SENTOSA - PART 2

This Swietenia macrophylla is a Heritage Tree. Looking at the size and amount of epiphytes e.g. Epiprenum aureum, Vernonia elliptica, Bulbophyllum vaginatum, Platycerium coronarium, on its trunk, I wonder how long it has lived here. We were told that when the tree sheds its leaves, that is when complaints come pouring in. Why couldn't people just appreciate the tree for what it is truly is - our very own heritage? This is probably one of the last giants in our urban jungle. At this age, only bracing can help to keep it together.

There is also a Schefflera actinophylla growing at the tree fork.

KHAYA SENEGALENSIS

I was shocked when I saw this grove of Khaya senegalensis (synonym: Swietenia senegalensis; common name: African Mahogany, Senegal Mahogany; Family: Meliaceae) because this is the first time I saw these trees being pruned after so many years.

It provided a lot of good shade to the passers-by but I supposed the crown reduction was done for safety reasons, much like those along roadside with crowns that were extensively pruned to reduce the load. The silhouette of the trees looked grim against the slightly darkened sky.

2 links on this very common roadside tree are attached below:

1. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khaya_senegalensis
2. http://www.worldagroforestrycentre.org/sea/Products/AFDbases/af/asp/SpeciesInfo.asp?SpID=1027

SWIETENIA MACROPHYLLA

The 1st photo was taken of Fort Canning Park's beautiful green canopies leading down the hill to the former Hill Street Food Center beside the MICA building.

Right in front of the open space at the base of the Fort Canning Park is planted with a row of Swietenia macrophylla (common name: Big Leaf Mahogany, Sky Fruit; Family: Meliaceae) along the sidetable. These trees were popular roadside trees in the past and were replaced by more showy or interesting trees that provide better shade and colour.

One of the reasons why this tree is seldom planted these days because of its fruits that point up to the sky, hence the common name. In two of the photos, the Mistletoe was also captured.

Right after taking these photos, my camera battery died on me. A link on this tree is shown below:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swietenia_macrophylla

AUTUMN

I have never like this tree, and I mean never! But on last Saturday, I changed my mind.

When I glanced up, the usual green leaves on this tree species were not there. It was instead covered by a crown of orange, a colour that I love, that gave the impression of autumn.

But looking around at eye level at the neighbouring trees of the same species, but which still carried the green leaves, I was brought back to reality, since autumn is impossible in Singapore.

Anyway, this is the Swietenia macrophylla tree, otherwise known by its common name Sky Fruit, because its fruits point skywards.