A very familiar tree in Singapore, the Yellow Flame (Peltophorum pterocarpum) is commonly planted along our roadsides and in our parks because of its fragrant yellow flowers and dome shaped crown, which provide good shade. It can still be found naturally on offshore islands in back mangroves and along sandy and rocky coasts. A fast growing deciduous tree, it sheds its leaves after dye weather and is highly resistant to drought. The Yellow Flame can reach a height of 35 metres and its timber has been used for making boats and planks.

A recent record to Singapore’s flora, Membatu (Pouteria linggensis) can only be found in Pulau Sakijang Pelepah (Lazarus Island) and Pulau Ubin. A medium sized tree, growing to 20 metres tall, it is usually found along rocky coasts but elsewhere in its distribution, it can also be found in inland forests. The attractive fruits start off green, turning reddish and finally ripening black.

The Pong Pong (Cebera odollam), is now rarely found in its natural habitats – sandy coasts, muddy riverbanks and back mangroves. Growing to 12 metres in height, this tree used to be extensively planted along roadsides and housing estates. But it has since grown out of favour, as the roots damaged pavements and the large fruits could likewise damage cars when they drop. The fruits are round and covered with a fibrous shell, allowing them to float with a fibrous shell, allowing them to float and be dispersed by seawater. The seeds are poisonous and have been used to stupefy fish and poison rats, and contain oil that can be used for making candles. The soft wood is easily cut for use as veneer.

The Sea Randia (Guttarda speciosa) flowers throughout the year, producing fragrant, white blossoms. The flowers are pollinated by bats and open about an hour after sunset and fall off the following morning. This uncommon small tree grows up to 10 metres in height and can be found along sandy and rocky coasts where it can withstand occasional seawater inundation.

The endangered Ipil (Intsia bijuga) grows up to 40 metres tall and can attain a girth of up to 2.5 metres. It is much valued for its hard timber, Merbau, which is rather immune to termite infestation and used for flooring and furniture. Ipil is able to tolerate salt spray, seawater inundation and waterlogged conditions and is found in coastal forest, at the back of mangroves and along tidal rivers.

From Ubin Tides, an NParks Publication