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Plant of the Month
Aeschynanthus albidus
Aeschynanthus albidus is an epiphyte that is critically endangered in Singapore. This species occurs naturally in lowland tropical rainforests and lower montane forests. Once considered nationally extinct in Singapore, it was remarkably rediscovered in 2007 in Nee Soon Swamp Forest. The plant displays green leaves that may feature light green or yellow mottling on the upper surface whilst the undersides create a striking contrast with green and purple-red mottling, or may be completely purple-red.
Animal of the Month
Cypraea tigris
Cypraea tigris, commonly known as the Tiger Cowrie, is a large sea snail found on the ocean floor in the Indo-Pacific region. Once common, it is now much less abundant due to shell collecting and habitat destruction. In Singapore, it is exceedingly rare.
Singapore’s 10-cent coin
Did you know that the Star Jasmine (Jasminum multiflorum) is featured on Singapore’s 10-cent coin? First issued in 1985, the second series of coins highlights ornamental plants that are widely grown in our landscapes. Star Jasmine is prized for its clusters of delicate, fragrant white flowers and thrives in full-sun conditions.
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Versatility of Simpoh Air
Simpoh Air is a free-flowering large shrub that produces striking large yellow flowers, which only last for a day. When ripe, its fruit splits open revealing seeds encased in a fleshy red aril and enjoyed by birds. Did you know that this pioneer species has a trove of versatile uses? Its deep taproot allows it to access underground water sources, and its presence could sometimes indicate groundwater sources. This quick-growing plant creates shade in otherwise barren environments, supporting the growth of shade-loving species and promoting the diversity and development of forests. Simpoh Air’s large waxy leaves are also traditionally used in Peninsular Malaysia to wrap and contain food like tempeh.
Versatility of Simpoh Air
Eye of the Dragon
Did you know, Longan (Dimocarpus longan) in Mandarin translates to Dragon’s Eye (龙眼)? The fruit’s dark brown seed is encapsulated in succulent, semi-translucent white flesh, which imaginatively resembles an eye as the common name references. The fruit consumed fresh is rich in vitamins A and C. They can be dried to prolong their shelf life and will continue to retain their sweet flavour.
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Delicious Turmeric Flower
The Turmeric or Kunyit (Curcuma longa) is popular for its edible rhizomes, widely used in cuisines, traditional medicine and cosmetic products. Did you know that the inflorescence of the Turmeric is also edible? The spike-like inflorescence grows up from between the leaf sheaths while the true flowers are small and yellow, borne inside the bracts of the inflorescence. Lower bracts are pale green with whitish streaks while upper bracts are white and can sometimes have pink tips. These bracts bear a mint-like, spicy fragrance and have a crunchy texture. They can be eaten raw as ulam, dipped in sambal belacan, or cooked in stews. Delicious!
1904
Evening Scent
Did you know that Tuberose releases a pleasant fragrance reminiscent of gardenia with hints of jasmine, jackfruit, and buttered popcorn that intensifies during the night? This attractive perennial plant grows up to 40 cm tall with grass-like, linear leaves and produces white funnel-shaped flowers on tall spikes reaching 1.2 m high. These highly fragrant blooms are popular as commercial cut flowers and can be grown outdoors in containers, making them ideal for planting near outdoor dining areas where their evening scent can be enjoyed.
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Sunda Slow Loris
Video of wild Sunda Slow Loris in Singapore, captured on Night Vision Equipment.
Flora & Fauna News
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A 'Ghost' Orchid Species Discovered in Singapore After 120 Years
14 January 2026
A 'Ghost' Orchid Species Discovered in Singapore After 120 Years
14 January 2026
A rare orchid, Gastrodia queenslandica, has been observed flowering in Singapore for the first time since the early 1900s! This unusual orchid is a "ghost plant" that lives and grows underground, feeding off fungi instead of producing food through photosynthesis, and only emerges briefly to flower and fruit. The species was until now thought to exist only in Australia, and historical specimens collected from Singapore by botanist Henry Ridley were misidentified for over a century. The discovery of small populations in Singapore's Bukit Timah Nature Reserve and Nee Soon freshwater swamp forests, as well as in Thailand, reveals this species has a much wider distribution than previously known.
The Hoya confusion
23 December 2025
The Hoya confusion
23 December 2025
Researchers resolved a long-standing confusion surrounding the identity of Hoya macrophylla, tracing the issue to an early botanical illustration that mistakenly combined features of two different species. Through re-examining historical drawings, type specimens and herbarium material from multiple global collections, the study clarified which traits truly belong to H. macrophylla and distinguished it from H. latifolia. Their findings underscore the importance of revisiting historical sources with modern taxonomic standards, ensuring that future studies are based on accurate identifications and reliable taxonomic literature.
Dipterocarps: Pillars of the rainforest
21 November 2025
Dipterocarps: Pillars of the rainforest
21 November 2025
Dipterocarp trees are dominant in the rainforests across the Sunda region, including Singapore. These towering trees play a key role in shaping the forest environment. Researchers document the complex structure of these forests and the ways dipterocarp trees support plant regeneration and wildlife. This ecosystem faces ongoing pressures from logging, land conversion, and climate change, highlighting the need for active management and strong conservation efforts.
New Entries to the Flora of Singapore
10 October 2025
New Entries to the Flora of Singapore
10 October 2025
As part of ongoing efforts to document non-native plants that have become established in Singapore, researchers have recently added five new records of casually occurring or naturalised plants to the nation’s official plant list. The team also discusses how these plants may have arrived and provides descriptions based on plant samples collected locally and stored at the Singapore Botanic Gardens Herbarium.