This blog post serves mainly as a record of the critically endangered plants I discovered during my various exploratory trips, and actions I have done to ensure that they are protected.
1. Xylocarpus rumphii at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve
I spotted 2 mature and 1 young Xylocarpus rumphii at Sungei Buloh in 2009. Initially I had thought that they were common enough, until I was informed by Jean Yong that he had previously only found 1 young plant there. I managed to find this other young plant Jean spotted previously as well eventually. Unfortunately, one of the mature trees was chopped down by NParks contractors who were clearing the area to plant some other endangered species, which left me rather shocked that they did not send anyone to check for rare plants before they clear an area (or perhaps they did but no one can recognise it).
After this incident, I decided to inform NParks the locations of the critically endangered plants I came across just to ensure that they get the necessary protection. In this case, I eventually informed NParks staff, Hui Ping, the location of the remaining plants, and she had tagged the plants to ensure that they won't be removed unintentionally.
2. Merope angulata along boardwalk at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve
Found 2 young Merope angulata growing near the boardwalk in 2010, and have informed the NParks staff, Hui Ping, of the location.
3. Intsia bijuga near boardwalk at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve
Found 2 Intsia bijuga growing near the boardwalk in 2010, and have informed the NParks staff, Hui Ping, of the location.
4. Sonneratia caseolaris at Kranji
Found a huge Sonneratia caseolaris near the back mangrove at Kranji Nature Trail in late 2010, and showed it to Brandon Chia who was with me. Brandon eventually showed the plant to other nature lovers, who in turn informed NParks.
5. Merope angulata at Kranji
Found a huge patch of Merope angulata with at least 20 mature plants at Kranji Nature Trail at the back mangrove in 2011. Have taken the GPS and given it to NParks staff, Hui Ping.
6. Intsia bijuga at Kranji
Found 1 Intsia bijuga along the main trail, and several at the back mangrove in 2011. Have taken the GPS and given it to NParks staff, Hui Ping.
7. Aegiceras corniculatum at Kranji
Found several Aegiceras corniculatum at Kranji in 2011. Have brought NParks staff, Hui Ping, to search for them and got the GPS for a few. Found several more recently, and have spoken to the Assistant Director, Sharon Chan, about the find.
8. Smythea lanceata at Kranji
Found 1 Smythea lanceata at the back mangrove in 2011. Have taken the GPS and a sample, and given them to NParks staff, Hui Ping.
9. Caesalpinia bonduc at Punggol
Found 1 Caesalpinia bonduc at Punggol, which was chopped down by NParks contractors about the same time I informed NParks staff, Shufen. Fortunately, the plant was very hardy and regenerated very well. NParks had since done a few cuttings and several were planted at HortParks.
9. Xylocarpus rumphii at Semakau
Found 1 young plant in 2011 while doing a survey with Siyang and his colleagues. We have since written a paper on the flora of Semakau.
10. Cynometra ramiflora at Semakau
Found several plants in 2011 while doing a survey with Siyang and his colleagues. We have since written a paper on the flora of Semakau.
11. Smythea lanceata at Semakau
Was already recorded in previous surveys, but we found a few and now knows the location during a survey in 2011 with Siyang and his colleagues. I have no idea what it was when we spotted it. The identity was later confirmed the Botanic Gardens.
12. Tacca leontopetaloides at Semakau
Was already recorded in previous surveys, but I found a location with a huge population in 2011 and informed NParks staff, Shufen. NParks had sent a staff to collect some samples and cuttings for propagation.
13. Intsia bijuga at Seletar
Found 1 tree in 2011, and have blogged about it. Unfortunately, this area is not managed by NParks.
14. Intsia bijuga at Mandai
Found several plants there in 2009 and 2010 and have blogged about it. Unfortunately, this area is not managed by NParks. Have sent Siva the GPS in case they need the info for submissions to protect the area.
15. Merope angulata at Mandai
Found many plants there in 2009 and have blogged about it. Unfortunately, this area is not managed by NParks. Have sent Siva the GPS in case they need the info for submissions to protect the area.
16. Finlaysonia obovata at various locations
While this plant is stated to be critically endangered, I have seen too many of them at various locations, and hence I just blogged about them but did not inform the authorities.
17. Sonnertia ovata at various locations
While this plant is stated to be critically endangered, I have seen too many of them at various locations, and hence I just blogged about them but did not inform the authorities.
18. Gymnanthera oblonga at Semakau
Found 1 plant during a survey in 2008, but unfortunately the students lost the specimen and I was not able to locate the plant again.
19. Gymnanthera oblonga at Pasir Ris
Saw several plants at Pasir Ris Park in 2011, but the area is not understand the conservation division of NParks. Understand that there are a number of plant experts there, so I have only blogged about it.
20. Xylocarpus rumphii at Sentosa
Most people are aware of 2 huge trees at Tanjong Rimau, but I wonder if any are aware of a much smaller one further away. Spotted this in 2007.
21. Sonneratia caseolaris at Berlayar Creek
Spotted 1 tall tree in 2012, and had informed NParks staff, Shufen and Benjamin, about it. Will be going back to check for fireflies at night...
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Critically Endangered Plants I Have Found
Sea Holly (Acanthus spp.)
Singapore has 3 species of Sea Hollies (Acanthus spp.) from the family Acanthaceae in our mangrove forests -Acanthus volubilis, Acanthus ebracteatus and Acanthus ilicifolius. The former 2 have the status of "vulnerable" while A. ilicifolius is a common species.
They generally occur along tidal rivers, in the mangrove forest or nearby, especially in areas with freshwater inputs or on mud lobster mounds.
Acanthus volubilis occurs as a bush-like, sprawling herb, or when there are other taller structures around, as a climber.
It has simple opposite leaves that has pointed tips when they are growing in areas exposed to the sun, but become more rounded when they are growing in the shade. The flowers are white.
Acanthus ilicifolius and Acanthus ebracteatus occur as low, sprawling herbs and seldom climb. Young plants generally have erect stems, but lean and sprawl as they mature.
Plants growing in areas exposed to the sun tend to have spiny leaves. The 2 species can be differentiated by the colour of their flowers. Acanthus ebracteatus has white flowers.
Meanwhile, Acanthus ilicifolius has purple flowers. For both species, the leaves have smaller spines or no spines when the plants are growing in the shade.
The leaves often appear moist, especially in the morning before it got too hot, as Acanthus spp. excrete excess salt through their leaves. Sometimes, tiny salt crystals can be seen on the leaf surfaces.
The fruits are small nut-like capsules.
Leaves of Acanthus ilicifolius and Acanthus ebracteatus are used to treat rheumatism, while the fruit and roots are used to treat snake bites and as poisons for arrows. The seeds are used to treat internal worms. Seeds of Acanthus volubilis are used for blood cleansing medicine and against ulcers.
References
- Chong, K. Y., H. T. W. Tan & R. T. Corlett, 2009. A Checklist of the Total Vascular Plant Flora of Singapore: Native, Naturalised and Cultivated Species. Raffles Museum of Biodiversity Research, National University of Singapore. Singapore. 273 pp.
- Giesen, W., S. Wulffraat, M. Zieren & L. Scholten. 2006. Mangrove guidebook for Southeast Asia. RAP Publication 2006/07. FAO Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific & Wetlands International. Bangkok. 769 pp.
- Ng, P. K. L. & N. Sivasothi. 1999. A guide to the mangroves of Singapore 1 : the ecosystem & plant diversity. Singapore Science Centre. Singapore. 168 pp.
Dungun Air (Brownlowia tersa)
The Dungun Air (Brownlowia tersa) is a nationally endangered mangrove associate from the family Malvaceae.
This shrub can be seen at several of our mangrove forests, including Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, Kranji, Mandai, Woodlands Town Garden and Lim Chu Kang.
It usually occurs in areas with sand or firm mud on the landward side of mangrove forests.
The branches are smooth and greyish brown. The simple, alternate leaves are lanceolate to elliptic-lanceolate with a pointed tip. The upperside is dark greeen, while the underside is densely covered with a layer of coppery scales.
The small flowers are pink with numerous yellow stamens, usually open in the afternoon in small clusters.
The greyish-green fruits are woody capsules, and somewhat heart-shaped.
This plant is sometimes used for fencing or as firewood.
References
- Chong, K. Y., H. T. W. Tan & R. T. Corlett, 2009. A Checklist of the Total Vascular Plant Flora of Singapore: Native, Naturalised and Cultivated Species. Raffles Museum of Biodiversity Research, National University of Singapore. Singapore. 273 pp.
- Giesen, W., S. Wulffraat, M. Zieren & L. Scholten. 2006. Mangrove guidebook for Southeast Asia. RAP Publication 2006/07. FAO Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific & Wetlands International. Bangkok. 769 pp.
Friday, December 02, 2011
Barat-barat (Cassine viburnifolia)
The Barat-barat (Cassine viburnifolia) is a nationally critically endangered mangrove associate from the family Celastraceae.
I have personally only seen this species at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve and Kranji Nature Trail's mangrove. Not sure if it can be found at our other northern mangroves. It usually occurs at the borders of mangrove forests and along tidal rivers.
It occurs as a small tree or shrub, with no obvious buttress or pneumatophores. The bark is greyish-brown in colour.
It has simple, opposite, glossy and obovate leaves. The leaf edge appears wavy due to the many notches lining it. Each notch has a gland.
The small, white flowers occur in clusters.
The petals remain even as the fruits develop, but eventually drop off as the fruits mature.
The fruits are small and corky, turning brownish with age. They are dispersed by water.
It is used for firewood, and the husk of the fruit is said to be used to stun fish.
References
- Chong, K. Y., H. T. W. Tan & R. T. Corlett, 2009. A Checklist of the Total Vascular Plant Flora of Singapore: Native, Naturalised and Cultivated Species. Raffles Museum of Biodiversity Research, National University of Singapore. Singapore. 273 pp.
- Giesen, W., S. Wulffraat, M. Zieren & L. Scholten. 2006. Mangrove guidebook for Southeast Asia. RAP Publication 2006/07. FAO Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific & Wetlands International. Bangkok. 769 pp.
- http://www.mangrove.my/page.php?pageid=mangrove
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Identifying the True Mangrove Plants of Singapore
Based on Tomlinson’s list, Singapore has 21 major mangrove species and 9 minor mangrove species. During my mangrove exploration, I have develop some kind of an ID key for these 30 species in my mind, and thought I will share it here. It may appear amateurish to the real mangrove experts, but should be useful to the lay people who are interested in mangrove plants :)
There are 6 main sections in this key. To use it, just check for the characteristics in the same order listed below and narrow down to the species by elimination. So basically, Just start with asking whether the plant has: A) No Upright Stem(s); B) Compound Leaves; C) Alternate Simple Leaves; or D) Opposite Simple Leaves. If it has opposite leaves, and each leaf is longer than 2cm, then check whether the leaves has: E) Rounded Tips or F) Pointed Tips. Click on the links on the plant names for more details.
A) No Upright Stem(s)
1. Long leaflets(60-130cm) with parallel veins.
Nipah Palm (Nypa fruticans) - The only true mangrove palm in Singapore. It is a monocot, and has huge compound leaves up to 9m long. The palm lacks a trunk, but instead, has thick underground rhizomatous forking stems.
2. Mature leaf has blunt tips, sometimes with a small point.
Piai Raya (Acrostichum aureum) - This is a mangrove fern which can grow as tall as 4m. It prefers sunny sites. Like other ferns, they reproduce from spores, and large sporangia cover the undersides of fertile fronds.
3. Mature leaf has elongated pointed tips.
Piai Lasu (Acrostichum speciosum) - This mangrove fern grows up to about 1.5m, much shorter than A aureum. It prefers shady areas. Like other ferns, they reproduce from spores, with the sporangia on the undersides of fertile fronds.
B) Compound Leaves
4. Leaflets with rounded tips.
Nyireh Bunga (Xylocarpus granatum) - This tree can also be recognised by its thin and flaking barks. The fruits are round, about the size of a small coconut.
5. Leaflets with pointed tips.
Nyireh Batu (Xylocarpus moluccensis) - Unlike X. granatum, this tree has fissured bark. The fruits are round, about 10cm across.
C) Alternate Leaves
6. Leaves with silvery undersides.
Dungun (Heritiera littoralis) - When in bloom, it can be identified by its clusters of numerous tiny cup-shaped flowers. The fruits are woody with a keel on one side.
7. Leaves with pointed tips.
Buta-buta (Excoecaria agallocha) - Also called "Blind-your-eyes", it has poisonous white sap in its leaves and branches. It bears tiny flowers on catkin-like, elongated clusters. The tree is deciduous.
8. Alternate/subopposite leaves, obovate with prominent yellowish/light green veins.
Kacang-kacang (Aegiceras corniculatum) - This small tree bears white flowers with protruding anthers and a pinkish style. The fruits ranges from green to pinkish to red in colour, and are strongly curved.
9. Leaves mostly drop-shaped (broader at the tip) and red flowers.
Teruntum Merah (Lumnitzera littorea) - This tree has pretty red flowers, and even the young branches are reddish in colour. The small and somewhat corky fruits may have a reddish tinge as well.
10. Leaves mostly obovate (broadest about 2/3 towards the tip) and white flowers.
Teruntum Putih (Lumnitzera racemosa) - The leaves of this tree are usually of a fresher green compared to L. littorea. The small fruits are fibrous and compressed sideways, with a prominent persistent style.
D) Opposite Leaves
11. Small leaves not more than 2cm long.
Mentigi (Pemphis acidula) - This small shrub/tree bears pretty small white flowers. The fruits are small, turning reddish brown as they mature. The tip of the leaves may be pointed or rounded.
E) Opposite Leaves with Rounded Tips
12. Apical bud compressed and rounded.
Chengam (Scyphiphora hydrophyllacea) - This small tree/shrub may have one or multiple stems. The white flowers occur in dense clusters. The small fruits are cylindrical and green, ribbed along its length.
13. Apical bud compressed and twisted, enclosed in stipules.
Pisang-pisang (Kandelia candel) - The flowers are white and occur in clusters, dichotomously branched. The seedling's hypocotyl has a somewhat pointed tip, and is capped by the persistent sepals whose tips bend backwards towards the stalk.
14. Apical bud compressed and enclosed in stipules. Fruit with textured patterns and seedling with red collar.
Ceriops zippeliana - The seedlings of this tree generally hang in various directions. The small flowers are white and turn brown quickly.
15. Apical bud compressed and enclosed in stipules. Fruit plain and seedling with white collar.
Tengar (Ceriops tagal) - The small flowers are white and turn brown quickly, and have 5 thick and claw-like sepals. Unlike C. zippeliana, the seedlings usually occur hanging downwards.
16. Leaves dark green on top, and light brown and velvety below.
Api-api Bulu (Avicennia rumphiana) - Like other Avicennia species, it has pencil-like aerial roots (pneumatophores). The fruits are broadly ovate, covered with short hair, giving it a furry appearance. Flowers are small and yellow, occurring in clusters.
17. Leaves dark green on top and light green below.
Api-api Ludat (Avicennia officinalis) - Like other Avicennia species, it has pencil-like pneumatophores. The fruits are broadly ovate with a short beak, covered with short hair, and yellowish-brown in colour. Flowers are small and yellow, occurring in clusters.
18. Leaves broadly drop-shaped/pear-shaped.
Perepat (Sonneratia alba) - Like other Sonneratia species, it has conical pneumatophores. The flower has small and white petals, and numerous white stamens. The fruits are somewhat pear-shaped with persistent sepals whose tips bend back towards the stalk.
19. Leaves broadly ovate, oval or almost round.
Gedabu (Sonneratia ovata) - Like other Sonneratia species, it has conical pneumatophores. The flower has numerous white stamens but no petals are absent. The fruits are round, with the calyx enveloping the berry.
F) Opposite Leaves with Pointed Tips
20. Leaves glossy green on top and whitish below. Fruits the shape of elongated inverted teardrops.
Api-api Putih (Avicennia alba) - Sometimes confused with A. marina, it is best to confirm the species by looking at the fruits, which are in the shape of elongated inverted teardrops and are whitish/greyish green in colour. Like other Avicennia species, it has pencil-like pneumatophores. It has small yellow flowers, occurring in clusters.
21. Leaves green (with a yellowish tinge) on top and yellow or whitish green below. Young twigs have a squarish cross-section. Fruits the shape of fat inverted teardrops.
Api-api Jambu (Avicennia marina) - Easily confused with A. alba, this species is best confirmed with the fruits, which are in the shape of a fat inverted teardrops and are light green in colour. Like other Avicennia species, it has pencil-like aerial roots. It has small yellow flowers, occurring in clusters.
22. Leaves have a minute, recurved point at the tip.
Berembang (Sonneratia caseolaris) - Like other Sonneratia species, it has conical pneumatophores. The flowers have red petals and numerous stamens. The filaments are either all white, or white in the upper part and red in the lower part. The fruit is persimmon-like with a flattened calyx tube.
23. Narrowly elliptic leaves, undersides covered with small black dots. Apical buds enclosed in thin, pointed, red stipules.
Bakau Minyak (Rhizophora apiculata) - Like other Rhizophora species, prop roots and stilt roots can be seen at the lower part of the tree. The stalks of the flower heads are short, about 1cm long, and each stalk bears 2 stalkless flowers. Mature seedlings have a red collar.
24. Elliptic leaves less than 6.5-12.5cm long, undersides covered with small black dots. Green stipules. Flower has long style, 4-6 mm long.
Bakau Pasir (Rhizophora stylosa) - Like other Rhizophora species, prop roots and stilt roots can be seen at the lower part of the tree. Mature seedlings are dispersed by water and have a greenish collar. Leaves are generally shorter but proportionally broader than R. apiculata.
25. Broadly elliptic leaves more than 11-23cm long, undersides covered with small black dots. Green or red stipules. Flower has short style, 0.5-1.5 mm long.
Bakau Kurap (Rhizophora mucronata) - Like other Rhizophora species, prop roots and stilt roots can be seen at the lower part of the tree. It has red or light green stipules. Mature seedlings are dispersed by water and have a light green or whitish collar. The leaves are much bigger and proportionally broader than the other 2 Rhizophora species.
26. Small flowers with yellow petals. Short and straight calyx lobes.
Lenggadai (Bruguiera parviflora) - Like other Bruguiera species, the bark is covered with small lenticels, and the tree has knee roots.
27. Small flowers with white petals. Calyx lobes bend backwards on seedlings.
Bakau Putih (Bruguiera cylindrica) - Like other Bruguiera species, the bark is covered with small lenticels, and the tree has knee roots.
28. Flowers with white or light orange petals. Calyx lobes extend away from seedling and bend downwards perpendicularly.
Berus Mata Buaya (Bruguiera hainesii) - Like other Bruguiera species, the bark is covered with small lenticels, and the tree has knee roots.
29. Calyx ranges from pinkish to bright red. Petals have bristles at the tip.
Tumu Merah (Bruguiera gymnorhiza) - Like other Bruguiera species, the bark is covered with small lenticels, and the tree has knee roots.
30. Calyx varies from bright yellow to light green to pinkish. Petals have no bristles or at most 1 or 2 short bristles.
Tumu Putih (Bruguiera sexangula) - Like other Bruguiera species, the bark is covered with small lenticels, and the tree has knee roots.
As mentioned, only the 30 true mangrove species are covered in this key. Hopefully I can find time to put up information on the mangrove associates in future :)
Hope this will be useful for other amateur mangrove lovers like me! :P
Monday, November 28, 2011
Nipah Palm (Nypa fruticans)
The Nipah Palm (Nypa fruticans) is a nationally vulnerable mangrove plant from the family Arecaceae. It is one of the most ancient flowering plants and probably the oldest species of palms.
This palm can be seen at most of our major mangrove forests, such as Pulau Tekong, Pulau Ubin, Pasir Ris, Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, Mandai, Woodlands Town Garden, Berlayar Creek, Seletar, Lim Chu Kang, Pandan, Kranji, St John's Island and Pulau Semakau, among others.
It generally occurs at the upper reaches of mangrove forests, often forming pure stands, usually on fine-grained substrates. It is often found along tidal waterways as well, especially on sites with high freshwater inputs.
The palm lacks a trunk, but instead, has thick underground rhizomatous forking stems. The stems are sometimes exposed on eroding shores.
It is a monocot, and has huge compound leaves up to 9m long. The long leaflets (60-130cm long) have parallel veins.
The female flower occurs in the form of a spherical head.
The male flowers extend from the main flower stalk below the head of the female flower, but as they mature, the long catkins eventually grow taller than the female flower, somewhat forming a circle surrounding the latter.
The fruiting body is a cluster of brown fruits. The fruits drop off from the stem as they mature, and individual fruits will be dispersed by water.
The seed is edible, and is called "attap chee" in the region. The leaves are used for thatching. A sweet syrup can be extracted from the flower stalk in large quantities and made into palm sugar, or used in the production of alcohol (including ‘toddy’), sugar and vinegar. This palm is hence planted in many areas in the region.
References
- Chong, K. Y., H. T. W. Tan & R. T. Corlett, 2009. A Checklist of the Total Vascular Plant Flora of Singapore: Native, Naturalised and Cultivated Species. Raffles Museum of Biodiversity Research, National University of Singapore. Singapore. 273 pp.
- Giesen, W., S. Wulffraat, M. Zieren & L. Scholten. 2006. Mangrove guidebook for Southeast Asia. RAP Publication 2006/07. FAO Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific & Wetlands International. Bangkok. 769 pp.
- Ng, P. K. L. & N. Sivasothi. 1999. A guide to the mangroves of Singapore 1 : the ecosystem & plant diversity. Singapore Science Centre. Singapore. 168 pp.
- Teo, S., Ang, W.F., Lok, A. F. S. L., Kurukulasuriya, B.R. and Tan, H. T. W. (2010) The status and distribution of the nipah palm, Nypa fruticans Wurmb (Arecaceae), in Singapore. Nature in Singapore, 3: 45–52.
