Singapore Red Data Book 2008 Flora : Seed Plants _____________________________________________________________________________

Scientific name Tacca leontopetaloides Common name Lukeh Family Taccaceae

Photo by: Hugh Tan Tiang Wah

National Status: Critically Endangered (CR) Habitat and Ecology: In Singapore and the rest of its range, found in dappled shade immediately behind sandy beaches. Distribution: Restricted to a few populations in Pulau Semakau and Pulau Pawai. In its range, widely distributed and cultivated in Africa, Australia, Polynesia and Tropical Asia. Threats: Destruction of habitat, and loss of the open or lightly shaded, sandy habitats it prefers by the growth of taller shade trees. Scientific interest and potential value: The plants are cultivated in the Pacific, East Asia and East Africa for the food starch in the rhizome. The plants may have ornamental value in sandy beach areas as the leaves and inflorescences are rather attractive. Conservation measures: Its localities are administratively protected within areas of military use or largely inaccessible. Some plants propagated from Singapore stock have been planted out at Bukit Batok Park.