Pink Mempat

(Cratoxylum formosum)

Pink Mempat (Cratoxylum formosum)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Cratoxylum formosum, commonly known as Pink Mempat, is a deciduous tree native to the seasonal tropical forests of Southeast Asia, including the Andaman Islands, Brunei, Burma (Myanmar), Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. It can reach up to 115 feet in height and is characterized by its straight trunk and spreading crown. The Pink Mempat blooms with vibrant pink flowers during the dry season, which are highly attractive to bees and butterflies. The tree is often found in primary and secondary forests at altitudes up to 3937 feet, thriving on slopes, along river margins, and in swampy areas.

The Pink Mempat is valued for its ornamental flowers and is used in reforestation projects due to its fast growth rate. It is also planted as a shade tree in rural landscapes and has applications in traditional medicine, where various parts of the plant are used to treat ailments. The wood is utilized for timber production, known for its durability and workability. In cultivation, Pink Mempat prefers full sun to partial shade and requires well-drained soils. It is relatively drought-tolerant once established but benefits from regular watering during prolonged dry spells.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Tree, Shrub
  • Height: 15-100 feet
  • Width: 10-20 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: Pink
  • Flowering Season: Spring
  • Leaf Retention: Evergreen

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Fast, Medium

Common Uses

Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Low Maintenance, Showy Flowers

Natural Habitat

Native to seasonal tropical forests in Southeast Asia, found in primary and secondary forests at various altitudes

Other Names

Common Names: Yellow Cowa , Sour Mempat , Yue Nan Huang Niu Mu

Scientific Names: Cratoxylum formosum , Cratoxylum formosum , Elodea formosa , Hypericum aegypticum

GBIF Accepted Name: