Origin: Africa.
The African Tulip tree was introduced to Singapore in the 1910s, primarily for its visually appealing reddish-orange flowers which made it suitable as a wayside tree. Over time, it became apparent that the trunk of the mature tree is structurally weak and prone to breaking under stormy conditions. Although its cultivation has ceased for many years, the tree has become naturalised throughout the island, likely facilitated by its winged seeds.
Reference:
Gui JXY, Yip MER. Biodiversity Record: Lesser mousedeer feeding on flowers of African tulip tree. Nature In Singapore 2022;15:e2022056. | Read article |
Origin: Mexico to Brazil.
This climbing plant is typically found ascending trees in nature parks or along the edges of nature reserves. The leaf shape of the juvenile plant, which creeps along the ground, differs from that of the mature climber. Initially, it has triangular leaves that transform into deeply lobed ones as the plant begins to climb.
Reference:
Chong KY, Ang PT, Tan HTW. Identity and spread of an exotic Syngonium species in Singapore. Nature in Singapore 2010;3:1-5. | Read article |