CentralTembusu2001

Tembusu (HT 2001-26)

This Heritage Tree can be found in Singapore Botanic Gardens, Lawn E.

A large, lush tree stands in a fenced area surrounded by grass, with a few people in the background and a partly cloudy sky.

Heritage Tree in 2024 (📷: Hazri Boey)

Heritage Tree Information

Reference ID
HT 2001-26

Scientific name: Cyrtophyllum fragrans
Family name: Gentianaceae
Girth: 5 m @ 1.6 m height
Height: 20 m

Location
Singapore Botanic Gardens, Lawn E (View Map) (opens in new tab)

The Tembusu is a large evergreen tree that can grow up to 30 metres in height. When young, its crown takes on a conical shape, gradually becoming lofty and irregular as the tree matures. The trunk is distinguished by its dark brown, fissured bark. Its leaves are simple and light green in colour, measuring 5-8 cm in length. The flowers are creamy white, turning yellow with age, and are strongly fragrant, particularly during the late evenings. The fruits are tiny red berries that take more than three months to fully mature. The tree is native to Singapore and is found across a range stretching from Northeast India to Southeast Asia.

It was recorded that in the past when they were numerous, the Malayan Flying Fox (Pteropus vampyrus) fed on the berries of the Tembusu in season. Other than bats and birds, the berries were too bitter to be relished by other animals. The wood was extremely durable and resistant to termite attack, making it highly suitable for heavy construction, bridges and carving. In fact, the wood was so hard that a Malay metaphor compares it to a hard heart.

This Tembusu is estimated to be over 200 years (as of 2014) and is featured on the back of our Portrait series, Singapore 5-dollar note. It has a unique lower lateral branch which makes it easily recognisable. Many visitors over the generations have taken pictures with this iconic Tembusu Heritage Tree.

For more information on this species, please refer to NParks' Flora & Fauna Web profile. (opens in new tab)