CentralRed-flowered Malayan Spindle Tree2010

Red-flowered Malayan Spindle Tree (HT 2003-44)

This Heritage Tree can be found in Sentosa, Woolwich Road, within Satellite Station grounds.

A green fence stands in front of dense trees and a large, white structure partially visible behind them.

📷: Brendon Phuah

Heritage Tree Information

Reference ID
HT 2003-44

Scientific name: Bhesa robusta
Family name: Centroplacaceae
Girth: 3.02 m @ 1.3 m height
Height: 19.2 m

Location
Sentosa, Woolwich Road, within Satellite Station grounds (View Map) (opens in new tab)

The Red-flowered Malayan Spindle Tree is an evergreen tree that can grow up to 40 metres tall, with a dark green, heavy crown supported by wide-spreading limbs. Its bark is light brownish grey in colour, and is somewhat cracked and fissured in texture. The tree bears large, oblong, and thinly leathery leaves measuring approximately 17 cm by 2.5 cm, with 10 to 14 pairs of side veins and very fine, closely packed parallel veinlets running between them. The small, red flowers, measuring about 0.5 cm across, grow in slender, unbranched spikes and are faintly fragrant. The olive yellow fruit of the tree is conical in shape, about 4 cm in length, and contains a single brown seed encased in orange pulp.

According to E.J.H. Corner, in his book "Wayside Trees of Malaya", he observed the Pale Giant Squirrel (Ratufa affinis) (opens in new tab) feeding on the fruits of this species. Unfortunately, the Pale Giant Squirrels that was once readily found in our forests are now estimated to be no more than 10 individuals left in our forests.

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