Heritage trees in Singapore
Heritage Trees in Singapore are mature trees specially selected under the Heritage Trees Scheme adopted on 17 August 2001, by the National Parks Board (NParks). Implemented at the same time as the Heritage Roads scheme, it is part of a nationwide drive in tree conservation efforts not just within nature reserves, parks, and newly established tree conservation areas, but also anywhere else in the urban and rural environment of Singapore.
In support of the Scheme, a Heritage Trees Fund was established by the Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited (HSBC) to launch a conservation program that promotes protection and appreciation of Singapore's natural heritage.[1] The program includes initiatives such as the installation of interpretive signage and a nomination scheme for the community. There are 256 Heritage Trees in the Heritage Tree Register.[2]
Selection of Heritage Trees
[edit]Nomination of potential heritage trees is open to the community, and members of the public are encouraged to submit candidates based on these qualifying criteria: a trunk girth (circumference) of more than five metres and/or botanical, social, historical, cultural and/or aesthetical value.
Nominated trees will be inspected before being considered by the Heritage Tree Panel, which consists of members with a wide range of expertise. The panel was previously headed by the late Dr Leong Chee Chiew, then-Deputy Chief Operating Officer of the National Parks Board.
After endorsement, these trees will be updated in the register, and signage will be given to identify their status as a Heritage Tree.
List of Heritage Trees
[edit]- Examples of Heritage Trees in Singapore
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Tembusu (Cyrtophyllum fragrans) featured on the back of the Singaporean five-dollar bill -
Penaga Laut (Calophyllum inophyllum) at Singapore Botanic Gardens -
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Rubber tree at the Japanese Cemetery Park -
Lychee tree at the Japanese Cemetery Park
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ "Plan to save old and rare trees bears fruit". eresources.nlb.gov.sg. Retrieved 2 November 2021.
- ^ "Heritage Trees". National Parks Board. Retrieved 17 July 2024.