicinal powders and tinctures, tonics for diarrhoea and colic.
Piper sarmentosum PIPERACEAE kadok SE Asia. Leaves edible, used in embrocation for skin discoloration and a throat poultice for coughs. Roots chewed with areca nut to treat persistent coughs and asthma.
Utania racemosa GENTIANACEAE kopi hutan, sepuleh
Southeast Asia to the Andaman Islands. Used for timber and fuel. Used by Malays in a tea for fever and rheumatism.
Bed 12
Azadirachta excelsa MELIACEAE sentang
Kaempferia pulchra HEDYCHIEAE peacock ginger
Malaya. Small herbs with short rhizome and tuberous roots, flowers arise in midst of a few leaves.
Piper betel PIPERACEAE sirih Malay archipelago. Leaves are eaten with gambir for treating diarrhea. Mild stimulant, applied in poultices for stomach pains, coughs and asthma. Leaf sap applied to soothe oral sores and ulcers.
Southeast Asia. The blue colouration in the leafs is an adaptation to allow the plant to photosynthesize more efficiently in areas of shaded undergrowth.
Bed 13
Actinorhytis calapparia ARECACEAE pinang penawar
Native to New Guinea and Solomon Islands. Tall solitary palm, cultivated in Thailand, Sumatra and Peninsular Malaysia for its purported magical and medicinal powers. Fruit may substitute for betel nut.
Costus speciosus COSTACEAE setawar halia
Malaysia. Whole plant boiled for a decoction to bathe patients with high fever & for smallpox. Stem scrapings for leprous skin. Juice of rhizome is purgative. Malays attribute magical properties: drives away spirits causing illness.
Cymbidium finlaysonianum ORCHIDACEAE boat orchid, bunga candarek A common and attractive species, self-seeding in urban settings.
Kaempferia pulchra HEDYCHIEAE peacock ginger
Malaya. Small herbs with short rhizome and tuberous roots, flowers arise in midst of a few leaves.
Moringa oleifera MORINGACEAE kelur
Leaves used in traditional Indian cooking. A fast-growing drought-resistant tree.
Vallaris glabra APOCYNACEAE kesidang, kerak nasi Java. Widely cultivated in Malaysia for its strong pandan smelling flowers. “The scent is mousy but agreeable to the natives of the East, who like it, as they like rice and yams with a mousy smell” (Burkill).
Zingiber officinale var. ZINGIBERACEAE halia bara Smaller variety of commercial ginger, does better in tropics. Rhizome decoction for indigestion (Perak) and after childbirth (Kel.), fever lotion (Batu Gajah); part of an elaborate cosmetic for entire body in cases of suspected lunacy.
Bed 14
Kaempferia pulchra HEDYCHIEAE peacock ginger
Malaya. Small herbs with short rhizome and tuberous roots, flowers arise in midst of a few leaves.
Bed 15
Cananga odorata ANNONACEAE kenanga Tropical Asia to N. Australia. Cult. Ornamental. Flowers give ylang-ylang oil for hair, leaves a poultice for itch.
Cymbidium finlaysonianum ORCHIDACEAE boat orchid, bunga candarek
A common and attractive species, self-seeding in urban settings.
Dillenia philippinensis DILLENIACEAE simpoh Philippines. Genus named for J.J. Dillenius, 1684-1747, German botanist, professor at Oxford. Flowers large, solitary, petals falling first day, fruit covered by thick fleshy edible sepals that make cough syrup & shampoo. Bark yields a red dye.
Justicia gendarussa ACANTHACEAE gendarusa, urat sugi SE Asia. Decoction of leaves used to treat fever, jaundice, flatulence.
Morus alba MORACEAE Indian mulberry, besaram North India. Leaves fed to silk worms or cattle. To Chinese, all parts medicinal: restorative, tonic & astringent for nervous disorders. Young leaves good for nursing mothers. Leaf decoction treats the blood, gonorrhoea, & poisoned wounds.
Murraya paniculata RUTACEAE kemuning India to Australia, S. China, Melanesia. Ornamental. Yellow (kuning) root wood used for kris handles. Infusion of leaves for tapeworm and stomach herpes. Flowers for cosmetics and to scent hair.
Orthosiphon aristatus LAMIACEAE misai kucing, cat’s whiskers Indo Pacific. Brewed leaves are a diuretic, used to eliminate bladder stones. Dried leaves were exported to Europe as early as 1886.
Pandanus amaryllifolius PANDANACEAE pandan wangi Maluku in Eastern Indonesia, but widely cultivated. Leaves used to flavour food and in hair wash. Leaf ash mixed with vinegar used as a lotion for measles.
Piper betel PIPERACEAE sirih Malay archipelago. Leaves are eaten with gambir for treating diarrhea. Mild stimulant, applied in poultices for stomach pains, coughs and asthma. Leaf sap applied to soothe oral sores and ulcers.
Piper nigrum PIPERACEAE lada hitam Introduced from India; Marco Polo reported in 1280 that it was in Malaya. Cultivation followed land clearance, need for highly organic soils favored shifting cultivation, creating wide grass wastes in Singapore mid 19th century. Essential ingredient of jamu.
Tamarindus indica LEGUMINOSAE asam jawa Africa; introduced by Arab traders to India & SEAsia (tamar-ul-Hind, ‘the date of India’). Young shoots eaten raw; decoction of leaves treats fever. Pulp of fruit added to curry for sourness; bark a poultice for sores and boils. Young leaves eaten as ulam.
Bed 16
Actinorhytis calapparia ARECACEAE pinang penawar
Native to New Guinea and Solomon Islands. Tall solitary palm, cultivated in Thailand, Sumatra and Peninsular Malaysia for its purported magical and medicinal powers. Fruit may substitute for betel nut.
Alpinia galanga ZINGIBERACEAE lengkuas Tropical Asia. Cult. Cooking herb. Leaves also boiled and used as a body lotion, or jamu. Essential oil has antiseptic properties.
Amorphophalus sp. ARACEAE loki, lokai Genus of around 80 tuberous herbs found in Old World tropics, two are significant food crops. Poisonous (needle crystals of oxalate of lime) until pounded, grated, boiled. Tuber contains high percentage of starch. Flowers smell of carrion.
Areca catechu ARECACEAE pinang sireh, betel SE Asia. Widely cultivated. Seed treats diarrhea, half-ripe seed pounded for skin ointment. Mild narcotic, sliced endosperm of the seed eaten with betel leaves, lime, gambier or cutch.
Bergera koenigii (previously Murraya koenigii) RUTACEAE daun kari
From Indian subcontinent to Southern China and Peninsula Malaya. Leaves used for flavour and fragrance. Mixed with ubat periuk to regulate the menstrual cycle.
Madagascar. Contains vincristine and other alkaloids with retarding effect on leukemia. Decoction of leaves drunk to relieve menstrual pain & applied for insect bites.
Citrus hystrix RUTACEAE limau purut Leaf blade 1-2″ long, almost as wide, slightly toothed: leaf stalk widely winged, as to appear like the other half of a blade divided in two. Fruit has wrinkled skin, used for ritual bathing. Rind used in ubat jamu to drive away evil spirits, worms in children and headache. Leaf an essential ingredient in cooking.
Clerodendron fragrans VERBENACEAE pokok rabu kambang, exhilaration tree
China. Used by Malays for rheumatism and ague, or with other substances for treating skin diseases.
Curcuma aeruginosa ZINGIBERACEAE temu hitam Burma, Indo China. Cultivated. Rhizomes used in postnatal tonics and jamu (traditional health tonic).
Curcuma longa ZINGIBERACEAE kunyit, turmeric SE Asia, precise origin unknown. One of the oldest spice plants known, dried rhizomes ground for curries, dyes, used to relieve flatulence and diarrhea.
Cymbidium finlaysonianum ORCHIDACEAE boat orchid, bunga candarek
A common and attractive species, self-seeding in urban settings.
Dracaena sp.
Etlingera elatior ALPINIEAE kantan Mauritius. Of all gingers in the peninsula, Etlingeras have the most colorful inflorescence and fruits, but this introduced species is widely used for its edible flower cooked in laksa and sliced in salads.
Etlingera fulgens ALPINIEAE
Native to Southern Thailand and Peninsular Malaysia. Cultivated as an ornamental plant due to the leaf’s striking red underside.
Euricles amboinensis AMARYLLIDACEAE sepenoh Seashore plant through archipelago. Cultivated as a magic plant; Malays use leaves in magic brush to sprinkle consecrated rice-gruel in harvesting, fishing and wedding ceremonies. Plant expels ghosts and evil spirits from house. Leaves applied to swellings, bulb to relieve oppression.
Eurycoma longifolia SIMAROUBACEAE tongkat ali
Freycinetia montana PANDANACEAE pandan tikus
SE Asia to Pacific. 6 spp. in Malaya. Stems slender and climbing by means of air roots; inflorescence bract brightly coloured. Used in jamu and for women’s ailments.
Gnetum gnemon GNETACEAE belinjau, meninjau Cultivated, seasonal, most likely introduced from eastern Indonesia. Fruit edible, seed roasted, flattened, dried and fried for empeng crackers.
Hedychium coronarium ZINGIBERACEAE gandasuli, ginger lily Native to Asia. White fragrant flowers, reminiscent of jasmine. Flourishes near streams and waterlogged areas. Decoction of leaves drunk for indigestion. Leaves eaten with betel to treat abdominal pains. Stem sap applied to soothe swellings.
Ixora javanica RUBIACEAE bunga jejarum, pecah periuk
Eastern Himalayas to West Malesia.
Indigofera suffruticosa FABACEAE
Tropical & subtropical Americas. Grown from seed imported from the US, with the hopes that it would provide indigo dye for our resident artists, but there are many species of Indigofera and this has not proven to be an effective dye plant.
Kaempferia pulchra HEDYCHIEAE
Malaya. Small herbs with short rhizome and tuberous roots, flowers arise in midst of a few leaves.
Licuala orbicularis ARECACEAE (PALMAE) parasol palm, daun nisang
Lycoris radiata AMARYLLIDACEAE bawang jabu
Myanmar to S. China. Bulbs cleaned , crushed and boiled. Decoction drunk to relieve fevers and coughs. White flowers open late afternoon, smell of dusty rooms.
Mentha arvensis LABIATAE pudina, mint Europe, east through Russia, south to India. For headaches, pound leaves with lime juice, apply paste to forehead. Boil leaves to make a cough mixture.
Musa beccarii MUSACEAE Endemic to Sabah. May be cultivated in ornamental setting for its red flowers.
Phaleria macrocarpa THYMELAEACEAE mahkota dewa
West New Guinea, a small tree which produces red eclipsed-shaped fruit. The white pits are poisonous however parts of the plant are used to treat rashes and diarrhea.
POISONOUS – DO NOT EAT
Plectranthus amboinicus LAMACEAE bangun bangun, po hor, Indian borage NE Africa. Cult. from India to SE Asia. Decoction used to treat asthma, fever, nausea, rheumatism, colic, urinary tract infections cough, epilepsy and convulsion. Boil with rock sugar for sore throat.
Polygonum minus POLYGONACEAE kesum Old World tropics. Cooking herb. All parts used in post-natal tonics. Leaves used to treat indigestion (boil and drink) and dandruff (pound leaves, extract oil, mix with water & apply to scalp for a few minutes).
Talinum paniculatum TALINACEAE jewels-of-opar
Native to the Americas, cultivated in Southeast Asia as vegetable and for medicinal properties. Harvested for its edible leaves and used in ornamental settings.
Tinospora crispa MENISPERMACEAE patawali India~Indo-China, Malaya, Philippines, Java. Antibacterial and antimalarial. Treats stomach ache, fever, gonorrhea and for deworming. Boil the stem and strain, drink once a day. Antiseptic: pound stem with sulphur and apply to wound.
Syzigium aromaticum MYRTACEAE cingkeh, clove Traditionally added to cigarettes (kretek) and food for fragrance. Shoots and leaves chewed for bad breath and to relieve toothache. Sun-dried flower buds are the cloves of commerce.
Bed 18
This bed also contains a rotating selection of vegetables, not pictured, for the use of Rimbun Dahan residents.
Alocasia ‘Amazonica’ ARACEAE kris plant, bireh Graceful sagittate leaf of shining metallic sheen, silver green with grey ribs, margins deeply lobed and white, reverse purple. An ornamental hybrid of which the only certain parent is A. sanderiana, native to the Philippines.
Andrographis paniculata ACANTHACEAE hempedu bumi, bidara India. Used to treat dysentry, gastroenteritis. Tonsillitis, pneumonia, infected wounds, pulmonary TB. Pain killer for snake bites.
Centella asiatica UMBELLIFERAE pegaga Pan tropical. Salad or ulam. To stimulate appetite, aid digestion, used to treat bowel complaints in children, sores, ulcers and skin problems.
Citrus sp.
Cymbopogon citratus GRAMINEAE serai Only known in cultivation. Used widely in cooking and fragrance. For headache, pound leaves and apply to forehead. Apply paste as insect repellent or to joints for rheumatism. Boil and drink water for urinary & stomach problems.
Datura fastuosa SOLANACEAE kecubung Widely distributed village plant. All parts poisonous, particularly seeds, but occasionally used as an internal medication for lack of virility. Most common criminally used poison, rendering subject insensible without killing him. Crushed seeds administered in coffee/tea. POISONOUS — DO NOT EAT
Etlingera elatior ALPINIEAE kantan Mauritius. Of all gingers in the peninsula, Etlingeras have the most colourful inflorescence and fruits, but this introduced species iswidely used for its edible flower cooked in laksa and sliced in salads.
Gardenia jasminoides RUBIACEAE cape jasmine, bunga melur
Ocimum basilicum LABIATACEAE selasih, basil Cooking herb. Boil and drink for flatulence and cough. Apply extract to ringworm, insect bites and toothache. Drunk after childbirth & to relieve irregular menstrual cycles. Soaked seeds help soothe stomach and stimulate bowel movement.
Typhonium trilobatum ARACEAE keladi puyuh
Thysanolaena latifolia POACEAE Asian broom grass, buloh terbau
The dried leaves are used as a wrapper for glutinous rice dumplings which are traditionally made during the fifth month of the lunar calendar to celebrate the Dragon Boat Festival. The dried flowers are the material of commercially-produced ‘paddy brooms’, mostly from Vietnam.
Bed 19
Ardisia elliptica PRIMULACEAE mata pelanduk
A common tropical shrub throughout India, Southeast Asia and Papua. Often planted as an ornamental for its attractive fruits. It is used in traditional medicine to treat herpes, measles, diarrhea and fever.
Bergera koenigii (previously Murraya koenigii) RUTACEAE daun kari From Indian subcontinent to Southern China and Peninsula Malaya. Leaves used for flavour and fragrance. Mixed with ubat periuk to regulate the menstrual cycle.
Clitoria ternatea LEGUMINOSAE butterfly pea, bunga telang
Pantropic but may have originated from tropical Africa. Slender climber with pinnate leaves and pea-like solitary showy blue edible flowers, used to colour food such as sweet glutinous rice.
Cymbopogon nardus GRAMINEAE serai wangi Sri Lanka, S. India. Introduced to SE Asia. Acrid, warm, anti-inflammatory, analgesic. Digestive. Headache, stomach ache, diarrhea. Rheumatism. Irregular menses, post partum edema. Main source of citronella oil.
Dillenia philippinensis DILLENIACEAE simpoh Philippines. Genus is named for J.J. Dillenius, 1684-1747, German botanist, professor at Oxford. Flowers large, solitary, petals falling first day, fruit covered by thick fleshy edible sepals that make cough syrup & shampoo. Bark yields a red dye.
Eryngium foetidum APIACEAE ketumbar Jawa America, introduced by Chinese. Young leaves a substitute for coriander. Many medicinal uses in Americas: diuretic, febrifuge, mild stimulant, laxative. Decoction of whole plant lowers blood pressure, & as an aphrodisiac.
Lawsonia inermis LYTHRACEAE inai India. Leaves are pounded and applied to fingers of brides for orange colour. Hair dye. Also treats superficial wounds. Boil leaves & gargle for sore throat.
Maranta arundinaceae MARANTACEAE West Indian arrowroot, ubi garut Tropical America. Widely cultivated for starchy tubers that are grated, washed, sifted and cooked before rendering edible. Also used in making computer print paper.
Melia azederach MELIACEAE mindi kecil, Persian lilac Nowhere wild, foothills of the Himalayas? Cultivated for scent and shade. Arabs and Persians use leaf juice as vermifuge and diuretic. Used as fish poison, 6-8 seeds will kill a man. Poultice of leaves used for headaches, of flowers kills lice.
Morus alba MORACEAE Indian mulberry, besaram North India. Leaves fed to silk worms or cattle. To Chinese, all parts medicinal: restorative, tonic & astringent for nervous disorders. Young leaves good for nursing mothers. Leaf decoction treats the blood, gonorrhoea, & poisoned wounds.
Murraya paniculata RUTACEAE kemuning India to Australia, S. China, Melanesia. Ornamental. Yellow (kuning) root wood used for kris handles. Infusion of leaves for tapeworm and stomach herpes. Flowers for cosmetics and to scent hair.
Musa sp.
Ocimum basilicum LABIATACEAE selasih, basil Cooking herb. Boil and drink for flatulence and cough. Apply extract to ringworm, insect bites and toothache. Drunk after childbirth & to relieve irregular menstrual cycles. Soaked seeds help soothe stomach and stimulate bowel movement.
Piper nigrum PIPERACEAE lada hitam Introduced from India; Marco Polo reported in 1280 that it was in Malaya. Cultivation followed land clearance, need for highly organic soils favored shifting cultivation, creating wide grass wastes in Singapore mid 19th century. Essential ingredient of jamu.
Ruta graveolens RUTACEAE rue, inggu, geroda S. Europe, N. Africa, no longer found in the wild. Bitter, acrid, cool. Anti-inflammatory, dispels stagnant blood, analgesic. For colds, fever, infantile convulsion, amenorrhea. Infantile eczema. Traumatic injury. Snake and insect bites.
Vitexnegundo LAMIACEAE lemuni hitam
Widely distributed in Asia, commonly found near bodies of water in kampungs. The purple leaves are crushed and mixed with coconut milk, added to rice to make Nasi Lemuni, a dark rice with herbal fragrance considered a delicacy in Aceh, Penang and Kedah. The leaves are also used to treat women’s health, such as regulating menstrual cycle and post-partum remedies.
Other plants, formerly in the Taman Sari, and elsewhere
Acalypha siamensis EUPHORBIACEAE teh kampong Indochina, Burma, Thailand. Poultice of leaves used for fever.
Acorus calamus ARACEAE jerangau Europe, Asia, N. America. ‘Sweet flag’. Creeping rhizome w/aromatic cells, leaves arranged in flat fans, minute yellowish flowers. Candied rhizome an old time confection. Powdered dry root said to kill white ants. Malays use it for rheumatism.
(Wet ground W of lower pond)
Alocasia macrorrhiza ARACEAE, Arum family birah, senteh Sri Lanka? Naturalized through the tropics. Toxic & must be cooked to remove poison. Treats TB, fever, typhoid, snake & insect bites. Stems famine food. Gimlette: the juice relieves stings of giant nettle (Laportia), & Skeat: leaves for magic cure. Ornamental, but Burkill says ‘it is scarcely this’.
Anacardium occidentale ANACARDIACEAE gajus Tropical America. Decoction of bark for diabetes, diarrhoea and mouth ulcers. Decoction of leaf and root for tooth ache and washing the eyes. Young leaves eaten as ulam, but older ones and fruit poisonous unless cooked.
Archidendron jiringa / Pithecellobium jiringa LEGUMINOSAE subfamily Mimosoideae jering Burma, Thailand, W. Malesia. Fruit eaten raw or blanched. Pounded with ginger and boiled, to eliminate bladder stones. Purple dye from pods.
Averrhoa bilimbi OLAXIDACEAE belimbing buluh Moluku? Widely cultivated throughout SE Asia. Edible sour fruit, eaten raw as ulam, & in curries to give sour taste. Leaf infusion treats cough, & as tonic after childbirth; flower infusion for cough and thrush. Leaves treat venereal and rectal disease.
Belamcanda chinensis IRIDACEAE leopard flower China. Bitter, cool, antipyretic, antitoxic, liquifies sputum. For cough and wheezing, sore throat, rice field dermatitis.
Boesenbergia plicata var. lurida ZINGIBERACEAE
Bromheadia finlaysoniana ORCHIDACEAE
Citrus aurantifolia var. microcarpa RUTACEAE limau kasturi
Up to 4m. small fruits used for juice. These planted in memory of Hj. Kasturi Hj. Idris.
Citrus sp. RUTACEAE limau purut This unidentified hybrid is more hardy than the common limau purut, but retains the strong pungency of leaves and fruit, and produces excellent juice.
Clerodendron bungei VERBENACEAE
China. Cultivated. Many tropical species from this genera are attributed with spiritual & magical properties.
Crinum asiaticum AMARYLLIDACEAE bakong, rumput tembaga suasa SE Asia to Pacific, seashores. Leaves used in poultices for joint pain, sometimes with pepper and gendarusa for fevers, lumbago, headaches, swellings. Chewed roots can induce vomiting.(Outside Taman Sari, next to swimming pool)
Garcinia atroviridis GUTTIFERAE assam gelugor Malay peninsula, Burma. Edible fruit, dried segments used as condiment. Leaf sap used in post natal tonics. (Edge of D)
Iris domestica IRIDACEAE leopard lily, pokok kipis
Jasminum sambac OLEACEAE melor Tropical Asia? Flowers to scent tea, decoction of leaves & roots for fever, headaches, to stimulate lactation. Roots are used to treat asthma.
Melia indica MELIACEAE neem Wild in India & Java, otherwise cultivated for medicines. All parts of tree effective. Dried leaves in books deter insects. Identified by delicate and curiously curved toothed leaflets. Root bark for fever and anti-malarial, leaf poultice for ulcers.
Melissa officinalis LABIATAE lemon balm Southern Europe. Culinary, cosmetic and medicinal herb. Mild sedative properties in refreshing tea, relieves wind, reduces fever, increases perspiration.
Ocimum basilicum LABIATACEAE selasih, basil Cooking herb. Boil and drink for flatulence and cough. Apply extract to ringworm, insect bites and toothache. Drunk after childbirth & to relieve irregular menstrual cycles. Soaked seeds help soothe stomach and stimulate bowel movement. The second image is of toolsi, a variety revered by the Malaysian Hindus, the third is of Lemon Basil, one of many varieties found in SE Asia.
(C)
Phyllanthus acidus EUPHORBIACEAE cermai, Malay gooseberry One species, cultivated, origin unknown. Common village tree, especially in north. Fruits cooked as a sour flavouring or acar; root is medicinal but poisonous: boiled and steam inhaled for cough, weak infusion drunk for asthma.
Rhodomyrtus tomentosa MYRTACEAE kemunting Use leaves fruits and roots. Fruit for stomach ache and diarrhea, roots as an ingredient for women after childbirth.
(Not in Taman Sari)
Scindapsus pictus ARACEAE
Selaginella moellendorffii SELAGINELLACEAE
Telosma cordata ASCLEPIADACEAE bunga siam, melati tongkeng, Tonkin creeper China, India. Edible fragrant flowers and leaves. Chinese in Java make sweetmeat of the fleshy roots. Flowers used in soup to treat weak eyes.
Zingiber spectabile ZINGIBERACEAE tepus tundok, chadak Malaya, Sumatra. Sometimes used for flavouring. Leaves pounded to poultice swellings, cold leaf infusion to bathe eyelids. Name chadak infers connection with the occult (Burkill). Recently become a popular cut flower.
Sumatra, Java, Malaya; all states except north. Tree to 30m, leaves glaucous under because of microscopic hairs; inflorescence raceme/panicle, fruit matures as depressed globose 2-4cm. Resin yields benzoin or Gum Benjamin, used medically & for incense. 1 from TH 11/09.
Tropical and sub tropical. From Turkestan to NSW. 2 spp in Malaya, both rare. Tall dioecious trees. Resin used for incense & for medicine, Bark and leaves for tonic after child birth, and used as febrifuge. This sp distinguished by glands scattered under leaflet.
Lg. genus of 115 spp. in SEAsia, about 22 spp. in Malaya. Sumatra, Java, Borneo, all states but Perlis, Kedah, Trengg. Med. tree to 25 m., scattered in lowland forest, sometimes planted for gutta percha, tapped in fish-bone pattern.
Palaquium sp.
nyatoh
Payena lucida
nyatoh?
Burma, Siam, Sumatra, Borneo, Malaya exc. Perlis. Common in understory. 10 spp. in Malaya, recognized from descending tertiary nerves & strong tendency for leaves to occupy an alternate rather than spiral position on twigs.
Java, Borneo, Philippines. Small trees, twigs glabrous, rachis distinctly winged (Lat. alata). Mainly cultivated in villages on east coast.
Lepisanthes rubiginosa kelat layu, mertajam
Small white fragrant flowers, fruit ripening from yellow, red, purple, to black. Common in K. Baru.
Mischocarpus sundaicus
sugi
Common on sandy coasts, islands & estuaries or coastal swamps. India to Australia. Small tree to 6m, bushy crown. Young leaves pinkish and edible. Fr Tunas Harapan 6.2012.
Sumatra, Java, Malaya. Lowland forest.To 30m tall, 3-7 prs leaflets. Fruits slightly flattened ellipsoid. Lat. leaves like the walnut Juglands.
Nephelium mutabile
pulasan
Like rambutan, but leaflets narrower, dark glossy green above, pale & glaucous beneath. Crimson to purple fruit with blunt fleshy spines. Pulp pale yellow, separates cleanly from seed.
Pometia pinnata kasai
Sri Lanka, Andamans, S. China. Malesia. Leaf margins dentate, every other secondary nerve ending in a tooth. Spreading crown. Three forms recognised, edible fruits, young red foliage.
Pometia ridleyi
kasia daun licin
Malaya, Sumatra. Perak, Pahang, NS, Selangor. Large trees to 50 m. Boles with 2 m buttresses, bark dippled brown. Primary forests, hill slopes, by streams. Leaf secondary veins sunken above, looping up without ending at the margins under.
Xerospermum laevigatum Radlk.
rambutan pacat, gong
Burma, Malaya, Sumatra, Borneo. Lat. smooth. Syn. with X. acuminatum Radlk. Lowland forest. To 30m, leaflets opposite, monoecious. Flesh around seed is edible, pulped stone/leaves are used to alleviate stomach ache.1 from TH 11/09.
Xeropspermum noronhianum Bl.
rambutan pacat, kikir buntal
2 spp, Bangladesh-Indo China. Common in low lying forest in Malaya. To 25m, leaves w/1/2/3 prs opposite leaflets; flat glands above axis of veins or scattered over leaf. Fruit yellow. 2 specimens June 2008.
Flacourtia rukam Previously family Flacourtiaceae rukam
Difficult family to define because of minute variations in flower structure. Scattered throughout Malaya in rain forest, occasionally cultivated. Fruits edible, made more palatable by rubbing between the hands, but best cooked.
India, Burma, Siam, Malaya. Common on rocky and sandy coasts from Penang northward and all east coast. Thorns and notched leaf tip distinguish it from Suregada sp. In habit looks much like Citrus, leaves standing obliquely erect.
Burkillanthus malaccensis
I H Burkill, 1870- 1965, director Singapore Botanic Gardens. Small tree to 12m, one sp in Malaya & Sumatra. Large fruits, thin peel rough with oil glands. Fr Rimba Ilmu 2011.
Citrus aurantiifolia var. microcarpa
limau kasturi
Up to 4m. small fruits used for juice. These planted in memory of Hj. Kasturi Hj. Idris.
Citrus hystrix
limau purut
Leaf blade 1 -2″ long, almost as wide, slightly toothed: leaf stalk widely winged, as to appear like the other half of a blade divided in two. Fruit has wrinkled skin, used for ritual bathing. Rind used in ubat jamu to drive away evil spirits, worms in children and headache. Leaf an essential ingredient in cooking.
Citrus sp.
limau purut
This unidentified hybrid is more hardy than the common limau purut, but retains the strong pungency of leaves and fruit, and produces excellent juice.
Clausena excavata semeruIndia, S. China, Malesia, common especially to north and at edge of forest. Small tree, laxly branched and spreading, branches ending in tassels of long slender leaves. Crushed twigs have a nauseous smell of resin & lime, loose bunches of pink or whitish berries.
Glycosmis pentaphylla kemotak, kenapehCommon village shrub from Perak & Kuantan to north. Sprawling evergreen, crushed leaves smell lemony. Small white flowers, axillary panicles. Fruit edible & sweet but resinous.
Limonia acidissima
belinggai, gelinggai
India, Burma. Common in Perlis villages, needs monsoonal climate to fruit, slow growth and fruiting, brown pulp edible but resinous.
Triphasia trifolia
limau kingkip, bird lime
Philippines, China? Indifferent fruit, but used to be boiled by Malays in sugar syrup. Useful small timber, good for hedging.
Malaya, Andamans, Sumatra, Borneo. Througout Malaya, lowland to mountain forest, also on limestone. Showy fragrant inflorescence. Two planted on corners of plaza 07.
Anthocephalus chinensis kelempayan, kelampai
Deciduous monopodial to 30m, stiff outstanding limbs, drooping at ends. Common in secondary forest & on river banks. Branches in alternating pairs like mangosteen. Minute seeds, <1mm. Flowers in stalked round bur-like heads, but each flower separate from others.
Gardenia carinata mentiong Kedah
Thailand, throughout Malaya, common in north. Small tree to 15m. Leaves obovate, lower surface hairy. Flowers solitary or clustered, calyx tube shields a third of the corolla tube.
Gardenia pterocalyx
mentiong
Small tree found in swampy habitat, at Tasek Bera, gelam forest in Trengganu and at G. Ulu Kali. Calyx tube with 7-10 narrow wings, fruits with wings down from calyx cup.
Gardenia tubifera mentiong
Sumatra, Java, Borneo and Thailand. Throughout Malaya in lowland and hill forests. Terminalian branching, shoots often resinous. Flowers solitary, calyx tube truncate, corolla tube length variable, opens white turning orange. Fruits split to expose seeds in orange pulp.
Gardenia tubifera, with the distinctive scent of the genus, flowers prolifically but for just a week, and by the time I took the photo the tree was well past its best.
Ixora scortechinii
pecah periok/piring/pasu, jenjarum
120 spp, generally tropical, 20 spp in Malaya. Flowers in clusters at branch ends, long corolla tube, 4 spreading petals. Attracts butterflies. 2 new specimens December 2007.
Timonius wallichianus
triang, silver timon
Sumatra, Banka, Riouw, Anambas. In secondary lowland forest up to 500m. Lower leaf surface completely covered by silvery appressed hairs. Flowers unisexual, plants dioecious. 160 spp from Sri Lanka to Pacific, 14 spp in Malaya.
Shrub or tree to 33m. Two spp in Malesia, one in New Guinea and Moluku, this in Malaya, Sumatra & Borneo. Lowlands, river bank, peat swamp. Small fruits 1cm, ripen pink. 1 fr TH 11.09.
