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A young Ghost's Foot Tree. Mature trees can reach 12 feet high. |
The unusual looking leaves of this palm-like tree makes
it easily identified amongst the diverse trees in the rainforest. The leaves are broad, reaching 1 feet in diameter, and are borne in whorls at the end of the
branches. Each leaflet of the palmately lobed leaves is narrowed near the base before broaden again, forming a distinctive shape resembling a footprint or snowflake. It is a sparsely branched tree, and the slender stem is dotted with many
conical spikes. The umbellate inflorescence consists of numerous stalked
whitish flowers.
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Flowers and inflorescence of Ghost's foot Tree. |
In Sumatra, peninsular Malaysia and Borneo, Ghost’s Foot
Tree (Trevesia sp.) is also known as Pohon Tapak Hantu, Daun Tapak Rimau
and Kruang Davud. Several species are native to this region such as Trevesia
burkii, T. cheirantha and T. palmata. Because of its unique leaves, it is sometimes used as an ornamental plant. In traditional medicine, the leaves are pounded and used as a poultice to treat wounds and skin
diseases.
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Spikes on the stem of a Ghost's Foot Tree.
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