Antidesma pentadrum

Antidesma pentadrum is commonly marketed as the Bignay pugo here in the Philippines. It is also a synonym of Antidesma monatum.

Here I have found a few plants that seem similar, but I cannot be sure what they are yet. I bought some sold as Bignay pugo. The Bignay pugo should have smaller leaves and be better for the Bonsai hobby. I cannot say that the plants are Bignay Pugo.

It seems the main ways to differentiate Antidesma bunius and Antidesma pentadrum from each other is mainly in size attributes. The bunius is supposed to reah taller heights, so not something helpful when considering bonsai. The bunius is also supposed to have larger fruits that are arranged in long hanging pendat groups. Lastly bunis fruit is supposed to be around 1cm in size while pentadrum is smaller and just 5mm in size, so half. Lastly pentadrum fruit is in smaller clusters instead of elongated hanging fruit bunches.

I am not 100% sure that these pictures are of pentadrum or bunius so please take care when you id your plants. Once I can mature these plants and IF I find some way to better id them I will rename the images appropriately.

Antidesma pentadrum specifics

  • Core Identification & Taxonomy
    • Scientific Name: Antidesma pentadrum (pentandrum)
    • Common Name: Bignay pugo, alangnon (bicol), and salagma (igorot)
    • Family: Phyllanthacaea
    • Varietals:
    • Habitat/Range: Southeast Asia, India to the Philippines
  • Morphology & Characteristics
    • Growth Habit: Small shrub or native tree
    • Leaves: Oblong
    • Flowers: Strong somewhat unpleasant scent
    • Fruit/Seed: Green to white, maturing to red and black
    • Stem/Bark: Slender yellow-brown twigs 
    • Growth: Moderate
  • Bonsai Notes
    • Sun Exposure: Full sun 4-8 hours daily.
    • Water Use: moderate water.
    • Soil Mix: Limestone (anapog), Akadama, Pumice, Lava Rock
    • Fertilizing: balanced fertilizer every 2–4 weeks during the active growing season (spring through autumn).
  • Styling and Maintenance
    • Pruning: Regular pruning is essentia
    • Defoliation: Partial or full leaf pruning can be used
    • Wiring: Branches can be wired year-round, but monitor the wire closely during periods of fast growth.
Antidesma pentadrum

Gallery images

First, we are uploading pictures of our plants to show the parts of a plant that may help in identification. Second, we only have so many plants and my photography skills are not actually skillful. Finally, if it would help to see another angle or view, send us a message and we will attempt to get the right picture perspective.