Dry spell, rain could have led to mass flowering

Today Online 1 Apr 14;

SINGAPORE — The 27-day dry spell in February and the subsequent heavy showers could have sparked the abundant flowering of plants and trees across Singapore, said the National Parks Board (NParks) today (April 1).

Mr Oh Cheow Sheng, Director of Streetscape at National Parks Board, said: “Some plants require stimulation of light and temperature to produce flowers. Environmental conditions such as the recent rain and dry spell could have triggered the mass flowering.

“The flowering period of a plant is dependent on its species. For the Cat’s Claw Ivy, the flowers will last for about two weeks.”

The Cat’s Claw Ivy — a creeper plant with bright yellow trumpet-shaped flowers — is among the plants that have flowered. Native to Brazil and Central America, the plant was recently introduced to Singapore and can be found along Havelock Road, Farrer Road and Holland Road.

Other flowering trees include the Australian Flame Tree found along Commonwealth Avenue West, Jurong West Street 93, and Kallang Road, as well as the Pelong found along Choa Chu Kang Drive, Kranji Expressway and Tampines Expressway.

NParks is now holding a photo competition where members of the public can share photos of flowering plants and trees across the island until the end of the month. Six mystery prizes are up for grabs. Photos can be shared on Facebook (www.facebook.com/nparksbuzz) or Instagram (@nparksbuzz using the hashtag #sgblooms).

Mass flowering after recent dry spell
Channel NewsAsia 2 Apr 14;

SINGAPORE: A variety of trees and plants across Singapore started to flower after the recent dry spell.

Mr Oh Cheow Sheng, director of streetscape at the National Parks Board (NParks), said conditions such as the dry spell, followed by days of rain, could have triggered the mass flowering.

The plants and trees that are blooming include the Cat's Claw Ivy, which is found along Havelock Road, Farrer Road and Holland Road, as well as the Australian Flame Tree, found along Commonwealth Avenue West, Jurong West Street 93, and Kallang Road.

The public can share photographs of the flowering plants and trees in a competition, "Singapore Blooms".

They can do so on Facebook or Instagram @nparksbuzz using the hashtag #sgblooms until the end of April.

- CNA/ec