Category: Flora

Family Araliaceae Scientific name Hydrocotyle verticillata Common name (English) Whorled Pennywort Common name (Malay) Pegaga Identified as Pioneer plant on Project M.A.R.S.’s land Hydrocotyle verticillata, commonly known as whorled pennywort, is a creeping aquatic or semi-aquatic herb in the Apiaceae family. Native to the Americas and widely naturalized in tropical and subtropical regions, it typically…

Family Solanaceae Scientific name Physalis angulata Common name (English) Cutleaf Groundcherry Common name (Malay) / Identified as Pioneer plant on Project M.A.R.S.’s land Physalis angulata, commonly known as cutleaf groundcherry, is an annual or short-lived perennial herb in the Solanaceae family. Native to tropical America but now widespread in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide, it…

Family Solanaceae Scientific name Physalis alkekengi Common name (English) Chinese Lantern Plant Common name (Malay) / Identified as Pioneer plant on Project M.A.R.S.’s land Physalis alkekengi, commonly known as Chinese lantern plant, is a perennial herb in the Solanaceae family, recognized for its bright orange, papery husks that encase small berries. Native to Asia and…

Family Poaceae Scientific name Imperata cylindrica Common name (English) Cogon Grass Common name (Malay) / Identified as Pioneer plant on Project M.A.R.S.’s land Imperata cylindrica, commonly known as cogon grass, is a perennial grass recognized for its tall, slender stems, sharp-edged leaves, and distinctive white to silvery flowering plumes. Widespread across tropical and subtropical regions,…

Family Phyllanthaceae Scientific name Phyllanthus reticulatus Common name (English) Black-honey Shrub Common name (Malay) / Identified as Pioneer plant on Project M.A.R.S.’s land Phyllanthus reticulatus, commonly known as Black-honey shrub, is a tropical shrub recognized for its delicate arching branches, small glossy leaves, and deep purple-black berries. Found along village edges, thickets, and moist forest…

Family Passifloraceae Scientific name Passiflora foetida Common name (English) Stinking Passionflower Common name (Malay) Letup-letup Identified as Pioneer plant on Project M.A.R.S.’s land Passiflora foetida, commonly known as stinking passionflower or wild passionfruit, is a climbing vine in the Passifloraceae family. Native to the Americas but now widespread throughout the tropics, it is easily recognized…