CentralMerbatu2001

Merbatu (HT 2001-30)

This Heritage Tree can be found in Fort Canning Slope, behind Kwa Geok Choo Law Library.

A tall tree stands next to a rounded glass building with skyscrapers visible in the background on a sunny day.

📷: Hazri Boey

Heritage Tree Information

Reference ID
HT 2001-30

Scientific name: Maranthes corymbosa
Family name: Chrysobalanaceae
Girth: 4.8 m @ 1.3 m height
Height: 37 m

Location
Canning Rise, on slope behind Kwa Geok Choo Law Library (View Map) (opens in new tab)

The Merbatu is a large evergreen tree that can grow up to more than 40 m in height. Crown is dense, heavy, dark green in appearance. Bark is pale grey, flaky but becoming smooth in older trees. Flowers are greenish white, sweet smelling, occurs in clusters. Fruits are oblong (about 3cm), turning from green to brown, slight hairy, containing 2 seeds. The natural distribution of this species is interesting. It is found in Malesia, the Pacific as well as Central America.

These two Merbatu or Sea Beam trees stand at the lower slopes of Fort Canning Hill. The nearby Fort Canning Tunnel was the site of the former National Library, which was built in 1926, and relocated to Bras Brasah Road in 2004. These trees remain, standing tall amid changing landscapes. They can sometimes be seen in old images of the former National Library building location. This Heritage Tree had a girth of 4.3 m when measured in 2001.

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