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Vol 7 No 3 Dec 2000 Traditional uses of mangroves Reflections of a Rhizophora Seedling Pink-necked Green Pigeon BotanicalReveries about the common names of plants Cymbly Great rediscovery of an extinct Cymbidium at the Park Rediscovered Palm at the Park: Nibong Deborah Yeo shares her volunteer experience The value of trees by Julian Nick's encounter with Smooth Otters at the Park About the signboards at the Park Up & Coming Boardwalks and Tower Hide		In need of an infusion to perk up? Find out what Ali Ibrahim Conservation Officer has brewed for us Botanical Reveries This is to be taken in the spirit of musing daydreaming. Our pace of life is already so hectic. Why not give yourself a botanical tonic! Pick up a few botanical tips and learn some of the common names given to plants, although they may not have been their original meaning in the first place. Not all these trees and plants can be found in Sungei Buloh Nature Park Always stay away from the politics of Macaranga Giant Mahang (Macaranga gigantea) has bigger leaves than any other Malayan tree. Macarangas can colonise and dominate a secondary forest. We see them as opportunists in the ecology of the survival of the fittest. Never have anything to do with a Quisqualis if you value both your health and morals. Drunken Sailor (Quisqualis indica), no reference is made to its other common name, Rangoon Creeper. The fruit kernel is used as an anthelminthic for roundworm. The root is effective in treating rheumatism. A decoction of crushed fruit is used as a gargle for toothache. This must be the paradox of value! The Mimosa wishes of a lady may have hidden meanings but should nevertheless be respected. Touch-Me-Not (Mimosa pudica) is also known as the Sensitive Plant or "Puteri Malu" (the modest princess). Decoction of the roots is traditionally taken orally to relieve asthma and diarrhoea. Enthusiasm will probably burn like a Delonix if fanned by the ambition of a Koompassia. "Tualang" [almost Hokkien sounding](Koompassia excelsa) (left) is the tallest and loftiest tree in the Southeast Asian forest, soaring prominently above the other forest emergents. Flame of the Forest (Delonix regia) (right) when in full bloom is totally leafless in the drier monsoonal countries. With such a flamboyant sight to behold, one's passions can most certainly be stirred to heights of elation. If you have tears, go to the Maniltoa. Handkerchief Tree (Maniltoa browneoides) is an unofficial common name. The tassel of juvenile leaves hanging down limp reminds one of the famous concert soprano, Pavarotti, who knots a hanky in one of his last fingers so as to wipe away his perspiration and dribble tears found at the corner of his eyes. Sometimes in love we are like an Artocarpus that will never quite forget the Durio memories which linger for a lifetime. Whether you love or dislike Durian (Durio zibethinus) (right), something about it is quite "unforgettable" as the singer, Nat King Cole, would put it. As a personification, Cempedak (Artocarpus integer) (left)will fall off the tree upon ripening like the connotation of falling in love. In decision-making, it is best to leave out the Brunfelsia of the mind. Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow (Brunfelsia calycina) (right). A highly scented flower which changes its colour from violet to shades of purple and then to white. Like indecisive people, they are, however, not without their charming mannerisms and queer ways to go along with it. Hope for the best and allow Eugenia to grant this! "Jambu Air Laut" (Eugenia grandis) (left). A majestic roadside tree which looks splendid when covered with scented, creamy white flowers during full bloom. Just wishful thinking...
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