We pass by them daily, usually without taking any notice. They are an often-overlooked cornerstone of the Singapore identity, but without them our little red dot would be a whole lot hotter and much less photogenic. The size, variety and prevalence of our trees distinguish Singapore from the concrete jungles of other cities. With that bit of gratitude in mind, let's introduce ourselves to a few of our 'neighbours', shall we?

Tembusu

The tembusu (main picture) is native to Singapore, and is seen especially around the Tanglin area, where it was planted during the late 1800s and early 1900s. There isn't anything extraordinary about young tembusus, but once mature their limbs sometimes jut out in odd directions – sometimes even horizontal. Two famous specimens can be found in the Botanic Gardens, one of which graces the back of the five-dollar bill. Believed to be at least 150 years old, its legendary low limb, running parallel to the ground, just begs to be used as a bench.

Rain Tree

The rain tree first 'immigrated' to Singapore from its native South America in 1876. Its umbrella-like branches provide ideal respite from the scorching sun. But beware taking cover when storm clouds roll in. It has a peculiar custom of folding its leaves in rainy weather, presumably to give itself more to drink. The rain tree performs the same trick daily at dusk, which is how it earned its Malay name, pukul lima, meaning five o'clock. (The onset of dusk was an hour earlier back in the good old days when trees travelled and took up local names.) Also, because it allows plenty of rainwater through its canopy, smaller plants such as vines and ferns grow more easily, giving their rain tree host a lush, green decor.

Travellers Palm

Hailing from Madagascar, the strikingly unique travellers palm is, in fact, more closely related to the banana tree. Its distinctive features make it a natural ornamental plant for gardens. But why the name, you wonder? Thirsty travellers can find almost a litre of water stored in the base of each leaf.

Saga

The name may not ring a bell, but its seeds will catch your attention. Native to Singapore, the Saga grows pods yielding bright red seeds. The seeds' weights are so uniform that they were once used to weigh precious metals like gold and silver. These days they're more likely to be picked up by curious kids on their way home or studio-bound artists looking to work with a natural medium. The seeds were also used as fillers for a local childhood game called Batu seremban or Five stones.

Get Involved

The Garden City Fund and the Singapore Environment Council (SEC) launched their 'Plant-a-Tree' program in 2007. Purchase a tree for $200, plant it at one of their monthly events at various parks, and walk away with the satisfaction that you've helped with the tree replenishing drive. All proceeds go to the Garden City Fund to continue their tree planting programs. Alternatively, you might wish to volunteer with the SEC to put your green thumb(s) to use. It's a fulfilling way to give something back and meet like-minded people at the same time. Donations, of course, are always welcome too.

The next time you're hastily rushing past one of your great green neighbours, give a wink or a nod, if not a hug. We need all the shade we can get.

Earth Hour Singapore 2011 - Official celebration party
Venue: The Promontory @ Marina Bay
MRT: Raffles Place exit J
Date: Saturday, 26 March 2011
Time: 5.30 – 10.00 pm

Click here for more info

* Do you have any amazing stories to share about our woody friends? Share it by commenting below!