After looking at this closely, it appears to me that instead of being
Desmos praecox, this one could be Desmos chinensis (Syn: Unona
discolor), for the following reasons:
1. Desmos praecox is supposed to flower in February, much earlier than
other Desmos species, as indicated by the species name "praecox" which
means early flowering. Padmini's pictures were taken in early July.
So, flowering time doesn't quite agree.
2. Leaves of Desmos praecox are described as lanceshaped, long-pointed
(acuminate). Leaves of Desmos chinensis are described as ovate-
lanceshaped, with somewhat cordate base. Leaves in Padmini's pictures
appear to be with a flat base, not really a pointed base, and look too
broad to be called lanceshaped.
3. Leaves of Desmos chinensis are described to be smooth above, and
glaucous below. In Padmini's 3rd picture, the galucous underside of
some leaves is visible.
4. Flowers of Desmos chinensis are supposed to be very fragrant. I
could not find mention of any prominent fragrance in the description
of Desmos praecox.
Comments from experts are needed.
PS: Pictures on toptropicals.com may not be 100% trustworthy.
- Tabish
On Jul 14, 9:51 am, Tabish <[email protected]> wrote:
> Desmos species are commonly known as Unona. Desmos praecox may be
> called Early-Flowering Unona.
> - Tabish
>
> On Jul 14, 8:58 am, malyada <[email protected]> wrote:
>
> > Yes, the comparative pictures are great. Does anyone know the common
> > name for Desmos?
> > Checked out on flowersofindia, not present there as well.
>
> > On Jul 13, 10:29 pm, Padmini Raghavan <[email protected]> wrote:
>
> > > I can appreciate the fact that it is related to Sitaphal as the leaves
> > > were
> > > hanging down in pairs just like those of Sitaphal.
> > > Padmini Raghavan.
>
> > > On Mon, Jul 12, 2010 at 1:01 PM, mani nair <[email protected]> wrote:
> > > > Yes this Desmos praecox from the Sitaphal family.
>
> > > > Regards,
>
> > > > Mani.
>
> > > > On Mon, Jul 12, 2010 at 12:41 PM, ajinkya gadave <
> > > > [email protected]> wrote:
>
> > > >> Padmini jee this is not Michelia champaka
>
> > > >> this is Desmos praecox
> > > >> Family: Annonaceae
>
> > > >> On Mon, Jul 12, 2010 at 1:13 AM, Padmini Raghavan
> > > >> <[email protected]>wrote:
>
> > > >>> This tree with fragrant flowers is blooming in Chennai now.
> > > >>> Padmini Raghavan.
