Fruits and Vegetables @ Bukit Brown

Attended a very interesting nature walk in March 2016 on fruits and vegetables @ bukit brown. 

We can plant edibles but wouldn't it be even better and exciting if we are able to recognise and discover our native edibles? I am personally thrilled at that thought. The tour lead by Beng Tang and Claire Leow ( they are assisted by a few others) simply exceed our expectations, many folds.

Picture tells a thousand words, I will attempt to summarise a list of edibles we found, along with their common names and functions in this blog.

There are certainly many more being covered during the tour which I may have missed. So, if this sounds like something you are keen, go check out their calendar and go for the guided trek!

These are one of the many great work done by the group of unsung hero and heroine who strive real hard to keep our heritage alive. I truly salute their passions and love for Bukit Brown.

For more information, you can visit their facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/groups/bukitbrown/?fref=nf

Now, here come our "wild" edibles:

Chinese Violet (Asystasia Gangetica)

Common Name: Chinese Violet

Scientific name: Asystasia Gangetica

Description: It is a common rapid growing weed found along roadside. Grow in tropical and subtropical area. They can tolerate wide range of soil and prefer full sun or partially shaded area. They are actually consider invasive weed in many countries. This plant however is edible and can be stirred fried like spinach.

Betel leaves (Piper Betle)

Common Name: Betel Leaves

Scientific name: Piper Betle

Description: These leaves grows on vine under partial shade. The leaves is glossy and heart shape like. Betel leaves is believed to have many medicinal benefits and has been used extensively in Ayurveda. Chewing of betel leaves has been a common practise in Asia. It is believed that chewing of betel leaves improves digestion and play a vital role in oral hygiene. The leaf extract is believed to include various properties like anti-inflammatory, anti-ulcer and even anti-cancer.

Wandering Jew Weed (Tradescantia zebrina)

Common Name: Wandering Jew Weed

Scientific name: Tradescantia zebrina

Description: It is a fast growing and easy care plant and it likes filtered light. It has colourful zebra patterned leaves, green with purple stripes with some sliver shine. It is native to South American and Mexico. Transitionally used as cold herbal tea/health drink in the Tabasco region of Mexico. However skin irritation may result with prolong handling of this plant particularly the clear watery sap.

Wild Fig Tree/Jejawi (Ficus Microcarpa L.f.)

Common Name: Curtain Fig Tree, Jejawi, Malayan Banyan

Scientific name: Ficus Microcarpa L.f.

Description: It is one of the most popular street tree in warm climate. It is also typically cultivated as ornamental tree to be planted in gardens and parks. The fruits is edible but un-appetizing. The fruits however are well like by birds.

African Tulip Tree (Spathodea campanulata P. Beauv)

Common Name: African Tulip Tree, Frame of Forest

Scientific name: Spathodea campanulata P. Beauv

Description: It is native to african dry forest. This fast growing tree is planted extensively as ornamental tree throughout the tropics. The reddish-orange flowers are well appreciated by many when in full bloom. The flower bud is ampule-shaped and usually contained water. It's ability to squirt water makes it a perfect water pistol for many kids in the old kampong days. It is believed by traditional folks medicine that the flower has anti-inflammation properties when applied directly to wound.

Fishtail Palm (Caryota Rumphiana Mart)

Common Name: Fishtail palms

Scientific name: Caryota rumphiana Mart

Description: The shape of the leaves gives them the common name. They can be found readily in SE Asia, China and India. The juice from the flower stalks can be used to made palm sugar. It is pretty as an ornamental plant and add a tropical island feel to your environment.

Elephant ear plants (Colocasia Esculenta)

Common Name: Elephant ear plants, Taro

Scientific name: Colocasia Esculenta

Description: This plant has been cultivated as food crops in SE Asia, China, India, South America, Africa for thousands of years. Likely to be native from SE Asia. All parts of the plant are edible but need to be thoroughly cooked to remove the  calcium oxalate crystals which is slightly toxic. The cooked leaves as well as corm made into poi are edible. This is a desirable food source especially in times of famine. It however makes a good landscaping plant in modern days.  

 Singapore Rhododendron (Melastoma malabathricum)

Common Name: Singapore Rhododendron, Common Sendudok

Scientific name: Melastoma malabathricum L

Description: beautiful shrub with purple flowers can be found in many of our common wild spaces. It has a common name of Singapore Rhododendron although it is not confined to Singapore. The flowers typically open for only one day. Open in the morning and close in late afternoon. The cup-shaped calyx where the petals emerge from remains after the petals drop off. The fruits are berry like, sweet and the seeds stain the mouth when eaten.


That's all for this week. Watch out for our next bi-weekly update.