Horsebush (Dendrolobium umbellatum, F.A.W.Miquel, Pl. Jungh.: 218 (1852))

Family: Fabaceae

Author: (L.) Benth.

Bibliography: F.A.W.Miquel, Pl. Jungh.: 218 (1852)

Year: 1852

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Dendrolobium

Vegetable: False

Observations: E. Trop. Africa to W. Pacific

Description

Horsebush, with the scientific designation Dendrolobium umbellatum, is a notable species within the Fabaceae family. This resilient plant is widely distributed, thriving from Eastern Tropical Africa to the western regions of the Pacific. First documented in detail by F.A.W. Miquel in 1852, Horsebush has been recognized by botanical taxonomy and further described by L. Benth.

Horsebush presents itself as a versatile and robust shrub or small tree. It is primarily known for its dense foliage and the characteristic formation of its flowers. The plant typically exhibits umbrella-shaped clusters, or umbels, of blossoms, which contribute both to its scientific name and common appeal. These florid clusters are not just visually enchanting but also play a critical role in the local ecosystems, attracting a variety of pollinators.

The leaves of Dendrolobium umbellatum are compound, generally featuring multiple small leaflets that together create a feathery appearance. These leaves are not just aesthetically pleasing but are also involved in nitrogen fixation, a valuable trait of many Fabaceae family members. This process enriches the soil, enhancing its fertility and fostering the growth of other plant species around it.

The Horsebush is adaptable to different climatic conditions and soil types, which explains its widespread presence across such a vast geographical range. This adaptability also makes it an important plant ecologically, providing shelter and food to numerous animal species within its native habitats. Its wood has traditionally been utilized in local construction and craft, and parts of the plant are sometimes used in traditional medicine, although caution and thorough knowledge are required due to the varied chemical compounds present in the species.

In botanical gardens and private landscapes, Dendrolobium umbellatum can be valued both for its ecological benefits and its ornamental qualities. It is relatively low-maintenance and can thrive in conditions that might challenge more delicate plants. Horsebush’s unique combination of aesthetic and practical advantages makes it a plant worth understanding and preserving.

Research into the plant, guided initially by the foundational work published by F.A.W. Miquel and later contributions from L. Benth., continues to reveal insights into its potential uses and its role in the ecosystems where it naturally occurs. As our understanding of Dendrolobium umbellatum deepens, so too does our appreciation for this remarkable species.

Common Names

Msa: dulang-dulang, petai laut
Eng: horsebush
Mlg: kinandro
En: Horsebush
Fr: Bois Malgache
Mg: Kinandro
Ms: Dulang-dulang, Petai laut

Synonyms

• Desmodium australe ((Willd.) DC.)
• Ormocarpum oblongum (Desv.)
• Ormocarpum umbellatum (Desv.)
• Ormocarpum australe (Desv.)
• Meibomia umbellata ((L.) Kuntze)
• Desmodium umbellatum ((L.) DC.)
• Hedysarum umbellatum (L.)
• Dendrolobium australe ((Willd.) Benth.)
• Hedysarum australe (Willd.)
• Aeschynomene arborea (L.)
• Desmodium umbellatum var. hirsutum (DC.)
• Hedysarum reflexum (Reinw. ex Blume)
• Desmodium grandifolium (DC.)
• Dendrolobium umbellatum var. hirsutum (Pedley)
• Hedysarum grandifolium (Hornem.)
• Dendrolobium umbellatum var. obtusissimum (Blume ex Miq.)
• Dendrolobium umbellatum var. majus (Miq.)
• Meibomia australis ((Willd.) Kuntze)
• Hedysarum ovatum (Noronha)
• Dendrolobium umbellatum f. hirsutum ((DC.) H.Ohashi)
• Hedysarum thunbergianum (Steud.)
• Hedysarum ellipticum (Zipp. ex Miq.)

Distribution

• Andaman Is. (native)
• Bangladesh (native)
• Bismarck Archipelago (native)
• Borneo (native)
• Cambodia (native)
• Caroline Is. (native)
• China Southeast (native)
• Comoros (native)
• Fiji (native)
• India (native)
• Jawa (native)
• Kenya (native)
• Lesser Sunda Is. (native)
• Madagascar (native)
• Malaya (native)
• Maldives (native)
• Maluku (native)
• Marianas (native)
• Mauritius (native)
• Myanmar (native)
• Nansei-shoto (native)
• New Caledonia (native)
• New Guinea (native)
• Nicobar Is. (native)
• Niue (native)
• Philippines (native)
• Queensland (native)
• Réunion (native)
• Samoa (native)
• Seychelles (native)
• Sri Lanka (native)
• Sulawesi (native)
• Sumatera (native)
• Taiwan (native)
• Tanzania (native)
• Thailand (native)
• Tonga (native)
• Vanuatu (native)
• Vietnam (native)
• Wallis-Futuna Is. (native)
• Marquesas (introduced)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Mar 14, 2021 by Jean-Marie Ronquy (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 1, 2021 by Bea Gomes (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 12, 2021 by Mareva Nika (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 11, 2021 by Dele Ste (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 27, 2022 by Murilo Rossi (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Feb 19, 2022 by Augustin Soulard (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 2, 2022 by Matthieu Gebus (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 19, 2021 by Mille Ha (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 27, 2022 by Murilo Rossi (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Nov 2, 2022 by Matthieu Gebus (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Endemia – Daniel & Irène Létocart (cc-by-nc)

Taken Nov 7, 2011 by Endemia – Gildas Gâteblé (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jan 11, 2007 by Endemia – Gildas Gâteblé (cc-by-nc)

Fruit

Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Endemia – Daniel & Irène Létocart (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Endemia – Daniel & Irène Létocart (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jan 13, 2020 by Christine RIEUX (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 27, 2022 by Murilo Rossi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 27, 2022 by Murilo Rossi (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Oct 23, 2019 by Tela Botanica − Jean-Claude Calais (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 23, 2019 by Tela Botanica − Jean-Claude Calais (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 23, 2019 by Tela Botanica − Jean-Claude Calais (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Endemia – Daniel & Irène Létocart (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Endemia – Daniel & Irène Létocart (cc-by-nc)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2946798)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:491250-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Dendrolobium umbellatum (L.) Benth.)

Specifications

Growth