Native plants Garden

Native plants of Singapore

Fagraea fragrans

Fagraea fragrans

Common name: Tembusu

 

Growth requirements (including habitat)

Grows in swamps and open spaces in tropical lowlands.  Full sun and moderate water preferred.

 

Habit (Herb/ Shrub/ Treelet/ Tree)

The Tembusu tree is large and can grow up to 40m tall. The creamy white trumpet-shaped flowers (2 cm wide) turn yellow and light orange with age.  They are clustered together in 15-20s and open at night, releasing a strong fragrance that lasts till the following morning.  The fruits are attractive red berries.

The fruits are attractive red berries.

The fruits are attractive red berries.

 

Uses

A highly valued native tree of Singapore, this beautiful, long-lived tree is often planted in parks and along roadsides with large verges. The Tembusu is also an important source of timber as it is long-lasting and resistant to termites. It is used in various construction projects, such as bridges, boats and panelling. In Singapore, large wooden chopping boards used by hawkers are sometimes made from Tembusu timber.

 

The Tembusu Tree is featured on the Singapore five-dollar note.

The Tembusu Tree is featured on the Singapore five-dollar note.

Interesting Information

The back of the Singapore five-dollar note also features a Tembusu Heritage Tree.

 

Websites:

1.  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tembusu

2.  https://florafaunaweb.nparks.gov.sg/Special-Pages/Record-List.aspx?DataSourceIDNo=1&Text=fagraea%20fragrans&ResultPage=20&display=TextModeTem&sort=ScientificName&Status=ALL

 

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