 WETlandsa publication of Sungei Buloh Nature Park |
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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 |
Sungei Buloh Nature Park is home to a few species of palms (Family: Palmae) typically associated with the mangroves. They are the Nipah (Nypa fruticans), Rotan bakau (Calamus erinaceus) as well as the recently rediscovered Nibong (Oncosperma tigillarium).  The
Nipah is considered rare in
Singapore. It has economic value in the region and the yields can be sustained.
For example, the young endosperm (from the fruit) is collected for food.
We commonly know it as "attap chee" when used as a key ingredient in
our local dish, ice kacang. In addition, various parts of the palm can be
used. For example, the construction of thatch roofs (using the leaves) and
tapping of sugar and fermenting it to obtain alcohol (tapping the inflorescence).
The Nipah can now be viewed easily along route 1 and there are clumps behind
and in front of hide 1C. The Rotan
bakau is listed as vulnerable in the Singapore Red Data Book
of threatened plants and animals. It is a climber and can grow up to 15m
in length. The inner part of the stem is harvested in the region as raw
materials for use in basketry and furniture. There are a number of thickets
of this rattan in the Park. Care will need to be exercised when approaching
this palm because of the numerous spines on the leaves and stems. You can
view this palm most easily along route 1 between the Outdoor Classroom and
Hide 1E. A third
palm species found in Sungei Buloh is the Nibong.
It is a rare palm and was last collected by Mr. J.S. Goodenough on 29 Nov
1889 and in 1890 from the Sungei Bulob area. It was only re-discovered this
year. It is a tall slender palm, and the clump I found in the Park has a
height of 12m to which it can grow up to 25m. Stems once stripped of the
black spines are used in the region as budding material including posts
for fishing stakes and in kelong construction. We may not be aware of this,
but palms found in the mangroves do have their economic uses even in today's
context. |
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© Sungei Buloh Nature Park |