Fauna
Plant

Tembusu

Cyrtophyllum fragrans

Also known as Ironwood, Fragrant Fagraea

Tembusu trees are long-lived rainforest giants renowned for their dark, deeply fissured bark and sweeping lower limbs that often bend horizontally near the ground. Twice a year, synchronous flushes of creamy white blossoms open at dusk, drenching the night air with an intense, sweet perfume that attracts moths and nectar-feeding bats. The subsequent clusters of tiny red berries ripen into a crucial food source for bulbuls, flying foxes, and civets.

Evergreen TreeFragrant FlowersSoutheast Asian Native
Tembusu reference1 / 7
(c) Steven Bodzin, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyAutotrophic (photosynthetic)
ThreatsDeforestation, habitat clearance, and soil compaction in urban parks
HabitatsLowland primary and secondary rainforests, coastal heaths, and swamp margins
Life span150–200+ years
Classification
  1. FamilyGentianaceae
  2. SpeciesCyrtophyllum fragrans
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Wild berries have toxic look-alikes; never eat based on app identification alone.
Responsible observation
  • Evening Scents: Visit near dusk during seasonal blooming flushes when the floral perfume peaks.
  • Root Care: Avoid treading over root zones, as surface soil compaction stresses older specimens.
  • Wildlife Watching: Watch for fruit bats and birds gathering at nightfall when trees bear ripe berries.
Related species
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