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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The majestic old trees in Changi, many of which reach 400cm or more in girth sizes (gbh), justifiably merit this unique place as one of two Tree Conservation Areas in Singapore -- a sanctuary for at least twelve very rare and endangered species in our native flora. This includes some of the most uncommon coastal trees such as Sea Trumpet (Cordia subcordata), Chiamau (Dracaena maingayi), Sepetir (Sindora wallichii) and Mentigi (Pemphis acidula). Ficus stricta, a new record for Singapore, has also been found within the compound of the Government Chalets. 35 to 40m tall Meranti, Merawan and Kruing trees, averaging 350cm gbh, and by conservative estimate -- 200 years old or more -- still stand tall to tell tales of bygone Lowland Dipterocarp Rain Forests that had once extended from the interiors right up to the shores. No other coastal area on mainland Singapore today, not even Labrador Nature Reserve, can boast of such a fine collection of Dipterocarps, nor is any other local district so endowed with legends steeped in tree-stories. One of which is how Changi might have got its name from Dipterocarp tree called Chengai. So entrenched is the legend, that in 1996, the National Youth Achievement Award Council gathered students and teachers from two secondary schools to plant 88 Chengai saplings in Changi Constituency during the Clean & Green Week. Former Changi MP Teo Chong Tee said that the trees were part of our heritage, adding that the event helped to bond the young people to the community. We are also familiar with the
story of the legendary 50m tall Sepetir tree
that once stood in Changi and how it was felled in
1942 to prevent the Japanese forces from ranging
onto our fortress. It was such a dominant feature
in the district that residents and visitors called
it the 'Changi Tree'. There is another
Sepetir tree still standing today in the
compound of Cranwell Bungalow 3 and measures a
respectable 410cm gbh [see picture on
left]. Changi had figured
prominently in the historical account of 'The
Wayside Trees of Malaya' -- a monumental botanical
work first published in 1940 by the late Professor
E.J.H. Corner. Many of Changi's flora, such as
Kelat Hitam, had been accounted for in this
book, and can still be found flourishing in Changi
today. This is
also true of other plants collected by the late
H.N. Ridley in Changi a hundred years ago, such as
Beruas, Paku Raja and
Membatu. Their present occurrence in
Changi bears living testament to the importance
Changi continues to have in both botanical and
historical context in local literature. Changi is both a natural and national heritage readily identifiable and embraced by Singaporeans of all ages. To many, it is a place of natural relics and an outdoor classroom. It is also a popular place for relaxation and fun-exploration. The gentle giants of trees have indeed lent their characteristic warmth and welcoming ambience of a 'village' character to Changi. It is a well-loved corner of Singapore where many families have 'taken root' in their hearts and minds. No effort must be spared to conserve these trees for future generations of Singaporeans to come. |
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Table A. Significant Trees / Shrubs in Changi Native trees in proximity to URA's coastal boardwalks (currently under construction at the seafront of the Changi Sailing Club and Fairy Point)
Table B. Native trees in open green corridors along roads in Changi.
Table C. Native trees inside fenced compounds (of chalets).
Table D. Other native trees/shrubs growing on the rocky/sandy beach.
Table E. Non-native trees of worthy mention. Location
code Scientific
Name (Common Name) Girth of
tree Remarks E1 Mimusops elengi
(Tanjong Tree) 400cm Inside
compound of the Government Chalets
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Tree Conservation (information source: National Parks Board)Two areas in Singapore are designated as Tree Conservation Areas. Trees of 1m in girth (measured half a metre from ground) in these areas cannot be felled/cut without the written permission of the Commissioner, Parks and Recreation. The 2 areas are:
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