Kibatalia arborea

Kibatalia blancoi Blanco2.428b-cropped

Kibatalia arborea

Kibatalia arborea is a species of tree in the Apocynaceae family. It is native to the tropical regions of Southeast Asia, including countries such as Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand. This tree is known for its medicinal properties and its use in traditional medicine.

Description

Kibatalia arborea is a medium to large-sized tree that can grow up to 30 meters in height. The tree has a straight trunk with a diameter that can reach up to 60 centimeters. The bark is smooth and grayish-brown in color. The leaves are simple, opposite, and oblong to elliptic in shape, measuring about 10-20 centimeters in length and 4-8 centimeters in width. The leaves have a glossy green appearance on the upper surface and a paler green on the underside.

Flowers and Fruits

The tree produces small, fragrant flowers that are white or pale yellow in color. The flowers are arranged in clusters and have a tubular shape. The fruit of Kibatalia arborea is a follicle, which is a type of dry fruit that splits open to release seeds. The seeds are winged, aiding in their dispersal by wind.

Habitat

Kibatalia arborea thrives in tropical rainforests and is commonly found in lowland and hill forests. It prefers well-drained soils and can often be found along riverbanks and in secondary forests.

Uses

The bark and leaves of Kibatalia arborea are used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments. The tree is also valued for its timber, which is used in construction and for making furniture. Additionally, the tree has ornamental value and is sometimes planted in gardens and parks.

Conservation Status

The conservation status of Kibatalia arborea has not been extensively studied, but like many tropical trees, it may be threatened by habitat loss due to deforestation and land conversion for agriculture.

See Also

• Apocynaceae
• Tropical rainforest
• Traditional medicine