MEDIA FACTSHEET A

Hanguana Trail

Along the Hanguana Trail, visitors can appreciate two recently discovered of native forest plants – the locally Endangered Hanguana neglecta, which was first found in Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, and the endemic Hanguana rubinea.

The Hanguana trail also features plants named after such as the endemic Singapore Ginger (Zingiber singapurense) and the Singapore Durian (Durio singaporensis), as well as Critically Endangered native plants such as the Drum-stick Ginger (Etlingera maingayi), Memali (Leea angulata), Lowland Fox-Glove (Radermachera pinnata), Pulai Basong (Alstonia pneumatophora) and Stilted Simpoh (Dillenia reticulata).

Flora seen at Hanguana Trail

Hanguana rubinea

The plant was discovered in 2015, and is named for its ruby-red, dark pink fruits that produce yellow juice when disturbed. It was previously mistakenly identified as another Hanguana species. This species has been found to grow on the slopes of or in proximity of small streams in partially disturbed primary lowland forest.

Based on recent collections and herbarium records from the past 30 years, this species has been found to occur in the nature reserves.

Small populations and disturbance pose Photo credit: Jana Leong-Škorničková, the two biggest problems for the populations of National Parks Board Hanguana rubinea. The species is hence considered Critically Endangered at the national and global levels due to its endemic status.

Hanguana neglecta

The Hanguana neglecta was discovered in 2014. It is a small primary forest herb species with black berries native to Singapore and extending to Johor, Peninsular .

Considered locally Endangered, and globally Vulnerable, the specific epithet “neglecta” has been chosen to reflect that this species in spite of sitting next to a path at the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve and previously being collected and studied, has been long neglected.

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For more information, please contact June Yeo at 9749 9285. Information accurate as of 22 April 2017.

Photo credit: Jana Leong-Škorničková, Currently, this species is being mass-propagated National Parks Board at the Singapore Botanic Gardens for reintroduction into parks.

Singapore Ginger (Zingiber singapurense)

The spindle-shaped inflorescences of the Singapore Ginger are made of inflated orange-red bracts, giving them a somewhat bullate or “bumpy” appearance.

The leafy shoots of Zingiber singapurense are composed of narrow and glossy leaves. Unless flowering they are hard to spot as they blend very Photo credit: Jana Leong-Škorničková, well with other understorey vegetation and at first National Parks Board glance are reminiscent of young palm fronds or even some terrestrial orchids.

The species is classified as Critically Endangered.

Singapore Durian (Durio singaporensis)

The Singapore Durian grows up to 36 metres in lowland forests. This species can be found in Nee Soon Swamp Forest and the vicinities of Upper Seletar and MacRitchie Reservoirs. Its white flowers are pollinated by bats, while its fruit can be propagated by seeds.

The specific epithet “singaporensis” refers to the Photo credit: Derek Liew, National sole locality in the natural distribution of this Parks Board Vulnerable species.

Drum-stick Ginger (Etlingera maingayi)

This plant has a tall inflorescence composed of a long peduncle and a small round head, earning its common name, Drum-stick Ginger. The bracts that form the head are densely covered by shiny silver hairs, and support bright pink flowers. The species was recorded in Singapore in 1900, yet omitted in recent literature.

The species is Critically Endangered. Fortunately, it can be propagated fairly easily by cuttings.

Photo credit: Jana Leong-Škorničková, National Parks Board Page 2 of 5

For more information, please contact June Yeo at 9749 9285. Information accurate as of 22 April 2017.

Memali (Leea angulata)

This prickly shrub can grow up to 15 metres tall. It has greenish-white flowers, which are pollinated by and . It can be propagated by seed or stem cutting. This species is classified as Critically Endangered.

Photo credit: Ang Wee Foong, florafaunaweb.nparks.gov.sg

Lowland Fox-Glove (Radermachera pinnata)

A tree which can grow up to 40 metres tall, it has ornamental cream-white flowers that are fragrant. This native Critically Endangered tree can be found in our swamp forest.

Photo credit: Vicky Lim, florafaunaweb.nparks.gov.sg

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For more information, please contact June Yeo at 9749 9285. Information accurate as of 22 April 2017.

Pulai Basong (Alstonia pneumatophora)

This tree can grow up to 40 metres in height with smooth, fluted trunks and large buttresses. It is typically found in swampy areas where it develops characteristic looping pneumatophores or ‘breathing roots’. In Singapore, this Critically Endangered species is mostly confined to nature reserves and protected areas.

Photo credit: David Lim, National Parks Board

Stilted Simpoh (Dillenia reticulata)

The Stilted Simpoh is a lofty tree that reaches up to 40 metres tall, with conspicuous prop roots at the base of the trunk. Its yellow ornamental flowers are pollinated by . This native species is classified as Critically Endangered.

Photo credit: Arthur Ng, florafaunaweb.nparks.gov.sg

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For more information, please contact June Yeo at 9749 9285. Information accurate as of 22 April 2017.

Kayu Gaharu (Aquilaria malaccensis)

This plant grows in lowland primary and secondary forests, and can reach up to 40 metres in height. It is highly valued as a major source of agarwood, which is used for perfume, incense and in insect repellent. Due to illegal harvest and trade, its conservation status has been classified as Vulnerable.

Photo credit: Boo Chih Min, florafaunaweb.nparks.gov.sg

Kayu Arang (Cratoxylum cochinchinense)

This tree can be found in both primary and secondary forests, and can grow up to 20 metres tall. The tree has faintly fragrant flowers that have deep crimson to pink or pinkish-yellow petals. It is the preferred local food plant for the caterpillars of the ( dirteana) and the Common Grass Yellow (Eurema hecabe contubernalis) butterflies.

Photo credit: Pauline Tay, florafaunaweb.nparks.gov.sg

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For more information, please contact June Yeo at 9749 9285. Information accurate as of 22 April 2017.