Sungei Buloh

Sungei Buloh Nature Park is home to a few species of palms (Family: Palmae) typically associated with the mangroves. They are the Nipah (Nypa fruticans), Rotan bakau (Calamus erinaceus) as well as the recently rediscovered Nibong (Oncosperma tigillarium). The Nipah is considered rare in Singapore. It has economic value in the region and the yields can be sustained. For example, the young endosperm (from the fruit) is collected for food. We commonly know it as "attap chee" when used as a key ingredient in our local dish, ice kacang. In addition, various parts of the palm can be used. For example, the construction of thatch roofs (using the leaves) and tapping of sugar and fermenting it to obtain alcohol (tapping the inflorescence). The Nipah can now be viewed easily along route 1 and there are clumps behind and in front of hide 1C. The Rotan bakau is listed as vulnerable in the Singapore Red Data Book of threatened plants and animals. It is a climber and can grow up to 15m in length. The inner part of the stem is harvested in the region as raw materials for use in basketry and furniture. There are a number of thickets of this rattan in the Park. Care will need to be exercised when approaching this palm because of the numerous spines on the leaves and stems. You can view this palm most easily along route 1 between the Outdoor Classroom and Hide 1E. A third palm species found in Sungei Buloh is the Nibong. It is a rare palm and was last collected by Mr. J.S. Goodenough on 29 Nov 1889 and in 1890 from the Sungei Bulob area. It was only re-discovered this year. It is a tall slender palm, and the clump I found in the Park has a height of 12m to which it can grow up to 25m. Stems once stripped of the black spines are used in the region as budding material including posts for fishing stakes and in kelong construction. We may not be aware of this, but palms found in the mangroves do have their economic uses even in today's context.