flowering angsana

Apart from the ubiquitous raintree (Samanea sama), the Angsana (Pterocarpus indicus) is (as a result of it being extensively and systematically planted in Singapore in the late 19th and 20th century) probably the only other wayside tree which is commonly found in our landscape. While the tree in itself may be familiar to most, not many are aware of its flowering habits. Unlike other wayside trees such as the raintree, the Flame of the Forest or the Tembusu, the Angsana does not flower as frequently as it is heavily dependant on persistent dry weather. Another unique characteristic of its flowering habits is the fact that the blossoms only last for a day before falling in the millions and carpeting the ground beneath the tree. Very reminiscent of fall.

Illawarra Flame Tree

We often hear about Singapore having only two seasons, either wet or dry season. However, this may not be entirely correct. From my own observations, we do appear to have spring. I say this because between the months of February and March this year, many trees around Singapore were in full bloom. This was particularly evident at the Singapore Botanic Gardens. In fact, I had a chance encounter with a fairly rare sight, which was the Illawarra Flame Tree in full bloom!

The Illawarra Flame Tree (Brachychiton acerifolius), is a large tree native to subtropical regions on the east coast of Australia. It is famous for the bright crimson bell-shaped flowers that often cover the whole tree when it is leafless. Along with other members of the Brachychiton genus, it is commonly referred to as a Kurrajong.

This tree is tolerant of temperate climates and is now cultivated world-over for its beauty. However, the maximum height of 40 m is reached only in the original, warmer, habitat. It usually grows to be about 20 m. Similarly to its Kurrajong relatives the leaves are variable, with up to 7 deep lobes. It is deciduous - shedding its leaves after the dry season. The spectacular flowering occurs in late spring and new foliage is ready for the summer rains. In areas where the winter is not particularly dry, this natural rhythm may become somewhat erratic and the tree may flower only partially.

Flowers are scarlet bells with 5 partially fused petals. The pod-like fruits (technically known as follicles) are dark brown, wide, boat-shaped and about 10 cm long. They contain masses of thin bristles that stick in the skin, as well as yellow seeds. These are nutritious and were eaten by Aborigines after toasting.

the beautiful and the weird

If there is one tree I would like to plant in my garden, it has to be the cannonball tree or Couroupita guianensis, and it is not difficult to see why.

While the fruits may be spectacular in their own right, it is the flowers which are truly magnificent! In fact, the cannon ball tree is planted in gardens primarily because of its large, beautiful and pleasantly aromatic flowers. It is quite frankly, unlike any other flower a newcomer to the tropics has ever seen. Even the fruits are a botanical curiosity because they are in the shape and size of cannon balls that, like the flowers, arise from the trunk of the tree. And in contrast to the flowers, they release a foetid aroma when they hit the ground and break open.

Unfortunately, one would require a fairly large garden to grow this tree as the thick woody extensions that grow and cascade from the main brown scaly trunk of the tree does take up quite a bit of space. Still, it is a great specimen for any avid gardener and definitely a talking point of the garden.

Mature specimens can be found at the Singapore Botanic Gardens (Ginger Gardens), the Esplanade and Sembawang parks.