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Researchers from Nanyang Technology University and National Parks Board have developed a non-destructive method to detect tree defects by re-utilising ground-penetrating radar (GPR) for aboveground detection. Existing detection methods, such as sonic or electrical resistivity tomography and even those based on traditional use of GPR, are time-consuming, labour-intensive and can only measure individual trees. Through contactless measurement along a straight path, automated movement of sensor detectors and advanced signal and data processing, this new method was shown to quickly and accurately detect defects in tree populations, facilitating their management in urban settings.

A study was conducted by researchers from Nanyang Technological University and NParks to investigate the effects of extreme weather conditions such as prolonged drought stress and continuous rain on plants that commonly grow on slopes in Singapore. It is postulated that these plants could be drought tolerant as it is adapted to a natural habitat where drainage results in less exposure to wet soil conditions. Ipomoea pes-caprae (creeper), Clerodendrum paniculatum and Melastoma malabathricum (shrubs) were subjected to drought stress (DS), then re-watered (RW). The study found that groundcover plants like I.pes-caprae and smaller perennials like C.paniculatum were able to recover after prolonged DS. M. malabathricum did not survive the DS. This suggests that M. malabathricum may not be suitable for planting on slopes due to its susceptibility to DS, which could leave the ground exposed after severe DS.

Sulawesi is the 11th largest island in the world and a global priority for conservation. However, this region in Tropical Southeast Asia has been poorly botanically explored. The Begonia species of Sulawesi are a hallmark for conservation for their diversity, attractiveness and considerable horticultural potential. Documenting this charismatic group in Sulawesi is challenged by limited knowledge of its taxonomy, small endemic localities of certain species and inaccessible localities. These hurdles have resulted in poor information on species and their extinction risk. Using remote sensing methods, researchers have been able to estimation the occurrence of many Begonia species of Sulawesi found in small, endemic populations within deteriorating rainforest habitats. A total of 64 species were updated with a conservation status through this study.

Timonius is a genus from the coffee family, Rubiaceae, that is little explored or documented. The genus encompasses a broad variety of growth forms, from treelets to hemiepiphytes. Currently represented by 300 species in the Asia-Pacific region especially in New Guinea and Borneo, researchers from the National Parks Board discovered 77 new species from their expeditions up to 2024, including Timonius tjiasmantoi (tree) and Timonius kessleri (shrub). This groundbreaking work on Timonius has been published in the book, "Timonius in Borneo".

Pittosporum ridleyi is a medium sized tree that is native and regarded as vulnerable in Singapore (The Singapore Red Data Book, 3rd Edition, 2024). It can be found naturally in coastal forests in Singapore. The species produces five-petaled, cream-coloured flowers in clusters of approximately 10 flowers. The fruit is orange-green in colour and oval shaped. A wild specimen of 10 m height was found flowering and fruiting in a degraded secondary forest in Sembawang in March and April 2023. No other mature specimen or seedlings of this species were found nearby. The seed of this specimen was likely sown by an animal disperser. This suggests that seed dispersal of native tree species is being carried out and further research can be done on how this contributes to succession in Singapore’s secondary forests.

A collaboration between Forest Research Institute Malaysia and National Parks Board researchers has led to the identification of 2 new species from Fraser’s Hill, Peninsular Malaysia: Codonoboea fraserensis (Gesneriaceae) and Curculigo elegantissima (Hypoxidaceae). These herbaceous plant species are thought to be endemic with provisional IUCN conservation assessments of endangered for C. fraserensis and vulnerable for C. elegantissima. C. fraserensis occurs on steep slopes in hill dipterocarp forest to lower montane forest, while C. elegantissima is found on ridges in lower montane forest. The discovery of C. fraserensis brings the number of Codonoboea species at Fraser’s Hill to a whopping 11 species!