Of the Heritage Trees depicted in the “Know 10 Trees” stamp issue (26 May 2010), the Rain Tree is by far the most plentiful species in Singapore. This is a “large and majestic” tree. As we drive down the roads and highways in Singapore from East to West, and North to South, we will meet these Rain Trees. Each tree “provides plenty of shade with its big umbrella shaped crown.” [Ref 1]
Scientific name
Samanea saman
Origin
Tropical America. It was introduced to Singapore in 1876, and by the mid-1990s, it was planted throughout the tropics. [Ref 2]
History of the Rain Trees along Connaught Drive, Singapore
1881-The Connaught Drive Rain Trees over the years. Tree planting with the Rain Trees was formalised in 1881 by the then Superintendent of the Singapore Botanic Gardens, Nathaniel Cantley. In 1887, several rain tree saplings were planted along Connaught Drive, then known as New Esplanade Road. This road was renamed Connaught Drive in 1907 to commenorate the visit of Prince Arthur, Duke of Connaught.
2015-A total of 22 Rain Trees at Connaught Drive have been endorsed as Heritage Trees. This “Avenue of Heritage Trees” has the largest number of tress in a single avenue endorsed under the NParks’ Heritage Tree Scheme. Some of these are estimated to have been planted in the mid-1880s, which would make them to be over 130 years old.
The Rain Tree near the Cenotaph in Esplanade Park, along Connaught Drive, had in 2015, a girth of 3.56 m at 1.3 m height. The height was then 11.8 m.
Rain Tree in the Singapore Botanic Gardens
This Rain Tree has a girth of 5 m and a height of 32 m. It is classified as one of Singapore’s Heritage Trees, and strike a majestic appearance.
Rain Tree: Flowers, Fruits, Bark and Leaves
Take Home Message
The Rain Tree is the most abundant species of Heritage Trees in Singapore. The trees provide good shade along the roads in Singapore, wherever they are found. The oldest Rain Trees are in Connaught Drive; these are more than 130 years old.
References
- National Parks, Singapore. Heritage Trees, 2015. https://www.nparks.gov.sg/gardens-parks-and-nature/heritage-trees/ht-2015-266
- National Parks, Singapore. Heritage Trees, 2015. 1-Rain Tree. https://www.nparks.gov.sg/activities/family-time-with-nature/recommended-activities/know-10-trees/1-rain-tree