More on Singapore's magnificent trees

Straits Times Forum 17 Nov 09;

I REFER to last Saturday's graphic, 'Trees in the city'.

Thank you for raising the interest in wayside trees. The flowers of the rain tree and tembusu did little justice to these two magnificent trees. More of their woody forms should be shown.

Many swings could hang from the bough of the rain tree and its broad crown gives shade on a hot day. Its tiny compound pinnate leaves go to sleep in the evening or when it rains. Malays called it Pukul Lima (five o'clock).

The tembusu has no significant bough but branches that reach for the sky, wriggling upward, defying gravity while carrying its fine leaves of light and dark green away from its dark, ribbed trunk. The road divider along Paterson Hill has two fine specimens, although the larger one has lost its crowning glory.

As for the mahogany tree, the third common one was not presented: African mahogany (Khaya grandifoliola). This huge tree gives the most shade and is a fast-growing wayside tree.

Of course, any mention of the mahogany tree compels me to highlight the finest specimen - the Honduras or broad-leaved mahogany found in Singapore. You cannot miss the magnificent twin-boled mahogany tree near the Merlion in Sentosa.

That tree should be registered as a national dendrological monument.

Chen Sen Lenn