Your Guide to

in Fort Canning Park

This walking trail takes you to some of the interesting and in Fort Canning Park’s Spice Garden, as well as a number of historical landmarks along the way.

In 1822, Sir Stamford Raffles, a keen naturalist, set up the first botanical and experimental garden in on Government Hill (present-day Fort Canning Park).

Raffles aimed to introduce the cultivation of economic crops in Singapore. The garden started out with 125 , 1,000 nutmeg and 450 trees. These early introductions had formed the foundation of Singapore’s spice plantations, which dominated the island landscape for the next 35 years.

Difficulty level: Moderate Distance: 1km Walking time: 30min 2 Fort Canning Centre

Fort Canning Service Reservoir 9-Pound Cannon

Bond Terrace 30

Napier End Monument

Keramat 27 28 29 27 Asam Gelugor 28 29

To Picnic Terrace 26 24 25 22 23 20

19 Old 21 Archaeological Cemetery Dig and 16 Wall Exhibition Area 14 17 15 22 Roselle 26 Thai 18 11 Registry of 12 Marriages 10 9 Registry of 8 Marriages Carpark 7 13 6 7 14 14e 16 36 65 77 106 111 124 128 162 4 162M 167 171 5 Gothic Gate 14 16 1 3 Dhoby Ghaut Hotel Fort 2 Canning MRT Exit B

Fort Canning Service Reservoir

Fort Canning Centre Underpass

Enlarged Spice Garden Map 2 Nutmeg 5 7 14 14e 16 36 77 106 111 124 128 131 147 162 162M 166 Fort Canning Park MRT Exit C 3

Nutmeg Start Point 3 Mint ( arvensis) 1 Gothic Gate Mint is a herbaceous (non-woody) with dark- This grand, white Gothic gate welcomes you at the green best known for its refreshing taste and border of the Spice Garden. It is one of a pair of smell. There are many species of mint from the Gothic gates marking the entrance to Singapore’s same family, sharing those same characteristics. first Christian cemetery (present-day Fort Canning Owing to its pleasant taste and smell, Mint is used 6 , Daun Kesum Green), which was used from 1822 to 1865. The as a herb in many culinary recipes. (Polygonum odoratum) 5 Black Pepper (Piper nigrum) gates were designed by Superintending Engineer The oil extracted from the leaves is also often A native of Southeast Asia, this herb not only grows This woody climber produces spikes of -like Captain Charles Edward Faber, whom used as a freshener in everyday products like wild in ditches and banks of streams and ponds, it , giving rise to pepper, the most popular and was named after. and sweets. can also be grown easily in a pot. widely used spice in the world. Mint is known to aid digestion and contain health This herb has a very strong flavour and is such an In the past pepper was worth more than gold intrinsic part of the famous local dish laksa that it is 2 Nutmeg ( fragrans) benefits. It also has antiseptic properties and is used and was the world’s most traded spice. Trade routes An evergreen tree native to the Moluccas region of to clean wounds. also known as Daun Laksa (‘laksa leaf’ in Malay). were fiercely protected and empires were built and , the Nutmeg tree can grow to about 10m In Vietnamese cuisine, it is usually served destroyed because of pepper. uncooked. It is used in salads or eaten as a fresh tall. Its are small and have a faint fragrance. 4 (Pimenta dioica) The plant’s fruits can either be used whole or The tree produces large, oval fruits that yield two Allspice is an evergreen tree discovered in the 16th herb with the popular Vietnamese spring rolls. In ground into powder. They are available as green, distinct , nutmeg and . The nutmeg century by Spanish explorers who mistook it for Thailand, it is eaten raw with spicy dips. red, black and white pepper, depending on when spice is derived from the hard, brown-black Black Pepper. Other than its culinary uses, Laksa Leaf is also a the fruits are picked and how they are treated. For while mace is derived from the fruit’s aril, the red Its leaves are dark green, glossy, leathery and medicinal plant. Poultice (a soft, moist mass) made cooking, freshly ground pepper gives the lacy seed covering. fragrant. Its are reddish brown in from the plant can be applied to relieve swelling fullest flavour. Owing to their strong flavour, both spices are colour. The leaves and fruits give off a distinct and inflammation, while a decoction of the whole Pepper can be used to aid digestion, stimulate used in baking and to season sweet and savoury aroma reminiscent of , nutmeg, pepper plant can be used to treat skin itch, diarrhoea and appetite and relieve nausea. dishes in Asia. and cinnamon. excessive bleeding. Nutmeg is also used in the industry. Allspice is used in many recipes for cakes and Medically, it is used as a stimulant and helps relieve biscuits and is one of the ingredients in . air in the bowels. It can also be sucked or chewed to It is sometimes used as a substitute for cloves. Its oil counter motion sickness. is used in and cosmetics. 4

7 (Elettaria cardamomum) Belonging to the extensive family, this plant loves shade and its flowers grow on stems close to the ground. The fruit pods or capsules form after pollination. 9 Wild Pepper, Daun Kadok To obtain spices of the highest quality, the pods (Piper sarmentosum) have to be harvested just before maturity. Wild Pepper is a fast-growing spreading vine with Cardamom has a pungent flavour and should be waxy, heart-shaped leaves that are dark green used sparingly. It is used in both sweet and savoury in colour. foods. In , it is an essential component in many The leaves are frequently confused with those of spice mixes and an important ingredient in many (Piper betle), which belongs to the same genus local dishes. but has paler, less glossy and longer leaves. In (traditional Indian medicine), the In Asian cuisine, like Thai, Vietnamese, or spice is used as a digestive aid, congestion reliever Peranakan food, the leaves are eaten fresh as wraps 11 Neem Tree () and for detoxification. in salads or desserts. The leaves and roots of Wild The botanical name of this tree is derived from the Pepper are known to be able to treat toothaches, Persian word azaddhirakt (meaning ‘noble tree’). 8 Clove (Syzygium aromaticum) digestive disorders, cough, eczema and asthma. Hindu devotees carry its leaves when they walk 12 Sawtooth () This evergreen tree has a bushy, conical crown and across glowing coals during the Theemithi Festival. This erect perennial (a plant that lives for more can grow up to 10m. Once a highly prized spice, 10 , Kunyit (Curcuma longa) Hindus also include the flowers in their New Year’s than two years) is native to Central and South cloves are derived from the buds of this tree. Another member of the ginger family, Turmeric feast as the flowering coincides with the festival. America and can grow to about 80cm tall. It was The buds grow in clusters and turn from pale yellow is a very important spice in Asia today. Native to All parts of the tree are used in different introduced by Chinese traders into Southeast Asia as to green and finally to bright red when they are South and Southeast Asia, this perennial plant is concoctions for reducing inflammation, clearing a substitute for coriander. ready for harvesting. also known as Yellow Ginger because of its orange- toxins, promoting healing and improving The herb is often planted near doorways because Cloves are used in desserts as well as savoury yellow rhizome (underground stem). general bodily functions. It is also believed to aid its scent is believed to repel snakes. dishes. They are added to spice bread and cakes, Turmeric has been used as a substitute for conditions including chicken pox, diabetes and Besides flavouring food, young Sawtooth fruit juices and cocktails. They can also be chewed and was even known as Indian Saffron. It can be cancer. Due to its many medicinal uses, the plant is Coriander leaves are eaten raw or cooked as a to freshen the breath. boiled, dried, peeled or ground. Turmeric is used to termed the ‘village pharmacy’ or ‘miracle plant’. vegetable. In its native country, a decoction of the Cloves are used to make Indonesian kretek flavour all kinds of dishes and is a key component of Neem oil, harvested from the tree’s seeds, is used whole plant is taken to lower blood pressure and as cigarettes, which contain a blend of tobacco . in cosmetics and its twigs are used for toothbrushes an aphrodisiac. and the spice. Dried cloves also make excellent In India, Turmeric is used to dye textiles into a in India. It is also a safe and natural pesticide. air fresheners. deep, rich yellow. It also features in many traditional Clove oil relieves toothaches and has potent healthcare practices of Asian cultures, including antiseptic properties. It is used as a painkiller and as Ayurveda (Indian) and (Indonesian). a temporary dental filling. 5

16 Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum) The Cinnamon tree is an evergreen plant that grows 13 Chilli ( sp.) up to 15m. It is native to India and . It has Chilli was one of the plants Christopher Columbus greenish flowers with a distinct odour. The inner discovered in his explorations and possibly one of bark of the tree is dried to form cinnamon sticks. the oldest cultivated plants in the Americas. Species Cinnamon flavours both sweet and savoury and cultivars vary in size and appearance. foods. It is commonly used in desserts such as buns, Fresh Chilli fruits are green and subsequently turn pies, tarts, puffs and candies. In Asia, Cinnamon is a red, yellow, brown, purple or almost black when component of the Chinese five-spice powder. It is ripe, depending on the variety. Heat levels also vary also used in Indian (‘aromatic spice according to plant variety. blend’ in Hindi) and in masala tea. 18 Torch Ginger, Bunga Kantan Dried or powdered Chilli is commonly sold in Cinnamon has been discovered to possess anti- (Etlingera elatior) markets and used in cooking. The tiny, fiery-hot viral properties. Research has also suggested that Torch Ginger is a member of the ginger family with Bird's Eye Chilli (a cultivar of Capsicum annum), Cinnamon can target colorectal cancer. bright-pink, red and white inflorescence. The plant or Cili Padi in Malay, is another regional favourite. grows in large clumps and typically reaches a height of about 3m. These are pounded and added to fresh and 17 Archaeological Dig and Exhibition Area side dishes for an added of spiciness. Its common name, Torch Ginger, is derived from 15 Kaffir Lime ( hystrix) To the side and down a brick path, you will find an the attractive inflorescences that resemble flaming This shrubby, evergreen tree native to Southeast archaeological dig and exhibition area. 14 torches. The young, unopened inflorescence is ( koenigii) Asia has distinctively shaped ‘double’ leaves. The On display are several 14th-century artefacts often used to add flavour torojak and laksa – This small, evergreen tree belongs to the citrus upper side of the leaves is dark green and glossy uncovered by researchers on this very site. These popular dishes in Malaysia and Singapore. family. Leaves are harvested for culinary purposes, while the underside is a lighter matte green. The artefacts show that, long before the arrival of the owing to their aromatic properties, which are plant also emits a zesty scent. British in 1819, Chinese merchants were already believed to stimulate taste buds. Its fruits are pear-shaped and bumpy. The juice travelling to this part of the world to engage in trade. Curry leaves do not taste like curry. Instead, they yield is sour and is thus seldom used. Only The artefacts also suggest that the site was used its name is derived from it being used in , the rind is used for Lao and Thai curry pastes. by palace craftsmen to manufacture glass and especially in southern India. They are best fried in Fresh Kaffir Lime leaves are chopped thinly gold items. oil at the start of curry making to the flavour and added to soups, salads, curries and other fully. Leaves can be kept in plastic bags and frozen dishes such as stir-fried vegetables and recipes for use at a later time. containing cream. The Curry Tree is also a host plant to the Common Mormon () butterfly. 6

19 Pandan () Take a deep breath and you will smell the earthy 21 Belinjau, Meninjau (Gnetum gnemon) fragrance of Pandan in the air. This member of A tropical evergreen, this columnar tree has the Pandanus genus adds a distinctive flavour and characteristic grey trunk with rings created by the aroma to many dishes throughout tropical Asia. scars of old leaf joints. Its fruits are oval-shaped and Locally, Pandan leaves are tied into a knot and turn red when ripe. cooked together with rice to add flavour to it. They The mature seeds are pounded flat and fried to are also added to tea and desserts, and used as a make belinjau or belinjau crackers. Young wrap in the popular Thai dish, pandan chicken. shoots and inflorescences are blanched and eaten in The green extract from Pandan leaves is often , a traditional Malay salad. The young leaves are 24 Ginger (Zingiber officinale) used as food dye for local desserts and cakes such also added to mixed vegetable soups. 23 , Blue Ginger, Lengkuas The goodness of Ginger has been known since as pandan chiffon cake. In Indonesia, the leaves and seeds are prescribed () antiquity. It is one of the oldest oriental spices to for anaemia and fluid retention. The roots are used Galangal belongs to the ginger family. The fresh have reached southeastern Europe. The part of the 20 Betel, Sireh (Piper betle) as an antidote for poison and treatment for malaria. rhizomes look a lot like ginger, but are somewhat plant that is most commonly used is the rhizome, a This evergreen climbing vine is native to the Indo- larger and are not as orange in colour as fresh fleshy underground stem. Malayan region. It has oval, almost heart-shaped 22 Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa) turmeric. Its young shoots are pale pink. These are Such is the versatility of Ginger that despite its hot leaves which are slightly aromatic and have a bitter, Roselle is a species of hibiscus with red, acidic and more flavourful and tender than regular ginger. and pungent taste, it is used to complement a wide pungent taste. fleshy calyces (the outermost parts surrounding the Its aroma is similar to ginger and can be found range of sweet and savoury Asian dishes. Betel leaves, also known as Daun Sireh in flower bud). The calyx has a distinct sour flavour in Southeast Asian cooking. The rhizome is too can be used fresh, preserved or powdered. In Malay, have been used in religious rituals such as and is widely used to make beverages. Dried Roselle spicy to be eaten raw and is instead sliced, added Western recipes, powdered Ginger is used to flavour weddings. They are chewed with a pinch of slaked flowers are also used commercially to make food in chunks or pounded into a paste for various bread, cookies, candy, ginger ale and ginger beer. lime, sliced betel nuts [from the seeds of the tall flavourings and colourings. curries and side dishes. Leaves and seeds are Its rhizome has numerous recorded medicinal Betel- Palm (Areca cathechu) in front of you] Roselle has been used to treat cough, fever, high aromatic but not often used for flavouring. uses; it combats conditions such as nausea, and spice additives (such as clove, saffron, nutmeg blood pressure and liver disorders. It is generally As a herbal remedy, Galangal is effective against flatulence, inflammation and arthritis. and mace), thus forming an addictive stimulant. considered to be anti-carcinogenic, owing to its fungal skin diseases. Betel leaves are applied as poultices to relieve high antioxidant content. stomach pains, ulcers, wounds and burns. They can In Taiwan, the seeds are used as a diuretic also be heated and placed on the chest to relieve and laxative. cough and asthma. 7 Updated as at June 2013.

26 (Ocimum basilicum var. thyrsiflora) Walk on and see if you can spot the Petai (Parkia This plant has slender, reddish-purple stems and 28 Tamarind, Asam (Tamarindus indica) speciosa) tree. Petai is a tall tree of up to 45m in oval leaves with serrated edges. When freshly Tamarind is an evergreen tree native to tropical height. The flowers give way to long pods (40 to picked, the leaves give off an aroma more pungent Africa that can grow up to about 25m tall. It serves 50cm) that hang from the tree in small bunches. than its actual taste. Hence, do not be put off by the not only as an ornamental tree, but also as an The fruit is edible and has a distinct taste. The beans, smell; it can be safely consumed in large quantities. economic crop. Its long and brown pods contain or petai, are used in a local dish, sambal petai. Apart Thai Basil is a staple in Thai curries and meat edible, fleshy pulp that has an acidic yet from being a tasty dish, the beans are known to help recipes. It is also used in Vietnamese and Indian pleasing flavour. in treating depression, pre-menstrual syndrome, dishes. Tamarind is widely used in curries, vegetable blood pressure, diabetes, obesity and constipation. It is a herbal remedy as well for combating stews and chutneys. It is also a feature in many stress and repelling insects. steak sauces. The preparation of Tamarind paste 30 Nine-pound Cannon for cooking is done by cracking the ripe pods and Walk up the stairs and you will find a nine-pound 27 Asam Gelugor (Garcinia atroviridis) squeezing the pulp and seeds out into a receptacle. cannon to your right. This cannon dates back to the This tree grows to about 30m. It has a long trunk, Medically, Tamarind is a mild laxative and is rich 19th century and had become obsolete even before 25 Sweet Basil (Ocimum basilicum) smooth, grey bark and drooping branches and in vitamins. It is reputed to strengthen the kidneys the fortification at Fort Canning was constructed. It There are many varieties of basil, but the succulent, leaves. Its young leaves are reddish and sour; its and liver. was most probably used at Scandal Point, an earlier large-leafed Sweet Basil is the most popular variety fruits are green when young and turn bright yellow fortification at the east end of Padang. for culinary use. when mature. 29 Keramat Sweet Basil is a herbaceous (non-woody) shrub The rind of the fruit is thinly sliced and dried to Surrounded by greenery and shade is a keramat, We hope you have enjoyed your walk with many branches. Its tiny, white, long-stemmed make asam keping (‘sliced asam’ in Malay). Asam or shrine, with a 14th-century Malay roof called on this trail. If you wish to get up close and personal flowers should be snipped off to prevent the plant keping has a sharp, sour taste and is commonly pendopo. The 20 wooden pillars holding up the with more plants, embark on the Trees of the from completing its life cycle. This encourages used in Asian curries and soups. The young shoots roof are carved with a fighting cock motif of Fort Trail at Fort Canning Park. thicker foliage growth and hence more leaves are used in cooking and in ulam. Javanese origin. Here purportedly lies the remains www.nparks.gov.sg/eguides for harvesting. Asam Gelugor is believed to be able to reduce of Sri Sultan Iskandar Shah, the fifth and last ruler of www.facebook.com/nparksbuzz Sweet Basil leaves are commonly found in Italian cholesterol, facilitate weight loss, improve blood pre-colonial Singapore. cuisine. The leaves and flowers are also used in circulation and relieve high blood pressure. for the relief of coughs, colds and bronchitis.