Prunus spicata facts for kids

Prunus spicata is a type of tree that belongs to the Prunus family. This family also includes well-known trees like cherries, plums, and almonds. Prunus spicata is a special tree found only in certain parts of Southeast Asia.

Discovering Prunus spicata

This unique tree was first described by a scientist named Kalkman. He gave it the scientific name Prunus spicata. It was also known by another name, Pygeum spicatum, for a while.

Where This Tree Grows

Prunus spicata is native to two specific island regions. It grows naturally on the island of Borneo, which is shared by several countries, including Malaysia. It is also found on the island of Luzon in the Philippines. These areas have the perfect climate for this tree to thrive.

What Prunus spicata Looks Like

This tree can grow quite tall. It usually reaches about 12 meters (around 39 feet) high. Some very tall ones can even grow up to 25 meters (about 82 feet)! That's as tall as an eight-story building.

Bark and Leaves

The bark of the Prunus spicata tree can be purplish or brownish. Its leaves are an interesting part of the tree. They can be shaped like an oval or a spearhead. Each leaf is usually between 6 to 18 centimeters long and 2.5 to 6.5 centimeters wide.

When the leaves are young, they feel a bit hairy. Even as they get older, they often keep some of these tiny hairs on their undersides.

Flowers and Fruits

The flowers of Prunus spicata are quite detailed. Each flower has many stamens, which are the parts that produce pollen. There can be between 15 to 30 stamens in one flower. The part of the flower that will become the fruit, called the ovary, is covered in dense hairs.

When the fruits ripen, they turn a bright red color. Sometimes, they might even appear black. Inside the fruit, the seed is protected by a smooth, hard layer.