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| Significant
trees and shrubs in Changi |
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| The
majestic old trees in Changi, many of which reach 400cm or more in
girth sizes (gbh), justifiably merit this unique place as one of two
Tree Conservation Areas in Singapore; a sanctuary
for at least twelve very rare and endangered species in our native
flora. This includes some of the most uncommon coastal trees such
as Sea Trumpet (Cordia subcordata), Chiamau (Dracaena maingayi), Sepetir
(Sindora wallichii) and Mentigi (Pemphis acidula). |
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| Ficus stricta,
a new record for Singapore, has also been found within the compound
of the Government Chalets. 35 to 40m tall Meranti, Merawan and Kruing
trees, averaging 350cm gbh and by conservative estimate 200 years
old or more, still stand tall to tell tales of bygone Lowland Dipterocarp
Rain Forests that had once extended from the interiors right up to
the shores. No other coastal area on mainland Singapore today, not
even Labrador Nature Reserve, can boast of such a fine collection
of Dipterocarps, nor is any other local district so endowed with legends
steeped in tree-stories. One of which is how Changi might have got
its name from Dipterocarp tree called Chengai. |
| So
entrenched is the legend, that in 1996, the National Youth Achievement
Award Council gathered students and teachers from two secondary schools
to plant 88 Chengai saplings in Changi Constituency during the Clean
and Green Week. Former Changi MP Teo Chong Tee said that the trees
were part of our heritage, adding that the event helped to bond the
young people to the community. We are also familiar with the story
of the legendary 50m tall Sepetir tree that once stood in Changi and
how it was felled in 1942 to prevent the Japanese forces from ranging
onto our fortress. It was such a dominant feature in the district
that residents and visitors called it the ‘Changi
Tree’. There is another Sepetir tree still standing today in the
compound of Cranwell Bungalow 3 and measures a respectable 410cm gbh. |
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| Changi
had figured prominently in the historical account of ‘The Wayside
Trees of Malaya’, a monumental botanical work first published in 1940
by the late Professor E.J.H. Corner. Many
of Changi’s flora, such as Kelat Hitam, had been accounted for in
this book, and can still be found flourishing in Changi today. This
is also true of other plants collected by the late H.N.
Ridley in Changi a hundred years ago, such as Beruas, Paku Raja
and Membatu. Their present occurrence in Changi bears living testament
to the importance Changi continues to have in both botanical and historical
context in local literature.
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| Changi
is both a natural and national heritage readily identifiable and embraced
by Singaporeans of all ages. To many, it is a place of natural relics
and an outdoor classroom. It is also a popular place for relaxation
and fun-exploration. The gentle giants of trees have indeed lent their
characteristic warmth and welcoming ambience of a ‘village’ character
to Changi. It is a well-loved corner of Singapore where many families
have ‘taken root’ in their hearts and minds. No effort must be spared
to conserve these trees for future generations of Singaporeans to
come. |
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