My Green Space
Issue 17 Vol 2/2013 Apr – Jun 2013
Read More
Cratoxylum formosum

Did you know that it was a Mempat tree that then Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew planted at Farrer Circus in 1963 to mark the start of Singapore's greening campaign?

Native to Singapore, this locally endangered tree is found in freshwater swamps and along forest streams. The Mempat tree is a sight to behold when in bloom. After dry weather, it will shed its leaves and burst into a crown of delicate pink blossoms that resembles the sakura or cherry blossom tree. The tree is also a common sight in our urban landscape – along our roadsides, parks and housing estates, such as Ang Mo Kio Avenue 6 & 8, Alexandra Road (near Lower Delta Road) and Tampines Street 82 – as it makes a good shade-providing tree.

Read more about the Mempat tree on the NParks Flora & Fauna Web at florafaunaweb.nparks.gov.sg.

As we celebrate 50 years of greening Singapore this year, do take the time to appreciate our country's natural heritage.

Photos of Mempat tree and blossom by Ang Wee Foong and Tee Swee Ping.

Read Past Issues

View All Articles of

Browse by Topics

Past Issues

Issue 17 Vol 2/2013
issue-17

My Green Space is an online newsletter published by NParks, featuring activities in our parks, gardening tips and conservation issues.