One for the Tree Lovers (Singapore edition)
Some of you who are tree lovers might be wondering about the trees featured in our photo essay on tree roots. What species might they be and where are they located? So here is some information to sate your curiosity:
This magnificent beauty is a terap (Artocarpus elasticus) and it is a designated heritage tree in Fort Canning Park. If you enjoy old trees, Fort Canning Park is a wonderful destination. There are numerous heritage trees here—all massive and glorious. Some of my favourites are the rain tree (Samanea saman) and the bulbous, knobbly trunks of the Madras thorn (Pithecellobium dulce).
There are also two lovely non-heritage flame of the forest trees (Delonix regia) with boughs that (rather unusually) bend and sweep the ground. When in bloom, the flame of the forest is incomparable. Their bright orange-crimson flowers are so vibrant; once you see them in person, you understand immediately how it received its common name. But even without the flowers, its feathery compound leaves and umbrella-shaped crown make it a delight to the eye.
The feathery leaflets of the Flame of the Forest ©Wendy Gan 2025
The Fort itself holds much historical interest as the site for Malay royalty in the fourteenth century. Later, the British took it over, turning it into a military installation. So the park will satisfy both the nature lover and the history buff.
This stunner is a sea almond (Terminalia catappa) and is found on a small outlying island called Pulau Hantu. I had gone there for a intertidal walk conducted by Gloria Seow from Loris & Owl. Gloria is an excellent nature guide and I would highly recommend any of her tours.
The rain tree does not form buttress roots, but when given the space, its roots spread out and become as thick as branches. This one resides in Upper Peirce Reservoir Park. The park looks out upon a reservoir and is wonderfully peaceful. But you will need a car to get to it.
This graceful specimen is in the Dipterocarp Aboretum in Yishun Park. I'm afraid I do not know what tree it is, though it is likely to be in the family of the Dipterocarpaceae. Dipterocarps are extremely tall, slow-growing rainforest trees. Their timber is highly prized for being dense and strong.
