Gardenwise THE NEWSLETTER OF THE SINGAPORE BOTANIC GARDENS VOLUME 29, JULY 2007 ISSN 12-1688

39 C o n t e n t s Author(s) Message from the Director Chin See Chung 1 Articles The Giant Silk-Cotton Chin See Chung 2 Edible Orchids Henry Oakeley 5 Galeola nudifolia Yam Tim Wing, Aung Thame, 8 – An Extinct Orchid Re-discovered Paul Leong, Sharon Chan, Derek Liew Flora of Thailand Project Hubert Kurzweil 10 Flora of Peninsular Malaysia Project Hassan Ibrahim, Serena Lee 12 Schismatoglottis – Terrestrial Forest Aroids Peter Boyce 13 in Sarawak Regular Features Around the Gardens ❖ SEABG Meeting Bian Tan 18 ❖ United Nations ESCAP Ecotourism Meeting Yap Siow Hong, & Seminar Mak Sin Chang 19 ❖ International Tourist Guide Day 2007 Benjamin Aw 20 ❖ Launch of 2007 Coin Set – Heritage Orchids of Singapore Mak Sin Chang 21 Beyond the Gardens ❖ A Meeting on Biodiversity Conservation Benito C. Tan, Serena Lee 22 What’s Blooming ❖ Floral Fireworks Nura Abdul Karim 23 ❖ Unusual Heliconia from Tropical America Jana Leong-Skornickova 24 ❖ Sweet Snow, White Butterfl ies Jana Leong-Skornickova 25 From the Orchid Species Collection ❖ Pteroceras pallidum – an Endangered Hubert Kurzweil, 26 Orchid in Singapore Paul Leong, Yam Tim Wing, Aung Thame, Derek Liew Ginger and its Allies ❖ Cornukaempferia aurantifl ora Jana Leong-Skornickova 27 From the Education Outreach ❖ A Holiday Programme for Children Koh-Low Neok Chein, Janice Yau 28 Book Review ❖ Order Out of Chaos Jana Leong-Skornickova 30 ❖ Robert Wight and the Botanical Drawings Jana Leong-Skornickova 31 of Rungiah and Govindoo New & Exciting ❖ Calycophyllum spruceanum – the Naked Tree Andrea Kee 32 Key Visitors to the Gardens (January to June 2007) 33 From the Archives ❖ Systema Naturae Hassan Ibrahim 34

Front Cover: Editor Asst. Editors Production Manager Silk-Cotton tree at the Botany Chin See Chung Hassan Ibrahim Hassan Ibrahim Centre, Tanglin Core Kho Soo Pei

Photo by: Pang Yoke Yue Singapore Botanic Gardens, 1 Cluny Road, Singapore 259569 NATIONAL PARKS BOARD Gardenwise Gardenwise [email protected] www.sbg.org.sg 36 www.nparks.gov.sg MMessageessage fromfrom thethe DDirectorirector ince January 2007, the Botany Centre in This issue also reports the rediscovery of an Sthe historic Tanglin Core of the Gardens orchid listed as extinct. Galeola nudifolia, a has taken off as an activity and knowledge bizarre saprophytic orchid that can climb to hub for botany, horticulture and conservation. 15 m, was last collected from Singapore in Some of the important activities are reported 1893. In May, a matured plant was spotted in this issue under ‘Around the Gardens’. in the Central Catchment Nature Reserve. The meeting of Heads of South East Asian Many fruit pods have formed and we will Botanic Gardens network (SEABG) was a soon begin the exciting laboratory cultivation particularly important event. Attended by 35 of the seeds for possible future reintroduction participants from 11 countries, this was the back to the wild. second meeting of this grouping (the fi rst meeting was in Jan 2004). The Buzz at the Botany Centre includes the many formal courses, training workshops and This meeting provided a platform for hobbyist classes ran at Botany Centre. We gardens in the region to share experiences will be bidding for regional and international and to work towards capacity building and meetings in relevant fi elds of learning for facilitating the conservation and sustainable hosting at the Centre to add to its vibrancy use of the indigenous fl ora of the region. and development as a knowledge hub. Members were able to agree to a mission statement with the aims and objectives of At the Bukit Timah Core of the Gardens on the network clearly spelled out. While the the 11.7 ha extension site, the Children’s Gardens played host, we have to thank the Garden is being readied for its long awaited Botanic Gardens Conservation International opening in October. One of the conserved (BGCI) for sponsoring the event. buildings on the site has been identifi ed for nature and environment based NGOs to set The Gardens also played host to the up offi ces. They will be able to contribute International Tourist Guide Day. We proposed to intellectual discourse and activities guided tours of the Gardens as part of the complementary to the Garden’s mission and event and undertook to train the professional help add to our knowledge hub. licensed guides to provide these tours. It was a win-win situation for all. Both the guides We are mindful that any activity, whether and the Gardens saw this as an opportunity directly organized by the Gardens, or in to improve the services that these guides which we are the venue provider, demands would provide to the Gardens’ visitors in staff time and effort. While we often play future. the part of an event organizer, our role as a botanical and horticultural institution Another meaningful yet entertaining event must remain primary. We are taking steps was the inaugural Wildlife Asia Film to provide additional resource to meet the Festival in March 2007. Seminars hosted additional and changing demands and to included a regional arboricultural seminar remain relevant as a scientifi c institution. in April and another on tropical urban soils in June. Also in June, we hosted the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacifi c (ESCAP) seminar on ecotourism. Chin See Chung

1 TThehe GGiantiant SSilk-Cottonilk-Cotton

Visitors are greeted by this view as they emerge from the basement into the Gardens

his tree is destined to be a natural monument. There are of species of epiphytes in complex communities. These Ttwo magnifi cent specimens in the Gardens. Supported aerial habitats, are in turn home to hundreds of species by massive buttresses, their impressive trunks with their of resident animal life. By day and night, other animal layered canopies reach 30 m. They are as tall as ten-storey life such as birds and mammals, visit and interact in this apartments. In their native environment, they may reach arboreal ecosystem. It is diffi cult to fi nd another tree that over 50 m tall. is such a key component of the rainforest environment.

Ceiba pentandra (Bombacaceae), the Silk-Cotton, is by Economic Importance any account, an outstanding tree. When young, the main The Silk-Cotton plays an important role in human trunk and branches, are smooth and green, but often with communities in its homeland, and in other communities large conical spines. Native to the forests of tropical around the tropical world who grow it. The wood is soft America and West Africa, it is one of ten species of the and light with many uses and is easily worked. Indigenous genus Ceiba. All other species are confi ned to tropical people prize its massive boles that allow the construction America. The Silk-Cotton is one of the most massive of huge dugout canoes. of tropical trees with a columnar trunk fi rmly seated on large spreading buttresses. Its lofty spreading limbs reach The fruits, like small slim papayas that reach about 20 cm protectively over lesser trees. In the African forest, it is long, split to expose masses of silky fi bres that give rise to one of the tallest trees. During the dry season, it drops its common name. These fi bres are up to 2 cm long. They its leaves and fl owers. When the fruits mature and split, are uniquely springy, water resistant and very light and the tree will be covered with fl uffy, white cotton bolls – a lustrous. Silk-Cotton fi bres are only one-sixth the weight of truly unique spectacle of a tree in sheep clothing. cotton fi bres, but are relatively weaker. Unfortunately, its unique qualities also mean it is diffi cult and impractical to An Ecosystem spin and it never became a fi bre for fabric. However, until In its rainforest home, each giant tree is a complete about the 1950s, this was by far the superior stuffi ng for ecosystem. They are often heavily adorned with dozens life preserves, cushions and mattresses. It was cultivated

2 AArticlerticle

The tree in full bloom in large plantations in Indonesia for its fi bre. It has since the tree. Visitors emerging from the basement are treated been replaced by synthetics. with a picture perfect view of this great tree.

The Silk-Cotton is also widely grown because they strike Flowering & Fruiting easily from large cuttings forming an instant living fence. In the relatively uniform climate of Singapore, our trees do Other parts of the tree have many other uses. The young not have a predictable schedule of leaf-drop and fl owering. fruits and seeds are eaten as vegetable, while ripe seeds This seems to be triggered by a period of drought, though are a source of edible oil. The seed-cake after pressing for we never experience complete defoliation. Possibly, the oil is a cattle feed. The leaves, roots and bark fi nd their environmental trigger is never strong enough. ways into many traditional healing recipes. February 2007 was exceptionally dry, with not a drop of rain Little wonder, this great friendly tree was sacred to in the fi rst half. In March, the tree shed its leaves. Its upper the Mayas. It has been declared the national tree of half became completely bald, leading to worried visitors Guatemala. wondering if something was wrong with their favourite tree. It was bald for what seemed a worryingly long time. In the Gardens However, in the second half of April, the tree erupted in a In the Gardens, the Silk-Cotton is one of our living massive blooming, the best anyone can remember for this monuments. The older of our two largest trees is at the tree. Masses of cream-coloured fl owers crowd the ends of Botany Centre, Tanglin Core. This is about 100 years of twigs exuding a sourish, milky smell. The ground beneath age, and has become a celebrated landmark. Here, the the tree was carpeted with fallen fl owers for several weeks, new building complex was designed to accommodate and defying efforts to sweep them up. showcase this giant. While the fl owers do not seem to produce nectar, a great The reinforced concrete wall of the basement herbarium abundance of the stingless bees (Trigona spp.) and a honey has its corner closest to the tree strongly chamfered to bee (Apis sp.) were seen working the fl owers, collecting avoid a large root that otherwise would have to be cut. pollen. A very busy period was from 6.30 am to 7.00 am The same building block has a cutout at one end to frame when the tree comes alive. The still air vibrates with a

3 The fl owers with a sourish, milky smell are in dense clusters The ripe fruit pods split to reveal very fi ne, lustrous fi bres. Three small black seeds are visible

low hum that is quite audible against the growing traffi c For days the ground around the tree was carpeted with a noise. light dusting of fl uffy cotton.

Over the weeks, the fl owers drop. The return of wet weather Soon, everything went back to ‘normal’ and the tree probably hastened this and prevented good fruit set. The became its normal grand self with a lush green canopy tree however remained alarmingly bald. Soon some fruits and is possibly a few centimetres taller. were seen. In June, a new fl ush of leaves fi nally appeared, to the relief of all. They made the crown a refreshing, bright, light green. At the same time the fruits matured Chin See Chung and split while high up in the canopy. Bits of cotton fl uff, Director some with a little black seed embedded within, were blown about by the wind though most did not travel far. Photos by Chin See Chung

The tree with its canopy of fresh green leaves

4 AArticlerticle Edible Orchids

Vanilla widely around the world today, in In India, tubers of orchid plants For a start there is Vanilla. We all everything from Coca-Cola to ice of Eulophia campestris (now re- know about vanilla pods, which cream, perfumes to massage oils. named E. dabia) and E. herbacea are the long, thin, seedpods of the Other species are also grown such are similarly used to make salep. climbing, vine-like orchid, Vanilla as V. pompona and V. tahitensis, but Some other species of Eulophia are planifolia, the source of vanilla these produce less vanillin. Vanillin widespread in cultivation. of commerce. Their use is first has now been synthesised artifi cially, documented by Hernán Cortés1 in but demand for the natural product Medicinal Herbs his account (1519) of the conquest continues. China is well known for its widespread of Mexico. Vanilla is described in use of herbs4 for medication, and there the Aztec herbal2 of 1552, where Salep the tubers of Bletilla striata are used, it is called tlilxóchitl. The Aztecs This is a drink prepared from the traditionally mixed with powdered used it to drive away fatigue, and as tubers of orchids, mostly the genus amethyst, for a range of affl ictions fl avouring for a chocolate drink. In Orchis and Anacamptis, which are from healing broken bones to treating 1658 Willem Piso3, a Dutch physician harvested by the millions in Turkey tuberculosis. It seems unlikely that and botanist wrote about it in his and Greece, threatening them with this should work; the use of precious account of chocolate, noting that it extinction. The plants are dug up stones was thought ‘incredible’ even was combined with chillies. Vanilla- from the wild, leaving whole hillsides by Culpeper who makes perhaps the fl avoured chocolate and chilli sauce covered with small holes in the grass. earliest reference to placebo effect in on chicken is still a speciality of The tubers are dried and then ground respect of ‘stones’. Mexican food. up, mixed with milk, sugar and cinnamon and served as a hot drink Vanilla planifolia has been exported or used in the manufacture of Turkish all over the world. Plantations on ice cream which is thick, chewy, and the islands of the Indian Ocean are can be stretched like chewing gum now the main source of the pods, into a long rope! Its export is now with Indonesia coming second. illegal, in the vain hope that this may After curing, the pods exude vanillin help conserve the orchid population oil, and it is this, which is used of Turkey.

Bletilla striata

Another popular orchid is Dendrobium nobile, with its beautiful pink and purple flowers carried on fleshy canes (really modifi ed pseudobulbs). Widespread collection for its supposed medicinal properties has brought it to the edge of extinction in the wild, but it is common in cultivation in the West as a decorative plant. Gastrodia Vanilla pompona Anacamptis pyramidalis elata is another orchid which, despite

5 having a distribution from Japan where Ruiz had found it. They have through China to Korea and Tibet, is beautiful, lush, smooth green – almost also on the brink of extinction because translucent – pseudobulbs, which of collection for ‘medicinal’ use and do indeed yield a delicious fresh as a food. Unfortunately, it is also rare fl uid, with much the same taste as in cultivation. The fresh tubers are elderfl ower cordial. eaten raw or steamed, and the dried tubers are made into a decoction as In Africa, orchid tubers as foodstuff a “sedative; anticonvulsive; (and) reach its greatest level outside Turkey, stimulant to cerebral functions”. but with a much wider range being Interestingly, it contains vanillin. collected. Orchid tubers contain carbohydrates and polysaccharides. None are known to be poisonous, and they are collected by the hundreds of tons each year for food. In Tanzania8, Disa, Habenaria and Satyrium are the most endangered. So rare have orchids become in some areas that collectors travel for several days to the Mozambique border to collect there as well. Conservation efforts are Dendrobium speciosum being looked for there and in Malawi, but they are not easy, and strategies eaten by the aborigines of a place still have to be worked out. called Wide Bay in Australia, but as this orchid does not have tubers, it is possible he meant the fl eshy base to the leaves (called a pseudobulb). He also reported that the pseudobulbs of the spectacular Dendrobium speciosum are eaten there.

Dendrobium nobile Chewing orchid pseudobulbs for Cymbidium, the once popular their water content was noted by 6 orchid of commerce, is widespread Hipólito Ruiz and Joseph Pavón , through Asia and Australia, and, in the Spanish pharmacists turned places, parts are eaten. Cymbidium botanists who travelled in Peru hookerianum, from the Himalayas and Chile in the years 1777-1788, at altitudes around 2,000-2,500 collecting and documenting the metres, called ‘oleochoto’ by the plants of these countries, then still Bhutanese, is fried into a local under the dominion of Spain. They delicacy and are also added to curries. published the brief fi rst description Sturtevant5 reported that the ‘tubers’ of Maxillaria bicolor but never published the full description as they of Cymbidium canaliculatum are Disa watsonii ran out of money and time (they died) for the orchid volume. They wrote7: ‘These bulbs are so juicy and tender that they can be chewed very easily, and they give so much tasteless juice that six of them are suffi cient to quench the thirst; the Indians do this very frequently when they pass through these places in order not to go out of their way to drink in the depths of the quebradas (= ravines).’ Cymbidium hookerianum ‘Mokuseikou’ It still grows Huasahuassi in Peru, Habenaria rhodocheila

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There is probably no country in the world (apart from Antarctica) where orchids are not eaten by someone. In North America9 the roots of Aplectrum hyemale are (or were) made into a poultice and used to treat headaches and boils, to make a tea to treat bronchitis, and to make children eloquent and fat. Cypripedium such as C. pubescens and C. luteum are another group of North American orchids that, according to the botanist Constantine Rafinesque (1783-1840)10, have medicinal properties: ‘... all the species are equally medicinal ... They are sedative, nervine (make you sneeze!), antispasmodic ... They produce beneficial effects in all nervous disorders and hysterical affections, by allaying pain, quieting the nerves and promoting sleep. They are also used in hemicrania (= migraine), epilepsy, tremors, Ansellia africana Cremastra appendiculata nervous fever (!) etc.’ None of this is believed today. It is of note that produce a risk element to trying them. References the glandular hairs on the stems There are alkaloids in several orchids 1. (in) Reinikka, M.A. (1995), A History of the and leaves of Cypripedium cause at concentrations over 0.1%, that may Orchid: 16. Timber Press. 2. Emmart, E.W. (translated and annotated by) a contact dermatitis, similar to that turn out to have medicinal value, but (1940), The Badianus manuscript, Codex from poison ivy, in some people. all ‘natural’ herbal medicines should Barberini, Latin 241, Vatican Library; An be subjected to robust testing before Aztec herbal of 1552: t.104. Orchids have been used to make their value and their safety can be 3. Piso, Gulielmi (1658) Mantissa Aromatica: 200- 201. glue (Schomburgkia tibicinis, now assured. 4. Reid, D. (2001) A Handbook of Chinese Healing Myrmecophila tibicinis), to promote Herbs. Periplus Editions, Singapore. speech in babies (Masdevallia unifl ora, 5. Hedrick, U.P. (editor) (1972), Sturtevant’s in Quechua called rima-rima), and to Edible Plants of the World. Facsimile of 1919 prevent South African native houses edition. Dover Publications. 6. Ruiz, H. & J. Pavón. (1798), Systema being struck by lightning (Ansellia vegetabilium Florae Peruvianae et Chilensis africana). Often the claims for such 1: 224. Henry Oakeley a diversity of properties – e.g. to treat 7. Dahlgren, B.E. (translator) (1940), Travels of The Garden Fellow Ruiz, Pavón and Dombey in Peru and Chile tonsilitis, hypertension and cancer Royal College of Physicians of London (1777-1788) by Hipolito Ruiz. Field Museum (Cremastra appendiculata) make and Research Associate of Natural History, Chicago. one immediately reject the idea, and Singapore Botanic Gardens 8. Hamisy, W. (2005), Promotion of conservation while none are poisonous, signifi cant www.rcplondon.ac.uk/garden/ of the wild edible orchids in Tanzania (in http://www.rufford.org/rsg/Projects/ contaminants, such as colchicine are WilliamHamisy) found in some preparations as to Photos by Henry Oakeley 9. Plants for a Future: http://www.pfaf.org/index. html (accessed June 2007). 10. (in) Millspaugh, C.F. (1974) American Medicinal Plants. Facsimile of the 1892 edition. Dover Publications.

Footnote: Adapted from an article in Herbs 32(4)(2007): 14-17, the journal of the Herb Society, which aims to increase the understanding, use and appreciation of herbs and their benefi ts to health by bringing together all those with an interest in herbs by providing a world-wide forum for interchange of ideas and information on herbs. It has its headquarters at Sulgrave Manor near Oxford, UK. Visit www.herbsociety.co.uk or write to [email protected] for more information.

7 Galeola nudifolia An Extinct Orchid Re-discovered

n orchid thought to be extinct in Singapore has Flowering shoots can be apical or lateral, arising from Abeen re-discovered. the nodes of the uppermost scale leaves of the climbing stem. The inflorescence is a branching panicle and In May 2007, some unusual flowers clinging to the the fl owers open from the bottom of the infl orescence trunk of a dead tree about 10 m high were spotted in the upward. Flowers are dirty, creamy yellow in colour and central catchment area by staff of the Nature Reserve. do not open wide. The labellum is concave, yellow with A subsequent check with the Herbarium revealed it as orange-red stripes. The fl owers smell faintly of overripe Galeola nudifolia – an orchid thought to be extinct in bananas. Singapore.

The genus Galeola is closely related to Vanilla. Recent taxonomic work suggests that there are only seven species in the genus Galeola spreading throughout Asia, including Myanmar, Thailand, the Philippines, Malaysia and Indonesia.

Like Vanilla, the species Galeola nudifolia is a climber. However, G. nudifolia does not possess green leaves or green stems. Instead, the stem is about 1 cm thick, dull bronze brown with fl eshy, reddish brown scale leaves. In habit, it is very similar to another saprophytic climbing orchid, Erythrorchis altissima, but differs in the fl oral structure as well as the stem thickness. The plant derives its food from parasitizing a fungus, which breaks down organic matter (myco-heterotrophic). This explains why Paul Leong the G. nudifolia was found climbing up a dead tree. A fl ower in full bloom This orchid climbs with short climbing roots, one at each node, opposite the scale leaves. These roots fi rmly From past herbarium record of specimens collected in attach themselves to the tree bark. The stem can reach Singapore, the orchid thrived near swampy areas. The more than 15 m in height, with internodes that are up last collection, dated September 1893, is by H.N. Ridley, to about 20 cm long. a former Director of the Gardens, in an area called Bukit Mandai Road. Notes on that herbarium specimen indicate that the plant was climbing up a tree. This recently re- discovered orchid was found on the drier part of a swamp, at the edge of a disturbed forest. Moist and warm leaf litter in various degrees of decomposition covered the ground. It was found creeping about 1 m away from the tree, and climbed to about 8 m high.

Interestingly, notes about specimens collected from Peninsular Malaysia indicate that the plant was found in localities as varied as hill stations, at altitudes as high as 6,000 ft. Other habitats include grasslands, where it became a sprawling mass of stems on tall grasses, flowering at almost ground level. Notes on

Yam Tim Wing Tim Yam Liew Derek other herbarium specimens indicate that the plants were Branching infl orescence of Infl orescence of Galeola nudifolia. Galeola nudifolia Flowers, buds and capsules are clearly creeping on a dead log, sprawling on a grassy stream visible bank or creeping near a golf course.

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Galeola is a unique and interesting genus as the plants Careful observation of the flowers showed a very are myco-heterotrophic throughout their lives. All orchids interesting phenomenon: the pollen masses seem to are myco-heterotrophic, that is they rely on fungi for bend down towards the stigma. This phenomenon has their nutrient and growth, but only at some point in their also been observed in other orchids that self pollinate life. This relationship between the orchids and fungi is such as Spathoglottis plicata, Ophrys and Cattleya known as orchid mycorrhiza. aurantiaca.

Orchid seeds are dust-like, each consisting of a tiny We believe that Galeola nudifolia also self-pollinates. spherical embryo with no endosperm and a thin seed This explains why quite a number of seed capsules were coat. In nature, the mycorrhizal fungi are very important formed naturally. In order to verify our hypothesis, we during orchid germination as the orchid seeds rely on dissected several fl ower buds and found that even before them to grow into a small lump of tissue known as a the fl owers open, the pollen masses start to grow towards protocorm. These structures derive all of their nutrients the stigma. This observation supports our hypothesis. It and energy from their fungal symbionts. Once the has been more than a month since the seed capsules were protocorm has grown to a suffi cient size, it starts to observed and we are very happy to report that they are produce shoots. Orchids with green leaves can then begin growing nicely on the plant. to photosynthesize. However, Galeola does not produce any green leaves and therefore must rely on the fungi to supply its food throughout its life. Seeds of Galeola are among the biggest in the orchid family measuring some 1.5 mm long. Individual seeds can even be seen by the naked eye. Unlike seeds of other orchid species, those of Galeola are winged. This is also extraordinary for an orchid. Yam Tim Wing Tim Yam Dissected fl ower bud of Galeola nudifolia with the fl oral lobes removed. The pollen masses are bending towards the stigma

Yam Tim Wing Aung Thame Orchid Breeding and Micropropagation

Paul Leong Herbarium

Sharon Chan

Yam Tim Wing Tim Yam Derek Liew Seeds of Galeola nudifolia, taken from a 70-year old herbarium specimen. Central Catchment Nature Reserve They are each about 1.5 mm long

9 Flora of Thailand Project

he Kingdom of Thailand is species, subspecies and varieties will taxonomic revisions of all orchid Tendowed with a rich plant-life, be provided. Thai common names genera occurring in Thailand are with an estimated 10,000 species of will be given. Black-and-white line found in his series Orchid Genera of vascular plants known. The fl ora is drawings and colour photos of selected Thailand (14 volumes). Seidenfaden typical of tropical and subtropical representatives will give the readers a also made important contributions continental Asia, and infl uenced by better idea of what the plant looks like. to the knowledge of the orchids of Indochinese, Malayan and Himalayan The research is based on fi eldwork, our region. The book The Orchids of elements. Many different habitat types literature study and examinations of Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore are found here including evergreen herbarium collections. Photographs (co-authored with Jeffrey Wood rainforests, various deciduous forest will also be an important resource from Kew Gardens, UK) is the fi rst types, pine forests, savanna (a forest- for the publication. The aim of the comprehensive treatment of the grassland mixture) and grassland. The fl ora treatment is to enable users like orchids since the monumental work wide range in geographical latitude university students, plant lovers and Orchids of Malaya written by R.E. has its effect on the plant diversity professional botanists to identify their Holttum in 1953. too. Frost frequently occurs in winter plants and have access to various kind on the higher mountains of Northern of information about them. It will be a Updates Thailand, while the southernmost basis for strategic conservation plans Seidenfaden’s studies are an invaluable parts of the Thai Peninsula next to for the natural areas of Thailand. basis for the current compilation the Malaysian border obviously have of the orchid volume, but his main a humid tropical climate. The altitude Orchids achievement was to establish a varies from sea level to over 2,500 m The orchid family is well represented concept of recognisable species of on Doi Inthanon (Northern Thailand). in Thailand with about 1,110 species Thai orchids. However, botanical The geology and soil diversity of the belonging to 173 different genera. descriptions, which are an integral country also play a major role. Numerous epiphytic orchids are part of a modern fl ora treatment were found in the evergreen as well as not provided. Several names have Thailand is rather densely populated deciduous forests, with a large number been changed since Seidenfaden fi rst and land is heavily utilised. of ground (terrestrial) species in wrote his treatments, new distribution Consequently, human impact is heavy, forests and grassy habitats. There are records have been made, and entirely but a comparatively large number of also a number of orchids growing new species have been discovered. A undisturbed habitats can still be found on rocks (epilithic or lithophytic). new improved treatment would be a as many nature conservation areas Nearly all of the major Asian orchids complete update in every respect. have been set aside. like Dendrobium (with 153 species), Bulbophyllum (150), Liparis (30) The orchid volume will be published The Flora Project and Coelogyne (27) are represented in six instalments over the next few The entire vascular plant flora of here. years. Co-ordinated by Dr Henrik Thailand is currently been written Ærenlund Pedersen from the University up in a series of books. This project The orchid flora has benefited of Copenhagen, Denmark, the majority was initiated in 1965 by Prof Kai enormously from the work of the of the genera will be written by Thai Larsen from the University of Aarhus famous Danish ambassador to botanists. Most will be written by Dr (Denmark) and is currently undertaken Thailand, Dr Gunnar Seidenfaden Somran Suddee from the Royal Forest by many Thai and foreign botanists. from the University of Copenhagen, Herbarium in Bangkok. My own To date, nine volumes have been Denmark. From 1959 to 2001, involvement is to write the taxonomic published, covering 30 families out Seidenfaden published a large amount accounts of twelve orchid genera in of the well over a hundred known in of scientifi c articles as well as books the Habenaria and Calanthe groups Thailand. on the Thai orchids. His 13-part (a total of over 100 species). series of articles Contributions to Full botanical descriptions, with notes the Orchid Flora of Thailand contain on natural habitats, fl owering times and various notes on the Thai orchids, overall distribution (both within and reports of new distribution records, Hubert Kurzweil outside of Thailand) will be provided. as well as descriptions of newly Herbarium In addition, identifi cation keys to all discovered species. In addition, Photos by Hubert Kurzweil

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A selection of Thailand’s Flora

The parasite Sapria himalayana, related to the famous Raffl esia

Habenaria humistrata, a terrestrial orchid

The epiphytic orchid Neogyna gardneriana

Thunbergia hossei (Acanthaceae)

Tainia angustifolia, a terrestrial orchid

Paphiopedilum villosum, one of the very few slipper orchids that grow on trees

Hoya multifl ora (Asclepiadaceae) Cephalantheropsis obcordata, a terrestrial orchid The terrestrial orchid Calanthe cardioglossa

11 Flora of Peninsular Malaysia Project

floristic account to cover the Malaysia Project is to produce an and P. sessile) are found within A over 8,000 vascular plant species up-to-date account for all naturalised, Southeast Asia and two remaining of Peninsular Malaysia is underway. vascular plants of Peninsular Malaysia genera (Archytaea and Bonnetia) The Gardens is one of the many based on original research. The from this small family are found in collaborators needed to accomplish conservation status of each species South America. this huge undertaking. will also be indicated. It is expected to be published 4 parts to a volume, Serena Lee revises the family Earlier Floristic Accounts with each part containing about 100 Nelumbonaceae, of which the The only attempt at a complete species. The entire fl ora is expected genus Nelumbo, the Sacred Lotus, fl ora of the Malay Peninsula is H.N. to be covered in 20 volumes. is represented. Two living species are Ridley’s five-volume Flora of the recognised in the world, N. nucifera Malay Peninsula (published between The project is coordinated by Dr and N. lutea. However, as there are 1922 and 1925). R.E. Holttum made Ruth Kiew from the Forest Research similarities in characters between the an attempt in his Flora of Malaya Institute Malaysia. She heads a team two, the latter is suggested to be a (1953-1971). However, his attempts of young botanists and will also subspecies of N. nucifera. resulted in the publication of only receive contributions from external orchids and ferns, with H.B. Gilliland collaborators. Conclusion contributing on grasses. This project documents the fl ora of For the fi rst volume, expected to be areas with very high species diversity The more recent The Tree Flora of published by the end of 2007, two and will form the basis for conservation Malaya, published by the Forest family accounts will be written by planning and management. It is an Research Institute Malaysia between the Gardens’ staff. Hassan Ibrahim example of collaborative research 1972 and 1989, covers only trees. revises the family Bonnetiaceae with and cooperation between individuals There remains no comprehensive one species, Ploiarium alternifolium and institutions. publication that includes all the (Cicada Tree or Reriang). This is a families, genera and species of very common plant that is also used vascular plants in Peninsular as an ornamental. It is unique as it Hassan Ibrahim Malaysia. can begin fl owering at a height of just Library over a metre, but can grow to nearly The Project 30 m in its natural habitat. Two other Serena Lee The aim of the Flora of Peninsular related species (P. pulcherrimum Herbarium Hassan Ibrahim http://www.nhm.ac.uk/ From Flowers and fruits of Ploiarium alternifolium Type of Nelumbo nucifera (Sacred Lotus), located in the British Museum, UK 12 AArticlerticle Schismatoglottis – Terrestrial Forest Aroids in Sarawak

his is the second in a series of Toccasional articles aiming to introduce the main groups of aroids in Sarawak (for the fi rst article see Gardenwise 23(2004): 11-13).

The aroids (family Araceae) are pre-eminent among the herbaceous flora of Sarawak. Among them, species of the genus Schismatoglottis, the vegetatively similar genus Homalomena, and the horticulturally popular genus Alocasia are among the most abundant and diverse of the forest fl oor aroids.

Schismatoglottis is a predominantly old world tropics genus of more than 100 species of terrestrial herbaceous plants adapted to constant levels of soil and atmospheric moisture (so- called mesophytes). Some adapt to the fl ood zones of tropical forest streams (such plants are termed rheophytes). Others very rarely grow as swamp plants in full sun (helophytes). The primary distribution of this genus is in Borneo. Schismatoglottis species typically have Spadix of Schismatoglottis showing the female the spathe limb shedding during anthesis fl ower zone partly fused to the spathe The generic name Schismatoglottis is (fl owering time) from the Greek schisma, schismatos (separating) and glôtta (tongue) and spreading of the upper and lower are often intermixed by irregularly refers to the variously deciduous spathe, linked to managing pollinators arranged sterile male flowers. In upper part of the spathe (or spathe during the various fertile phases of many species these sterile structures limb) that is a feature of most the fl owers. are confi ned to a basal ring or to a species. single row along the join between Spadix structure in Schismatoglottis the spathe and spadix. In its typical form, the spathe in is complex. Broadly it is divided into Schismatoglottis is differentiated into a lower female fl ower zone, a middle The male flower zone of a lower persistent portion enclosing male fl ower zone, which may or may Schismatoglottis consists of massed the female zone of the spadix and not be separated from the female zone stamens not arranged or orientated an upper ephemeral spathe limb by a sterile portion, and usually a into discrete male fl owers – in marked subtending the male flower zone terminal sterile appendix. contrast to Homalomena. Stamens and terminal appendix. The point are generally truncate and raised of differentiation is usually marked The female fl ower zone is often fused on short fi laments or occasionally by a constriction. During fl owering for up to two thirds of its length to stalkless with the fi laments often but the spathe undergoes a series of the lower spathe, though in many not always partially joined into small movements, including infl ating and species it is free. The female fl owers groups of two or three.

13 Schismatoglottis wallichii sheds the spathe limb by splitting into regular pieces that adhere to one another and then contract upwards so that the spathe limb is drawn up the spadix, rather in the manner of an Austrian blind, before falling in a loosely coherent unit. S. wallichii is unusual in the Calyptrata Group by virtue of the spadix fertile to the tip.

Spadix of Schismatoglottis maelii (left) and Homalomena lancea (right). Note that the stamens of Schismatoglottis form a compact mass whereas those of Homalomena are arranged into discrete fl owers

There are six informal taxonomic and appendix (if present) exposed. groups of Schismatoglottis based on However, other spathe senescence shoot architecture, spathe structure, types do occur in this group, but all the structure of the petiolar sheath show lateral growth of new shoots and the means by which the spathe from the base. limb is shed. Four of these groups are present in Sarawak and discussed here.

Calyptrata Group Species closely allied to Schismatoglottis calyptrata have the shoots not renewing growth after fl owering. Instead new lateral buds will grow from the base, while the rest of the mature shoot will die (like banana plants). Species in this group have the spathe limb falling just prior to the male fl owers shedding their pollen, abscising cleanly at the top of the lower spathe. The spathe limb falls in a single piece, or after breaking into regular or irregular A post-fl oral shoot of Schismatoglottis muluensis pieces, while the tissue is still (a close ally of S. calyptrata) renewing from fresh, leaving the male fl ower zone lateral buds low on the shoot Schismatoglottis wallichii (above and below)

14 AArticlerticle

Schismatoglottis motleyana is notable The widespread but never abundant Asperata Group for the spathe shedding in a single Schismatoglottis longifolia (one of It is this group that shows the most piece but not before the interior only three Schismatoglottis species variation in spathe structure and epidermis has begun to slough away co-present in Peninsular Malaysia movement, although all species so in a series of rectangles and squares. and Borneo) has the spathe limb far studied are notable for the open- Schismatoglottis clarae is so far barely opening and then persistent topped (not closely constricted) unique in the Calyptrata group by after flowering before gradually persistent lower spathe during the the spathe limb melting into a sticky degrading and falling while still maturation of the fruit. paste that then dries onto the spadix clasping the spent parts of the spadix. before being shed. The clustered, nodding infl orescences Species most closely allied to and infructescences are diagnostic for Schismatoglottis asperata have the this species. spathe infl ating and the limb gaping when the female fl owers are active, then opening more or less wide as the male fl owers shed their pollen. All species in the group renew growth after fl owering from a bud near the tip of the active shoot.

Schismatoglottis motleyana Schismatoglottis longifolia

Schismatoglottis asperata. Infl orescence (left) at end of male fl ower activity (note: Spathe limb beginning to melt)

Schismatoglottis longifolia post fl owering with the spathe limb and spent parts of the spadix fallen. Note the nodding infl orescences and Schismatoglottis asperata at early fruiting stage Schismatoglottis clarae developing fruiting heads showing the open persistent lower spathe

15 Species of the Schismatoglottis patentinervia complex are striking not only for their distinctive erect shoots with strap-shaped leaf blades and broad-winged petioles, but also by the infl orescences carried deep within the shoot tips such that the lower spathe is obscured by the leaf bases. The female fl owers become receptive when the spathe infl ates and the spathe limb gapes slightly.

Schismatoglottis nervosa after male fl owers have shed their pollen; note that the spathe limb has melted completely

Species allied to Schismatoglottis Schismatoglottis jelandii. Infl orescence at the early stage of male activity with wide-open conoidea, aside from distinctive spathe limb elongated shoots giving rise to plants with a straggling habit, have the Species of the complex around spathe limb hardly opening and long Schismatoglottis multinervia have persistent into the male fl ower phase, a thick-textured spathe limb that is before shedding in pieces. The spathe green outside, but glossy and dark is also notably thick and glossy coloured inside. The spathe limb as opposed to the rather spongy infl ates and gapes slightly when the texture of species closely allied to female fl owers are active. This then S. asperata. splits longitudinally into two or more strips when the male fl owers begin to shed their pollen. So far as is known, species in the multinervia complex are restricted to limestone and are all locally endemic.

Schismatoglottis sp. aff. patentinervia at early male fl ower activity. Note the infl orescence buried deep in the shoot apex

The Schismatoglottis nervosa complex is particularly interesting in that all species are strongly aromatic when crushed, a feature more often associated with Homalomena. The nervosa complex is notable for the spathe limb mostly liquefying into a mucilaginous mess without first Schismatoglottis conoidea at late female Schismatoglottis multinervia breaking into pieces. anthesis. Note the thick spathe limb

16 AArticlerticle

leaves. The spathe has only the marginal and distal parts of the spathe limb withering after fl owering while the remainder persists well into development of the fruits. Besides the above two species, a further species, S. jipomii has been described for the group, which has the spathe limb falling fresh from the constriction and falling in a single or only a few pieces.

Schismatoglottis maelii

Multifl ora Group The Multifl ora Group is of particular The Multifl ora Group has vegetative interest in studies on adaptation to shoots with apical portion renewing rheophytic habitats (i.e. tropical forest growth at flowering. A greater streams habitats) and the evolutionary proportion of the petiolar sheath is study of the Schismatoglottideae. free and usually (but not exclusively) the spathe limb is shedding in a single Tecturata Group piece when still fresh. Typical of the The Tecturata Group comprises of group is Schismatoglottis maelii from allied species (e.g. Schismatoglottis the Bau area. tecturata and S. petri) where the foliage leaves alternate with reduced

Schismatoglottis jipomii

Peter Boyce Senior Botanist Malesiana Tropicals Level 5, Tun Jugah Tower No. 18, Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman 93100 Kuching Sarawak, Malaysia

Photos by Peter Boyce and Schismatoglottis tecturata © Malesiana Tropicals Sdn Bhd

17 A R O U N D T H E G A R D E N S SEABG Meeting

he Singapore Botanic Gardens Networking, followed by capacity Aims & Objectives Tonce again played host to a building, was overwhelmingly seen SEABG aims to: meeting of directors of the SEABG as the most valuable outcome of the 1. Improve members’ overall network (South East Asia Botanic SEABG network. Also appreciated standards through capacity Gardens network), from February were the technical advice and building in the areas of plant 7 – 9, 2007. A total of 35 attendees resources given during BGCI site conservation, horticulture, from 20 institutions representing visits. environmental education, and 11 countries attended the meeting, curation of collections, in which was to decide the future SEABG’s mission statement, aims support of the Global Strategy direction of the network. and objectives are also refi ned as for Plant Conservation (GSPC) follows: targets and International Discussions focussed on: Agenda for Botanic Gardens 1. Review and evaluation of past SEABG Network Mission In Conservation (IABG). Statement SEABG activities. 2. Facilitate communication Facilitate and enhance the 2. Refi nement of SEABG’s aims between members and with other conservation and sustainable use and objectives and crafting of BG communities worldwide. of indigenous fl ora of the South East mission statement. Asian region, through the activities 3. Prepare & develop Codes of 3. Formulation of concept project of Botanic Gardens and related Conduct for collection and proposals that can be used to institutions. exchange of plant materials. seek funding from donors. 4. Facilitate the coordination and assist in the development of collaborative plant conservation programmes among members.

Bian Tan Bian 5. Facilitate the use of resources from beyond the region for the benefi t of SEABG network. 6. Provide a fund raising platform for SEABG activities.

SEABG delegates touring the National Orchid Garden

Bian Tan

18 Regular Feature

Conclusion On the whole, it was a fruitful and productive meeting. SEABG members took the opportunity to know each other better during the three days, especially during tours to areas within the Gardens like the National Orchid Garden, Library, and Herbarium. Meetings such as these are essential for strengthening the network links, growing a sense of network ownership by members, increasing commitment to its mission and aims, and for SEABG to evolve into a community of individuals as , Tropical Forest Biodiversity well as institutions. Dr Saw Leng Guan (right), Director

Centre, Malaysia, assisted in crafting the SEABG mission statement Tieu Anle

Bian Tan In addition, there was useful Next Meeting Programme Coordinator, Southeast Asia Botanic Gardens Conservation discussion on CBD (Convention SEABG is very fortunate to have Dr International (BGCI) on Biological Diversity) issues Li Chia-Wei (National Tsing Hua c/o Registry such as access and benefi t sharing, University, Taiwan) host the next Singapore Botanic Gardens prior informed consent, and material SEABG director’s meeting in two 1 Cluny Road transfer agreements. years time. Singapore 259569

United Nations ESCAP Ecotourism Meeting & Seminar

he 14th meeting of the executive Vietnam attended the seminar. They Tuan Wah, (Director/Conservation, Tcommittee and seminar of the were joined by another 40 observers NParks) gave a presentation on the network of APETIT (Asia Pacifi c from international organisations, conservation and management of Education and Training Institutes in National Parks Board (NParks) Singapore’s biodiversity. NParks Tourism) was held at the Gardens’ and public/private sector that also played host and invited the Botany Centre from 26 - 28 June are involved in ecotourism. The delegates for nature-guided walks to 2007. The seminar, “Ecotourism seminar highlighted ecotourism as the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, Interpretative Programmes, an emergent trend, as tourists are the Tree Top Walk@MacRitchie and Education and Research” was increasingly keen on interacting the Gardens. organised by the United Nations with fl ora and fauna in their natural Economic and Social Commission habitat. The rising potential of for Asia and the Pacifi c (ESCAP) and nature-based tourism reflects the the Singapore International Hotel and value and need to preserve our Tourism College (SHATEC). More natural environment. than 30 APETIT delegates from Yap Siow Hong 12 countries, including Australia, The Guest-of-Honour was Mr Ng Mak Sin Chang China, Indonesia, Iran, Thailand and Lang (CEO, NParks). Mr Wong Visitor Services

19 A R O U N D T H E G A R D E N S International Tourist Guide Day 2007

he Gardens played host to 2007’s International Tourist buildings (Holttum and Ridley Halls) and our new TGuide Day (ITGD) on 31 March. Into its 3rd year, Saraca Stream Walk. They learned about the history of the ITGD is aimed at raising the profi le of tour guides as our various departments, their old homes turned new, Singapore’s tour ambassadors, as well as to acknowledge and our onward journey into the next decade. and celebrate their contribution to the tourism industry. The Singapore Tourism Board and the Society of Tourist The nostalgic Heritage Tour brought the participants out to Guides have been organizing ITGD since 2005. This year, our lawns, where they enjoyed the collection of all things in collaboration with the Gardens, free-guided tours of old and iconic. These included favourites like the Tanglin our newly re-developed Tanglin Core were offered to (Main) Gate, Swan Lake, Swiss Granite Fountain, Sealing the public. The tour guides were trained by the Gardens’ Wax Palm (featured in the Gardens’ logo), Bandstand, staff in preparation for this. sculptures and heritage trees like the Tembusu (Fagraea fragrans), Kapok (Ceiba pentandra) and the Malayan Kicking off at 9 am, the full-day event included balloon Terminalia (Terminalia subspathulata). sculpting, magic tricks, Chinese calligraphy and most importantly, free-guided tours conducted by these Our guides are vital ambassadors in projecting the professional licensed guides. Two tours were offered, the importance of conservation of not only our Earth, but also Heritage Tour and the Botany Centre Tour. Conducted in our heritage. Ms Lily Tan, who came to the event with English and Mandarin, they lasted an hour each. her two children, exclaimed “The tour (Heritage) was educational and the activities brought a smile to my two The Botany Centre Tour brought participants to the fi rst children. You should have more of such activities!” ‘pitched green roof’ in Singapore, affectionately known as the Green Pavilion. Also included are the heritage tree, Calophyllum inophyllum, the Orchid Breeding & Micropropagation Laboratory, Library of Botany & Benjamin Aw Horticulture, the Singapore Herbarium, the conserved Visitor Services Benjamin Aw

20 Regular Feature

A R O U N D T H E G A R D E N S Launch of 2007 Coin Set – Heritage Orchids of Singapore

n the 31st of May, more than 50 Oenthusiastic and budding artists turned up at the National Orchid Garden for the Orchid Painting Competition held in conjunction with the launch of the 2007 Heritage Orchids of Singapore Coin Set. Coincidentally, the winners from the Open and Junior categories of the competition painted Singapore’s national fl ower, Vanda Miss Joaquim.

Orchids have been closely associated with the Gardens. Its breeding 2007 Heritage Orchids of Singapore Coin Set featuring Vanda Mimi Palmer (left) and Dendrobium Singa Mas (right) programme, started in 1928, contributed to the fl ourishing orchid industry in yellow inflorescences translates as will encourage the Singapore Mint Singapore. This year, joining the ranks ‘Golden Lion’. Vanda Mimi Palmer, and the Gardens to commemorate of Vanda Tan Chay Yan and Aranda a handsome hybrid with distinctively more heritage orchids. Visitors can Majula that were featured in the 2006 strong bluish grey tessellations, is view these national treasures at the Heritage Orchids of Singapore Coin blessed with an incredibly strong and permanent Heritage Orchid Display Set, are Vanda Mimi Palmer and sweet fragrance. Many have likened it in the National Orchid Garden. Dendrobium Singa Mas. to the scent of a delicious chocolate or cotton candy aroma. Like the previous Dendrobium Singa Mas is one of year’s series, Singapore Mint has the most beautiful hybrids created placed extra care and effort to ensure Mak Sin Chang by the Gardens. Singa is Malay for the precision and accuracy in depicting Visitor Services ‘Lion’ and Mas for ‘Gold’; so the the color and bloom of the orchids name of this hybrid with its clear on the coins. The successful launch Photos by Benjamin Aw

One of the participants drawing an orchid Mr Dan Tan, Senior Vice President/Commercial from Singapore Mint, introducing the Heritage Coin Set

21 B E Y O N D T H E G A R D E N S

A Meeting on Biodiversity Conservation

t is uncommon to have an Iinternational gathering of scientists, government offi cials and industrial representatives to discuss biodiversity conservation issues. We are heartened that such a meeting was held on January 15 to 17, 2007 in Bintulu, Sarawak, Malaysia.

The conference “Biodiversity Conservation in Tropical Planted Forests in Southeast Asia” was attended by over 200 people from more than 12 countries from Europe, North America, Asia and Oceania. The participants were from museums, universities, government and non-government agencies as well as the industrial sector. Co- organized by the State Government of Sarawak, Sarawak Forestry and Rosie Participants at the conference (from left); Julia (from SAR), Serena Lee, Benito C. Tan, the Grand Perfect company, the Roland Yap (ASEAN-ABC) and Jaap Vermeulen (National Herbarium of the Netherlands, conference was officially opened Leiden Branch) by the Chief Minister of Sarawak State Government, and the Director limestone habitat is home to several large logging concession areas. of Forests of Sarawak State. endemics worthy of protection and conservation. This fruitful regional meeting also Two staff from the Gardens highlights the importance and need were invited to give talks at the Benito C. Tan gave a review on the of collaboration and mutual support conference. Their talks focused on role of cryptogams (pteridophytes and among the research institutions, the results of their field research bryophytes) as indicator plant species industrial sectors and government in the Bintulu limestone area (in for the different types of lowland agencies in order to achieve the 2004 and 2006). Sarawak herbarium forests found in Borneo, Peninsular goal of conserving biodiversity for (SAR) collaborated in the project Malaysia and Singapore. posterity. with fi eld assistance provided by the Grand Perfect company. At the end of the three-day meeting, the conference came to the conclusion Serena Lee talked on the diversity that the preservation of biodiversity Benito C. Tan of the vascular fl ora of Bukit Sarang should include the preservation Serena Lee in Bintulu, Sarawak. This unique of the primary forest parcels within Herbarium

22 Regular Feature

, W H A T S B L O O M I N G Floral Fireworks

Gloriosa superba, commonly known as Glory Lily, lance-shaped leaf. It is fascinating to watch the slender Flame Lily, Gloriosa Lily or Tiger Claw, is a native of leaf tendrils coil around nearby supports to get a grip for Africa and Asia. One can fi nd this vine happily growing its upward climb. The Glory Lily grows well in warm along the fence of the Evolution Garden with many other sunny conditions and likes well-drained, rich soil. The wonderful climbers. vine dies down after fl owering but emerges again later from the tuberous roots. As this climber is rather sparse, It belongs to the family Colchicaceae. The genus name, it is best combined with other vines or lush shrubs to set Gloriosa, is latin, meaning glorious or superb and its a dramatic scene when it blooms. species epithet, superba, means splendid. Undoubtedly, the father of modern taxonomy, Carl Linnaeus, must The Gloriosa superba is grown commercially for a have been very impressed by the striking fl owers when chemical compound known as colchicine. Although he fi rst described and named the plant in 1753. research has shown that all parts of the plant are extremely poisonous when ingested, the tuber of the plant is used in The unusually shaped fl ower of the Gloriosa superba Ayurveda and Yunani systems of medicine to treat bruises, has bright crimson and yellow fl oral lobes. In bud, they intestinal worms, skin problems and even impotence. face downwards. As the blooms mature, the fl oral lobes elongate, become wavy at the edges and gradually arch Its strange fl ower shape along with its vibrant colours backwards. Throughout the process, the flower goes makes Gloriosa superba an interesting addition to any through a spectrum of colour changes from its originally gardens. green to crimson-yellow to bright scarlet. The stamens (male part of fl ower) are extremely visible and curve Nura Abdul Karim gently outward. Each flower is about 7 to 12 cm in Living Collections length. Photos by Nura Abdul Karim Another interesting characteristic of this plant is the tendril-like spiral tips at the end of each bright green and

Gloriosa superba

23 , W H A T S B L O O M I N G

Unusual Heliconia from Tropical America

Heliconia longifl ora

Strolling along the Gardens by the Symphony Lake, we The infl orescence consists of four to eight bright orange will chance upon the Heliconia Walk dedicated to the boat-shaped bracts, which are in fact modifi ed leaves. splendid ornamental heliconias. From each of these bracts, several yellow-orange fl owers with near-white tips emerge. The fl owers are longer than Some of the more popular species and horticulture the bracts, hence the name ‘longifl ora’. This is rather varieties can be found along this Walk. The less common unusual in the genus where the most prominent part of species of heliconias are scattered in the heart of the the infl orescence is usually the huge, colourful and often Ginger Garden. waxy bracts with the fl owers partly hidden in them.

One rarity, Heliconia longifl ora, is in full bloom now This species is naturally distributed from Nicaragua to and will keep fl owering for the next few months. These Colombia. In the Ginger Garden, it can be found in the plants in the Ginger Garden are almost two metres high. area dedicated to America, in the middle patch located Under favourable conditions in nature they can shoot opposite the pond. up to fi ve metres. The beautiful dark green leaves are numerous and arranged distichously on the pseudostem Jana Leong-Skornickova (false stem), which is topped with an attractive erect Herbarium infl orescence. Photo by Jana Leong-Skornickova

24 Regular Feature

, W H A T S B L O O M I N G

Sweet Snow, White Butterfl ies

edychium coronarium (Family Zingiberaceae) is Ha beautiful ginger with magnifi cent scented white fl owers. Due to the shape of its fl owers, it is commonly called “Butterfl y Ginger”, “Butterfl y Lily” or “White Butterfly”. The flower has a broad labellum (lip) reaching 7 cm in length and width. With two distinct lobes, it resembles the wings of a butterfl y. Its Sanskirt name Gandasuli means “Queen’s Perfume” and refers to the delicate scent of the fl owers that has a hint of gardenia. Originally from the Himalayas, this favourite and commonly cultivated ginger is naturalized in many tropical and subtropical countries. This species is one of the hardiest hedychiums and thrives well in full sun. In the Ginger Garden, this sweet-smelling beauty is planted in several areas. The most conspicuous patch is just behind the bench opposite the waterfall. Visitors strolling in the late afternoon or early evening will have the opportunity to ‘catch’ the scent as it is strongest at these times. Johann Gerhard Koenig described the genus Hedychium in 1783 and named a species Hedychium coronarium - the only member of the genus known in Europe then. Hedychium is derived from Greek hedys = sweet and chion = snow. The centre of diversity of this genus is in the Himalayas. More than 80 species are known, and many are splendid ornamentals. Through active breeding, many new varieties have also been introduced for cultivation.

Jana Leong-Skornickova Herbarium

Photos by Jana Leong-Skornickova Hedychium coronarium

25 FROM THE ORCHID SPECIES COLLECTION Pteroceras pallidum - an Endangered Orchid in Singapore

s a result of habitat change, Orchid (Dendrobium crumenatum) or Aonly around 50 orchid species Thrixspermum species. Pteroceras from the originally estimated 200 pallidum is found in Peninsular are still known to occur in the wild. Thailand, Malaya, Sumatra, Java A re-discovery of an extinct orchid and Borneo. It grows on lianas, tree is occasionally made (see page 2 on trunks or branches in evergreen rain Galeola nudifolia!). As in other parts forest from sea-level to over 600 m

of the tropics it is usually the ground Wing Tim Yam altitude. (= terrestrial) orchids which suffer the most as they are often dependent We have pollinated the fl owers of on pristine environments while some of the collected specimens. epiphytic orchids can frequently We hope to be able to harvest endure higher levels of disturbance large amounts of seeds, so as to of their habitats. propagate and reintroduce the plants into the wild. This form of ex During a recent collecting trip to situ conservation (conservation Nee Soon Forest, Yam Tim Wing through cultivation) has proven to and Paul Leong came across an be successful with other orchids like interesting epiphytic orchid growing the Tiger Orchid, Grammatophyllum on a Horsfieldia crassifolia tree. speciosum. We hope it will also have Several plants were collected and later a major role in the conservation of identifi ed as specimens of Pteroceras Singapore’s population of Pteroceras pallidum, a rare orchid in Singapore. pallidum. It is classifi ed as ‘Endangered’ in the Red Data Book.

Pteroceras is a small genus of about 20 species found in Asia, ranging from Northern India through Indochina to the Philippines in the north, and southwards to the Hubert Kurzweil Paul Leong Lesser Sunda Islands, Java and Sumatra. It is placed in the orchid National Flower, Vanda Miss Joaquim, subfamily Epidendroideae, under belongs in this group. Hubert Kurzweil the tribe Vandeae. This is one of Paul Leong the largest and most diverse tribes Like all species of the genus Herbarium of the orchid family comprising Pteroceras, the fl owers last for only about 2,000 species in 160 genera. up to two days. This is somewhat Yam Tim Wing Some of its representatives are unusual as many tropical orchids Aung Thame well-known in horticulture and the have waxy fl owers that stay fresh for Orchid Breeding and cut-flower industry, like Vanda, weeks or months. However, short- Micropropagation Phalaenopsis, Aerides, Arachnis, lived fl owers, known as ephemerals, Doritis, Papilionanthe, Renanthera, are also found in some other SE Asian Derek Liew Angraecum and Aerangis. Singapore’s orchids, like for example the Pigeon Central Nature Reserve

26 Regular Feature

GINGER AND ITS ALLIES Cornukaempferia aurantifl ora

he genus Cornukaempferia of species has already been established This refers to the prominent curved Tthe family Zingiberaceae has in the horticultural trade for some anther crest, similar to species of been described only in the last years under various names such as the genus Zingiber. Vegetatively, decade. It is endemic to Thailand Kaempferia or Boesenbergia. species of Cornukaempferia look with only two species described similar to that of another ginger so far: C. aurantiflora and C. The generic name is compiled from genus Kaempferia. However, longipetiolata. However, the former the Greek, cornu, meaning horn-like. DNA analysis has shown that Cornukaempferia is more closely related to the genus Zingiber than to Kaempferia.

Cornukaempferia aurantiflora is a stemless herb with 2-3 large leaves, forming a ground cover in secondary forests. The dark green leaves with their silver spots and velvety look make the plant outstandingly beautiful even when not in fl ower. The fl owers with red corolla lobes and bright orange large labellum appear from the middle of the leaves. This species is doing well in the Ginger Garden.

Both Cornukaempferia species are rare and limited in their distribution. To prevent over-collection of the wild species, they have to be protected especially as they gain popularity in the horticultural trade.

Jana Leong-Skornickova Herbarium

Photos by Jana Leong-Skornickova

Cornukaempferia aurantifl ora

27 F R O M T H E E D U C A T I O N O U T R E A C H A Holiday Programme For Children

verheard in the classroom at the and parents, during the June 2007 The ‘Young Aqua Botanist’ Oend of the day…. school holidays. workshop held on 7 June attracted “Mummy, will you enroll me for upper-primary children. The bubbly the workshop before May next Workshops group followed Mr Hassan Ibrahim time?” one of the children who Lower-primary children took part in for an outdoor aquatic plant trail attended the ‘Young Fern Detective’ the full-day ‘Young Fern Detective’ in the morning. The children, very school holiday workshop asked her workshop conducted on 5 June. enthusiastic and observant, asked mother. Armed with their worksheets, they many questions and documented observed many different types of their observations in their worksheets Curious, the mother asked her, ferns during their one-hour tour of or by taking photographs. These “Why?” the Fernery. Back in the classroom, children observed many aquatic and participants studied fern spores and a semi-aquatic plants like the Sedge, “So that I can laminate fern leaves multitude of different types of spore Victoria Lily and Duckweed at the and make pretty souvenirs for your cases under microscopes. They also Saraca Stream Walk, the Marsh Mother’s Day present!” the young thoroughly enjoyed the art & craft Garden and the Green Pavilion of daughter replied. sessions, making souvenirs from Botany Centre. The tour took longer laminated fern leaves with guidance than the allocated one hour due to an The mother, very happy to hear that, from their facilitator, Ms Winnie overwhelming number of questions said “Sure! I will do so next year!” Wong. Towards the end of the day, from the keen young learners. After they tapped on their creative skills lunch, the group eagerly dissected and As part of education outreach in to design and create a ‘Dish Garden’ observed cross-sections of the aquatic the Gardens, we conducted three by planting several types of ferns plant parts under the microscope. workshops for children and two and decorating their creation with These children also had fun making

thematic nature tours, for children ornaments. Koh-Low Neok Chein Neok Koh-Low

Young fern ‘detectives Selaginella at the Fernery’ examining Education Manager, Winnie Wong,ants making of the souvenirs using ferns to particip Lim Swee Cheng “Young Fern Detective” workshop

A young fern ‘detective’ proudly showcasing her fern artworks fi nished

Lim Swee Cheng

28 Regular Feature their own water garden in aquariums creating landscapes in a dish garden? Thematic Guided Tours by using at least fi ve types of water Well, these children managed to We had a total of 97 children and plants. do just that! Their parents were so their accompanying adults joining amazed by their children’s creativity us for the thematic guided tours The shy participants of the half-day and capability displayed at the - ‘Flower Trail’ and ‘Singapore ‘Trees & Me’ workshop on 12 June, workshop. Botanic Gardens – Our Heritage’. were of kindergarten level. They quietly followed the instructions of Feedback from a Ms Fraeda Seow, New Programmes Ms Yeo Kar Hoon, their facilitator for “My son, Bryan, enjoyed himself We will be staging new themes for the day. The ice was broken only after very much and is looking forward the next school break in September they started on the children’s treasure to more of such workshops.” Ms and December 2007, targeted to hunt, completing the activities on Adeline Koh said, “My daughter teach our children and cultivate the “Sara, the Forgetful Dinosaur” really enjoyed the session so much their interest in botany through workbook. They crushed and smelled that she wants to know if there are interactive experiential learning. New the leaves of a Eucalyptus, completed other related programmes on plants. programmes will also be offered at a page of bark rubbing on the Tembusu I, too, felt the same because it really the Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden, tree (Fagraea fragrans), and did makes them understand science due to open to the public on 1 Oct some colouring. They also studied instead of just reading the textbook 2007. This Children’s Garden will the Cannonball Tree (Couroupita and answering assessment questions be the fi rst of its kind in Asia. Look guianensis), the Monkey Pot Tree in school.” From Ms Serena Teo, “My out for more exciting programmes (Lecythis ollaria) and the Rain Tree children, Breanna and Carissa, loved to come at our website www.sbg. (Samanea saman). The children were the programme and couldn’t stop org.sg. excited when tasked to search for talking about it.” Ms Kor emailed, Sara’s misplaced ‘siblings’, which “My daughter, Yong Xin, found your were still in their eggs. They fi nally workshop fun-fi lled and informative. found the eggs hidden under the She had a wonderful time. We believe Monkey Pot Tree. your workshop has been a great Koh-Low Neok Chein success. I look forward to your next Janice Yau

Can you imagine 4 to 6 year-olds workshop.” Education Outreach Koh-Low Neok Chein Neok Koh-Low

“Young Aqua Botanist listening intently to Hassans” on Ibrahi tour at the Marsh Garden, dark blue) m (furthest right, in

Koh-Low Neok Chein

A group photograph of ‘Young Aqua Botanist’ participants with their creative water gardens

Young “Trees & Me” participants adding decorations to their tree specimens Winnie Wong Winnie

29 B O O K R E V I E W Order Out of Chaos by Charlie Jarvis

Published in May 2007 by The Linnean Society of London in association with the Natural History Museum, London. 1,016 pages, colour photographs. Price GBP 80.

f you do not know the name of things, the knowledge searched original materials found in various institutions “I of them is lost too,” said the Swedish botanist that could serve as types. Carolus Linnaeus in the middle of the 18th century. During his lifetime (1707-1778), Linnaeus started to This book goes beyond 1,000 pages. One could consistently apply binomial names for plants (genus prematurely assume that it would be of interest only to and species). Little did he know how big an impact this professional botanists. No doubt it will, especially the would have on botany. Three hundred years after his birth, 750-page list of plant names and their status. Yet, for those this binomial system is still widely used. His Species who are interested in the history of natural sciences, the Plantarum, published in 1753, is universally accepted fi rst 250 pages is reason enough to read this book. It is as the starting point for the naming of plants. fi lled with beautiful colour plates of drawings, paintings, plants specimens and images from Linnaeus’ books and Charlie Jarvis, based in the British Museum, is a well- manuscripts. known specialist on Linnaean names of plants. He dedicated more than 25 years of his research life to gather The first six chapters cover various topics linked to information on Linnaeus and plant names fi rst coined by Linnaeus’ life, publications, collections, and even Linnaeus. With assistance from many other botanists, he information on his students and collectors. It also includes a chapter “The Art and Science of Typifi cation”, explaining the basic principles of plant taxonomy with many examples.

Charlie Jarvis celebrated the anniversary of Linnaeus’ birth by writing this extraordinary book about Linnaeus and his plants. I am sure Linnaeus, wherever is he now, would be very pleased with this very systematic and beautiful work.

Jana Leong-Skornickova Herbarium

Photo by Jana Leong-Skornickova

Footnote: A special exhibition on Carolus or Carl Linnaeus, dubbed the Father of Modern Taxonomy, will be launched in the Gardens on 2 August 2007, on the occasion of his 300th birth anniversary. This will continue till the end of the year and include exhibits of rare books, botanical drawings, herbarium specimens and plant artifacts pertinent to this by Charlie Jarvis Order Out of Chaos famous botanist.

30 Regular Feature

B O O K R E V I E W

Robert Wight and the Botanical Drawings of Rungiah and Govindoo by Henry J. Noltie

Published in 2007 by the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, UK. Compilation of three books. In colour. Price GBP 75.

inadequate to interpret all forms of ideas occurring in nature.

Noltie introduced botanical art as a scientifi c tool in the fi rst 50 pages. He also elaborated on the two Indian artists, the Wight’s collection and on the lithographic methods, which was much improved and promoted by Wight. The book includes 137 botanical drawings with technical details and various notes on the plants depicted.

The third book, Journeys in Search of Robert Wight, is a personal account of the numerous journeys the author made to get all relevant material for these books. Noltie made trips to various herbaria, libraries and archives in both Europe as well as in his is an account of Henry J. his brief return to Britain before India. He also visited places where TNoltie’s magnifi cent trilogy on going back to India for another 20 Wight lived and worked. This third Robert Wight - a Scottish surgeon years. Wight’s second visit to India book definitely gives yet another with the East India Company. Wight is elaborated on almost a hundred dimension and depth when compared was also an enthusiastic botanist, pages forming the major part of to the fi rst two. spending over 30 years of his life in the book. The remaining pages are South India. Noltie analysed in great dedicated to his final years spent The whole work is well written, detail not only Wight’s botanical back in Britain. making it hard to stop reading. From accomplishments, but also many the fi rst glance, it is very clear that aspects of his life and collections. He The second book, Botanical Drawings this is a ‘must have’ for anyone also paid special attention to a set of made by Rungiah & Govindoo: the interested in botanical art and history beautiful botanical drawings made for Wight Collection, highlights botanical of botany. Wight by local Indian artists. drawings done by two highly skilled Indian botanical artists. Unlike many The first of three books in this botanists in the past, who considered collection, The Life and Work of pictures as childish or helpful only Robert Wight, describes Wight’s to illiterates, Wight was a proponent Jana Leong-Skornickova family background and education. of ‘using the medium of senses as Herbarium It also mentions his fi rst journey to a way of assisting the mind’. He India, which lasted 12 years, and recognized that written language is Photo by Jana Leong-Skornickova

31 N E W & E X C I T I N G CCalycophyllumalycophyllum sspruceanumpruceanum - tthehe NNakedaked TTreeree

alycophyllum spruceanum (Rubiaceae) is an Cattractive and multi-purpose tree of the Amazon basin. This species is indigenous to Brazil, Peru, Ecuador and Bolivia.

The Naked Tree, otherwise called Mulateiro or Pan- Mulato, is a handsome tree with an upright habit. It reaches a height of 30 metres. This tree is well known as a rainforest hardwood and exported around the world for its high-density timber. It produces clusters of small fragrant, white fl owers.

This tree sheds and regenerates its bark on a yearly basis. The papery outer bark turns reddish-brown and fl akes off in long strips. The bark has a long history of traditional medicinal uses to the locals in its native home. Interestingly, the bark changes colour and ranges from green to a brownish tone during the course of a year. It is so smooth it looks like it has been polished.

In recent years, the bark has generated a lot of interest among researchers and formulators of body care products in South America for its apparent benefi cial effect to human skin. The bark has a high content of phenols and organic acids, which may explain its traditional use in stopping the ageing process of skin. It is defi nitely more sustainable if grown for its bark than to have it logged for timber.

These tall Amazon trees were transplanted to the edge of the Eco-lake from the lawn that is currently being hoarded due to the construction of the MRT (underground train) station. They were grown from seeds given to the Gardens in 1993 by a nurseryman from New Zealand.

Andrea Kee Plant Information Unit

Photos by Andrea Kee Unusual trunk colour Flaking off the outer bark

32 Regular Feature

KEY VISITORS TO THE GARDENS (JANUARY TO JUNE 2007)

Name From Name From HE Abdulla Abbas Head of Muscat Municipality, Oman Ms Nik Norafi da bt Nek Ali Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Malaysia Mr Apolinario Carino Siit Arboretum Botanical Garden, Philippines Ms Nor Essawanis Abdullah Dr & Mrs Artis Pabriks Minister of Foreign Affairs, Latvia Thani Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Malaysia HE Bouasone Bouphavanh Prime Minister of Laos People Democratic Republic Dr Pan Fuh-Jiunn Chief, HengChun Tropical Botanic Garden, Taiwan Dr Charles Clarke James Cook University, Cairns, Australia Mr & Mrs Paolo Bonaiuti Honorary Member of Parliament, Italy Dr Chen Jin Xishuanbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Kunming, Dr Peter Wilkie Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh, UK Yunnan, China Dr Portia Lapitan Makiling Center for Mountain Ecosystems, University Dr Domingo A. Madulid Philippines National Herbarium, Philippines of the Philippines Los Banos College, Philippines Prof Edwino S. Fernando The University of the Philippines, Philippines Mr Qiu He Vice Governor, Jiangsu Province, People’s Republic of Mr Eric Hanquinet Siit Arboretum Botanical Garden, Philippines China Dr Esperanza Maribel Agoo De la Salle University, Philippines Dr Razali Jaman Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Malaysia HE Flavio Fonseca Ambassador of Angola Ms Rozilawati Shahari Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Malaysia Dr Franz Josef Jung Minister of Defence, Germany Dr Ruth Kiew Forest Reseach Institute Malaysia, Malaysia Ms Hadyah Idris Forest Reseach Institute Malaysia, Malaysia Hj Saidin Bin Salleh Forestry Department, Ministry of Industry & Primary Resources, Brunei Dr Hu Huabin Head of Research Planning and Foreign Affairs, Xishuanbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Kunming, Dr Saw Leng Guan Director, Tropical Forest Biodiversity Centre, Malaysia Yunnan, China HE Sheikh Nasser Al- Prime Minister of Kuwait Mr llyas Asaad Director, Regional Offi ce for Sulawesi, Maluku & Mohammad Al-Ahmed Papau, Ministry of Environment, Indonesia Al-Jaber Al-Sabah Dr Irawati Director, Center for Plant Conservation, Bogor Botanic Mr Shein Gay Ngai Nat Ma Taung National Park, Myanmar Gardens, Indonesia Ms Siti Eryani Suterisno Forest Reseach Institute Malaysia, Malaysia HE Islam A Karimov President of Republic of Ubekistan Ms Siti Maryam Yaakub James Cook University, Cairns, Australia Mrs Jean Ping Spouse of Foreign Minister, Gabon Mr Sok Kheng Novin Vice Chief, National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary, Mr Joachim Gratzfeld Director, Regional Programmes, BGCI, UK Cambodia HE Kamal Unakitan Minister of Finance, Turkey Dr Somsy Gnophazay Dean of Forestry, Vientiane, Lao PDR Mrs Keophayvanh Insixieng May Deputy Director General, Research Institute of Science, Ms Sugiarti Bogor Botanic Gardens, Indonesia Science, Technology & Environment Agency, Vientiane, Dr Sugumaran Manickam Rimba Ilmu, University of Malaya, Malaysia Lao PDR HM Sultanah Zanariah HM Sultanah of Johor, Malaysia Mr Khampheng Phothichidto Director, General Resources, Science Technology & Prof Sun Wei-Bang Executive Director, Kunming Botanic Gardens of KIB, Environment Agency, Research Institute of Science, Yunnan, China Lao PDR Dr Suyanee Vessabutr Head, Technical and Research Department, Queen Mr Khamseng Nanthavong Deputy of Academic Division, Vientiane, Lao PDR Sirikit Botanic Garden, Thailand Mr Khin Muang Hla Park Warden, Hkhakaborazi National Park, Nature and Dr T.Y Aleck Yang Assoc. Curator, National Museum, Taiwan Wildlife Conservation Division, Myanmar Ms Tan Ai Lee Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Malaysia Mr Khou Eang Hourt Chief Research on Botany & Plant Ecology, National Mr Tan Cher Hing Universiti Putra Malaysia, Malaysia Park and Wildlife Sanctuary, Cambodia Ms Tan Hui Sin Forest Reseach Institute Malaysia, Malaysia Mr Kofi Boakye-Yiadom Executive Director, University of Ghana Botanical Mr Tateyama Shuhei Miyazaki Prefecture Parks Foundation, Japan Garden, Ghana Dr Tran Cong Khanh Director, Centre for Research and Development of Ms Lai Ee May Penang Botanic Gardens, Malaysia Ethno-medicinal Plants, Vietnam Prof Le Chia-Wei Department of Life Science, National Tsing Hua Dr Tran Van On Director, Hanoi University of Pharmacy, Hanoi, Vietnam University, Taiwan Mr V.G. Sagun University of Illinois, USA Mr Lee Bo Kyung Deputy Minister for Minister of Culture & Tourism, Dr Vincent Demoulin Université de Liège, Belgium South Korea Ms Wang Yuan-Chen Chief Secretary, Xinyi District Offi ce,Taipei, Taiwan Mr Lim Boon Tiong Director, Penang Botanic Gardens, Malaysia Dr Wang Zhong-Lang Associate Professor, Kunming Botanic Gardens of KIB, Mr Lim Chung Lu Forest Reseach Institute Malaysia, Malaysia Kunming, Yunnan, People’s Republic of China Dr Lindy Cayzer Australian National Herbarium, Australia Prof Wong Khoon Meng Director, Rimba llmu Botanic Garden, Malaysia HE Mansoor Hassan Bin Rajab Minister of Municipalities & Agriculture, Bahrain Ms Wu Shu-Hui Hengchun Tropical Botanic Garden, Taiwan Dr Mark Clements Australian National Herbarium, Australia Mr Yao Tze Leong Forest Reseach Institute Malaysia, Malaysia HE Mohamad Yousuf Shalwani Omani Ambassador to Singapore Hj Murad Hj Husin CEO, Hang Tuah Jaya Corporation, Malacca Botanical Gardens, Malaysia Denbrobium ‘Nasser Mrs Natalia Borisova Spouse of Mr Sergey Borisova, President of the Union Al-Mohammed Al- of Enterpreneurial Organisation, Russia Sabah’ is named after His Highness Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammed Ascocenda Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber ‘Iskandar Al-Sabah, the Prime Zanarah’ is named Minister of the State after Her majesty of Kuwait during his Sultanah Zanariah visit on 5 June 2007 of Johor (in centre of picture) during her visit on 13 April 2007. She was accompanied by Mrs Mah Bow Tan, wife of the Minister for Photos from Visitor Services National Development, and Mr Ng Lang (CEO, NParks) 33 F R O M T H E A R C H I V E S Systema Naturae

his monumental work by Carolus or Carl Linnaeus Through this publication, Carl Linnaeus (1707 – 1778), Twas fi rst published in 1735 with just 11 pages then. or Carl von Linne as he was later called, offered a It reached 3,000 pages by the 13th edition published in system of classifi cation of the natural world, dividing 1770. We have the 10th edition in our collection. We will it into the animal, plant and mineral kingdoms. Of receive the 6th edition (published in 1748) as a generous prime importance is that this 10th edition, published in donation by Mrs Gertrude Marsh Looi, FLS. 1758, is internationally accepted as the starting point of zoological nomenclature. (The starting point for botanical Written in Latin, the language of science in those days, nomenclature is 1753, the year his epoch-making book, the complete title of this invaluable work is: Species Plantarum, was published). Systema naturae per regna tria naturae, secundum classes, ordines, genera, species, cum characteribus, Hassan Ibrahim differentiis, synonymis, locis. Library (Translated: “System of nature through the three kingdoms of nature, according to classes, orders, genera and Photos by Serena Lee species, with [generic] characters, [specifi c] differences, synonyms, places”). Note: This being the tercentenary of the birth of Carl Linnaeus (he was born on the 23rd May 1707), the Gardens will be launching a poster exhibition and displays on the 2nd August 2007 to celebrate this occasion. The public exhibition will last till the end of the year.

Systema Naturae Included within the cover of this publication is a depiction of Linnaeus in the Garden of Eden and organizing the creatures that God has created designed and printed by PHOTOPLATES PTE LTD designed and printed by PHOTOPLATES

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