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Additions to the Flora of Singapore

Additions to the Flora of Singapore

27 July 2026
Since 2025, 3 plant species are now recognised by researchers to have become naturalised in Singapore: Boat Lily (Tradescantia spathacea), Limeberry (Triphasia trifolia) and West Indian Nettle (Laportea aestuans). Another 2 species are discovered to be casual, meaning they occur in the wild but have not yet formed self-sustaining populations: Fire Bush (Hamelia patens) and Rose Cactus (Leuenbergeria bleo). All of them except West Indian Nettle are widely grown in Singapore for their ornamental foliage, flowers and fruits. Monitoring the populations of these species in the wild for ecological balance with Singapore’s native flora is important.
A new species of Homalomena from Indonesian New Guinea

A new species of Homalomena from Indonesian New Guinea

07 July 2026
A new aroid species discovered in Central Papua, Indonesia, was formally named Homalomena polyneura. The specific epithet polyneura is derived from the Greek poly- (many) and neuron (nerve, vein), in reference to the conspicuous raised veins on the upper leaf surface. This water-loving plant is about 10–17 cm in height, with attractive, narrow, elongated to oblong leaves bearing 5–9 prominent veins on each side. The species has long been in commercial trade under the horticultural name Homalomena ‘Samurai’ and was formally described as a distinct species in 2025.
Curcuma corallina

A new species of Curcuma from Vietnam

08 May 2026
A new ginger species discovered in south-central Vietnam was named Curcuma corallina. The specific epithet from the Latin ‘corallinus’ references the coral pink bracts and corolla lobes. This terrestrial rhizomatous herb grows up to 1.2 metres tall and can be found naturally in the understorey of secondary broadleaf forests, secondary broadleaf-bamboo mixed forests and along stream banks.
New Cacti in Flora of Singapore

New Cactus in Flora of Singapore

10 April 2026
Epiphyllum hookeri subsp. hookeri is a new addition to Singapore's official list of naturalised and casually occurring plant species. This neotropical cactus is a leafless epiphyte with flattened photosynthetic stems. It is believed to have established itself in the local urban landscape through seed dispersal by birds feeding on the fruit of cultivated plants. This report brings the total number of non-native casual cacti species in Singapore to three, joining Leuenbergeria bleo (formerly Pereskia bleo) and Selenicereus undatus (formerly Hylocereus undatus), or better known as Dragon Fruit.
A New Orchid Record for Singapore

A New Orchid Record for Singapore!

03 March 2026
Singapore has recorded its first Didymoplexis micradenia, a rare orchid that relies on fungi for nutrition. This small, leafless orchid produces delicate white flowers with finely toothed lip edges and was found in secondary forests in thick leaf litter. Encountered and collected three times over 15 years, the orchid's true identity was only became clear when the recent flowering material was collected in 2025. This marks the first confirmed record of the Didymoplexis genus in Singapore. The species is assessed as Critically Endangered in singapore with fewer than 50 individuals recorded. This discovery reminds us of the botanical treasures still hidden in our forests, waiting to be discovered.
Why Old Trees Matter in Cities

Why Old Trees Matter in Cities

09 February 2026
Researchers studied 12 large, old native trees in Singapore's forest fragments and urban landscapes and found that they can live for centuries, with the oldest tree estimated to be 381 to 538 years old. These findings show that old trees are remarkably resilient in urban environments, surviving longer than expected despite development pressures, with urban tree ages matching those in forests.
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