The tree
Evergreen and can grows up to 30 metres tall.It grows along sandy coast and seashore.
The flower
Opens at night and drops off the following day. It is pollinated by night moths and fruits bats. Its looks like pom-pom from the side because of its numerous pink tipped stamens. It looks like fire works from the top.
Pictures: From buds to flowering and then dropping off.
The leaf
Tear drop shaped, dark green and leathery feel. Length from 20 to 40 cm and width from 10 to 20 cm.
The fruit
Box shape and tapered to 2 round sepals. Size is about 3 to 5 inches square.
Matures from green to dark brown colour and has a tough fibrous husk.
This helps the fruit to float and be dispersed by water just like a coconut.
The fruit and oblong seeds contains a toxic poison saponin.
It is crushed and put in water to catch fish.
Note: The above pictures were taken in Pasir Ris Park.
