BIRDS

I was checking out this newly transplanted Michelia alba when I noticed 2 birds at least 5 m up in the tree crown. I think one is a Koel? The other is a green Lori.

MICHELIA CHAMPACA & XANTHOSTEMON CHRYSANTHUS (VARIEGATED)

After I found the Platycerium photos, I found these too.

The 1st photo shows the variegated Xanthostemon chrysanthus (common name: Golden Penda) flowers.

The 2nd photos show the fruit pods and seeds of the Michelia champaca (common name: Joy Perfume Tree, Golden Champaca). Compared to the Michelia x alba, this tree has orange flowers that are fragrant. By the way, it seems the newly accepted name is Magnolia champaca. 2 links are shown below:

1. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michelia_champaca
2. http://toptropicals.com/catalog/uid/michelia_champaca.htm

MICHELIA X ALBA

From the Magnoliaceae Family, this is actually a beautiful tree that was hybridized between Michelia champaca and Magnolia montana. Hence, the other accepted name is Magnolia x alba. The common names include White Champak and Banana Shrub.

When in bloom, the white flowers are highly fragrant. In fact, this tree is the host plant for one of the native butterflies Tailed Jay (scientific name: Graphium agamemnon agamemnon). Check out the links and ButterflyCircle website below to learn more about the plant and butterfly.

1. http://toptropicals.com/catalog/uid/michelia_alba.htm
2. http://toptropicals.com/html/toptropicals/articles/trees/tropical_magnolia.htm
3. http://www.butterflycircle.com/checklist2/index.php?page=butt_details&butt_id=172

WHITE FLOWERS

There was this pot of white flowers on level 3 of the Cathay Building. As real as they looked, they were fake. But yes, they were made after a real flower.

The plant that gave rise to this imitation is the Magnolia grandiflora.

MICHELIA X ALBA

The flowers of the Michelia x alba tree are pristinely white, giving it a very pure look. Recently, I could not find any caterpillars of the Tailed Jay on any of these trees in the park. Perhaps I wasn't looking hard enough or maybe this tree when planted in an open area in the full sun is not conducive enough for the female butterflies to lay its eggs.

Separately, the yellow flowers of the Michelia champaka are equally pretty and fragrant although it is not a butterfly host plant.

So what is the difference here? Definitely the texture of the leaves. Feel them and the answer is there.