PTELEOCARPA LAMPONGA

Known by the common name Tembusu tikus (Family: Boraginaceae), this interesting tree with yellow Tembusu-like flowers can be seen along Rochor Road just outside the Bugis MRT station.

BEAUTIFUL PLANTS

Alright, the title is a bit generic but sometimes I am too lazy to think of a better description.

The first two photos show an unusual silver-leaved Barleria. Next is a rather unique variegated Scaevola taccada (common name: Beach Cabbage, Sea Lettuce).


On the trunks of the various Dipterocarpus trees were also clumps of the Dendrobium crumenatum (common name: Pigeon Orchid). Too bad the orchids were not flowering at the time when the photos were taken.


At another side of the nursery were several Euclinia longiflora (synonym: Randia macrantha; common name: Tree Gardenia), where some were in bloom and the numerous pendulous flowers.


Whenever I am at the state lands, I would look past the immediate greenery and find beautiful, architectural stands of the Albizzia falcarata  in the background. Their sinewy and weak branching makes it an unsuitable roadside tree. Even when they are dead, the tree crown is also quite artistic.


Finally, I came across this native Cerbera odollam (common name: Pong Pong), where the main trunk meandered across the ground to create a very unique photographic opportunity for photographers. The arching branch reminds me of a similar trunked Tembusu tree on the Singapore $5 dollars note. Well, this former tree already has its location pre-selected and would not be used in the area where I am currently planting up.

NURSERY

The first two photos are of the uncommon yellow shaft Lipstick Palm.


The Torenia polygonoides (common name: Malayan Eyebright; Family: Scrophulariaceae) weed can sometimes provide a beautiful groundcover of plants. Perhaps some nursery grower can try cultivating them for ornamental purposes.


The recent weather also seems perfect for the flowering of the pink flower Aeschynanthus (common name: Lipstick Plant; Family: Gesneriaceae).


It is amazing that the Bauhinia tree is almost covered with lots of thin-petaled pink flowers.


Whilst looking out for more plants, I came across this Cerbera odollam (common name: Pong Pong; Family: Apocynaceae) with a long and beautiful curved branch, that reminded me somewhat of the curved branch Tembusu at the Singapore Botanic Gardens and which was immortalized on our Singapore $5 note. I want to plant this tree at the Fragile Forest if I can have my way.


Under the shade netting, the Dendrobium secundum orchids were blooming in masses.

SOUTHERN RIDGES 1

I started with the grueling climb up the steep flight of staircase to Hendersen Waves and was almost panting halfway. I had to push myself on without stopping and thank goodness I think the jogging paid off.


This is the second time I am up there on this highest footbridge in Singapore. The view up here of the surrounding is spectacular. In the far horizon, I could see the interesting development 'Reflection' which I posted before. From here, the   inward curving buildings reminded me of the demon's castle in Lord of the Rings. It is marvelous how clear some of the details are with the use of the zoom function of the Nikon camera.


There were the familiar trees Albizia amongst the dense forest vegetation and the beautiful orange fruits of the Tembusu tree. Anyway, what is a walk through the park without sight of its fauna? My squirrel friend was frantically dashing across the wooden bridge, presumably because it was not on familiar grounds on the artificially constructed wooden pathway which serves as a nature corridor for such animals to move from one area to another.