Channel NewsAsia - Thursday, July
10
SINGAPORE : Yishun Park, situated in northern Singapore, has
become home to an iconic family of rainforest trees called
dipterocarps.
This unique collection of forest giants, which can tower up to
80 metres, is part of the National Parks Board’s (NParks)
initiative to enhance biodiversity within urban areas.
The trees are unique to Southeast Asia and make up the towering
backbone of Indo—Malayan rainforests.
"The dipterocarps are the trees that define the forests in our
region. By establishing this arboretum, we’ll be in a position to
see what species of dipterocarps (can be) planted in urban areas,"
said S K Ganesan, Assistant Director of Streetscape, National Parks
Board.
The research will help the board identify hardier species that
are suitable for planting along roads.
NParks began planting the saplings throughout the park in June
2007. Completed last month, the sprawling three—hectare arboretum
is now home to more than 800 trees, comprising 70 species.
Hotel & resort owner and developer Banyan Tree Holdings
poured in S$160,000 (US$120,000) to make this project a reality, as
part of its 10—year global Greening Communities programme.
Yishun Park was chosen as the location for the Dipterocarp
Arboretum because of its specific topography and soil condition.
Educational tours such as guided walks and tree hunts will begin
next year. — CNA /ls