Exhibition runs till 27 Nov 2025
Venue: Level 2, Centre for Ethnobotany (Ethnobotany Garden)
Nearest Entrance: Bukit Timah Gate (Botanic Gardens MRT)
Open Daily from 9am – 6pm (Closed on the last Wednesday of every month)
Admission is free

Dipterocarps are a remarkable family of tropical hardwood trees known for their towering heights. These trees, found predominantly in Southeast Asia, are not only ecologically important but also serve as a traditional and economic resource. The family name Dipterocarpaceae derives from the Greek words “di” (two), “ptero” (wing), and “carpos” (fruit), referring to the distinctive two-winged fruits that many species develop. These fruits play a crucial role in seed dispersal, with some species relying on wind, while others are dispersed by gravity, water, or even animals like macaques and wild boars.

Dipterocarps have long been valued by local communities for their versatile uses. Their resin (damar) serves various purposes ranging from torches to boat waterproofing and traditional medicine. Their significance extends into the timber they produce, such as balau and chengal, as well as in modern applications, such as in perfumes.

The Singapore Botanic Gardens' Rain Forest is one of the oldest remnants of primary rain forests in Singapore. Spanning 6.2 hectares, it is home to over 300 species of plants, including majestic, mature dipterocarps. This rain forest is part of the original lowland dipterocarp forest that once covered much of the island, a natural heritage preserved by successive directors of the Gardens . The OCBC Arboretum in the Singapore Botanic Gardens, managed by NParks, is Southeast Asia’s first high-tech conservation initiative for dipterocarps. The Arboretum houses 200 species of dipterocarps and employs an Internet of Things (IoT) system to remotely and continuously monitor tree growth and environmental conditions. 
 
This exhibition invites you to explore the rich history, ecological importance, and versatile uses of dipterocarps. Join us to uncover the stories of these forest giants and their lasting impact on our environment and heritage.

 
Fruits of Dryobalanops aromatica. Photo credit: X.Y. Ng

Chengal timber being used to construct a traditional Malay boat. Pulau Duyong, Terrenganu, Peninsular Malaysia. Photo credit: Christoph Swoboda - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0

Aerial view of Singapore Botanic Gardens’ Rain Forest (on the left), with Orchard Road’s skyline in the distance. Photo credit: i-stock: Bret Clay