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Plant of the Month
Carludovica palmata
The Panama Hat Palm (Carludovica palmata) is an evergreen, herbaceous plant with fan-shaped leaves. Fibres derived from the plant are traditionally used to weave Panama hats, which inspired its common name. The Panama Hat Palm is not a true palm but is more closely related to screwpines (Family Pandanaceae). The young unopened buds are known to be eaten raw by tribesmen in Ecuador and are said to taste like asparagus.
Animal of the Month
Cypraea tigris
Cypraea tigris, commonly known as the Tiger Cowrie, is a large sea snail found on the ocean floor in the Indo-Pacific region. Once common, it is now much less abundant due to shell collecting and habitat destruction. In Singapore, it is exceedingly rare.
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Adinandra Belukar
Did you know that Adinandra Belukar is a type of young secondary forest and is named after the dominant species of this habitat – Tiup-tiup (Adinandra dumosa)? And Belukar means ‘degraded’ in Malay. This forest type is characterised by poor, degraded soils, low species diversity and high fluctuations between day and night temperatures and humidity. The Tiup-tiup flourishes in the Adinandra Belukar forest given its preference for poor nutrients soils and full sun conditions typical of young secondary forests.
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In a nutshell - Peanuts
When you snack on roasted peanuts or rich creamy peanut butter, have you ever wondered why the peanut grows underground even though its flowers bloom above ground? The peanut is a dehiscent legume (dry fruit) from the plant, Arachis hypogaea whose flowers and legumes initially form aboveground following pollination. As the fruit develops, the flower stalk elongates due to rapid proliferation of cells under the ovary and curves downward, forcing the young fruit into the ground. The peanut pod matures underground and typically contains two seeds. High in protein and other essential nutrients, the seed leaves (cotyledons) are regularly used in Asian cuisine such as gado-gado and peanut sauce for Satay! The peanut can also be used to make other useful products such as peanut soap and biodiesel fuel.
In a nutshell - Peanuts
White to Black
Did you know that Gluta wallichii also known as Rengas Kerbau Jalang, is a tree that produces milky-coloured sap that changes to black? Species from the Mango family (Anacardiaceae) exude colourless, pale yellow or clear resinous sap which oxidises to black upon exposure to air.
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Versatility of Simpoh Air
Simpoh Air is a free-flowering large shrub that produces striking large yellow flowers, which only last for a day. When ripe, its fruit splits open revealing seeds encased in a fleshy red aril and enjoyed by birds. Did you know that this pioneer species has a trove of versatile uses? Its deep taproot allows it to access underground water sources, and its presence could sometimes indicate groundwater sources. This quick-growing plant creates shade in otherwise barren environments, supporting the growth of shade-loving species and promoting the diversity and development of forests. Simpoh Air’s large waxy leaves are also traditionally used in Peninsular Malaysia to wrap and contain food like tempeh.
Versatility of Simpoh Air
Petal tradeoff
Did you know that the critically endangered Rubroshorea parvifolia is pollinated by Leaf beetles (Chrysomelidae spp)? This majestic emergent tree typically flowers once every 5 to 10 years. When in bloom, the tree crown is covered in small yellow flowers. Leaf beetles play a crucial role by simultaneously feeding on the petals and pollinating the flowers. This strategy of sacrificing the petals to increase the chances of pollination is one of many plant-insect interactions in our tropical ecosystem.
Rubroshorea parvifolia
Sunda Pangolin
Video of wild Sunda Pangolin in Singapore, captured on Night Vision Equipment.
Flora & Fauna News
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Singapore Red Data Book (3rd edition)
05 February 2025
Singapore Red Data Book (3rd edition)
05 February 2025
The third edition of the Singapore Red Data Book updates the status of over 9,400 species in Singapore and provides key baseline data that supports species monitoring and guides local conservation efforts. Jointly produced by NParks, Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum and the Nature Society (Singapore), notable new plant species include Hanguana rubinea , rediscoveries of species previously thought to be extinct as well as new records of species.
New Method to Detect Defects in Tree Populations
02 January 2025
New Method to Detect Defects in Tree Populations
02 January 2025
Researchers from Nanyang Technology University and National Parks Board have developed a non-destructive method to detect tree defects by re-utilising ground-penetrating radar (GPR) for aboveground detection. Existing detection methods, such as sonic or electrical resistivity tomography and even those based on traditional use of GPR, are time-consuming, labour-intensive and can only measure individual trees. Through contactless measurement along a straight path, automated movement of sensor detectors and advanced signal and data processing, this new method was shown to quickly and accurately detect defects in tree populations, facilitating their management in urban settings.
Tolerance of Plants on Slopes against Drought Stress and Re-watering
13 December 2024
Tolerance of Plants on Slopes against Drought Stress and Re-watering
13 December 2024
A study was conducted by researchers from Nanyang Technological University and NParks to investigate the effects of extreme weather conditions such as prolonged drought stress and continuous rain on plants that commonly grow on slopes in Singapore. It is postulated that these plants could be drought tolerant as it is adapted to a natural habitat where drainage results in less exposure to wet soil conditions. Ipomoea pes-caprae (creeper), Clerodendrum paniculatum and Melastoma malabathricum (shrubs) were subjected to drought stress (DS), then re-watered (RW). The study found that groundcover plants like I.pes-caprae and smaller perennials like C.paniculatum were able to recover after prolonged DS. M. malabathricum did not survive the DS. This suggests that M. malabathricum may not be suitable for planting on slopes due to its susceptibility to DS, which could leave the ground exposed after severe DS.
Exploring Begonias of Sulawesi
01 November 2024
Exploring Begonias of Sulawesi
01 November 2024
Sulawesi is the 11th largest island in the world and a global priority for conservation. However, this region in Tropical Southeast Asia has been poorly botanically explored. The Begonia species of Sulawesi are a hallmark for conservation for their diversity, attractiveness and considerable horticultural potential. Documenting this charismatic group in Sulawesi is challenged by limited knowledge of its taxonomy, small endemic localities of certain species and inaccessible localities. These hurdles have resulted in poor information on species and their extinction risk. Using remote sensing methods, researchers have been able to estimation the occurrence of many Begonia species of Sulawesi found in small, endemic populations within deteriorating rainforest habitats. A total of 64 species were updated with a conservation status through this study.