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Ficus superba is known to be capable of long-distance pollen dispersal. This study explores whether mixed-land use influences pollen exchange between different populations of the species in Singapore in the mainland and offshore islands. Researchers from NUS and NParks sampled leaves from 359 individuals at 5 locations on mainland Singapore and offshore islands (Pulau Sajahat, St. John’s Island and Pulau Salu) for the population genetics study. The results suggested that the clustered distribution and mixed-land use of the landscape significantly impacted the movement of genes between the populations. Possible reasons for this include the clustered seed dispersal and greater impedance to pollen movement over land compared to sea which suggest that populations separated by the sea are much better connected genetically. The study also concluded that pollen dispersal is more influential than seed dispersal to explain the observed genetic variations between populations across Singapore. This also raises doubts about the dichotomous generalisation of the gene flow characteristics of monoecious figs (showing long-distance pollen dispersal) versus limited-dispersal of dioecious figs attributed to pollinators’ characteristics (flight heights and dispersal efficiencies).

Singapore has two populations of Orania sylvicola, found respectively in Bukit Timah Nature Reserve and the Singapore Botanic Gardens. These locations are inconsistent with the historical collection localities from 1890s and 1930s, raising questions on the origin of the present-day populations. Through extensive research, involving genetic analyses, literature and herbarium collections review and topographical studies, NParks researchers concluded that all individuals in Singapore are of native origin. The two populations of Orania sylvicola in Singapore are distinct genetic clusters with very little gene flow either by pollen crossing or seed dispersal. Understanding the local population structure of these palms can guide species recovery efforts by identifying the most genetically diverse individuals for propagation and ex-situ conservation.

Indian Abutilon (Abutilon indicum), a native shrub thought to be nationally extinct was rediscovered on Coney Island. Its subspecies, A. indicum subsp. indicum was found on Coney Island, an area predominated by Casuarina (Casuarina equisetifolia) trees. Similarly, Cyperus dubius, a sedge rediscovered in various local coastal parks in 2022 was also found among Casuarina groves. Casuarina trees are known to release allelopathic compounds that inhibit seed germination, this poses a barrier for the survival of rare native species that share the same habitat. As such, conservative measures like selective replacement with non-allelopathic native species can potentially aid the survival and regeneration of these rediscovered Singapore natives.

In recent years, several new species of flowering plants have been discovered in Vietnam, particularly in the far north and the Central Highlands region. Notably, four Gesneriaeae species have been uncovered, namely, lithophytic Allocheilos villosus with dense hairs covering on all parts of the plant, Didymocarpus tamdaoensis which is only known from one collection made at Tam Dao National Park, Didymocarpus dalatensis with downy stems and white tubular flowers, and Loxostigma vietnamensis which is endemic to the montane forest of Vietnam. These discoveries deepen our understanding of Vietnam’s rich biodiversity.

A collaboration between NParks and researchers across Singapore has identified pathogenic fungi that attack mature trees in our urban landscape. The DNA sequence of tissue samples from trees with rot, the fungal fruiting bodies and surrounding soil were analysed for unique patterns associated to individual fungal species. By comparing the results with healthy trees, 17 fungal species that cause root and trunk rot in commonly planted tree species were identified. This information leads the way for development of early detection and intervention tools of fungal disease in trees.

Botanists discovered a most unusual palm that flowers and fruits completely underground! Pinanga subterranea is believed to be pollinated by beetles and seed dispersal is aided by wild boars. The palm was first noticed in Lanjak Entimau Wildlife Sanctuary, Sarawak by a Malaysian botanist in the late 1990s. A team of Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew later found the palm growing abundantly in the same area in 2018. While this finding has only been recently published, the fruit is a common part of the diet of the indigenous people. This shows the importance of the knowledge of indigenous people in supporting and enriching scientific information.