Heritage Tree Number 2 in the List of ‘Know 10 Trees’ of Singapore is the Angsana Tree. The feature picture shows its general shape. The tree shape is described as weeping and pendulous. It is a large tree that can be recognised from afar by its drooping lower branches, and dome shaped crown. This tree grows up to 40 m in height. https://www.nparks.gov.sg/activities/family-time-with-nature/recommended-activities/know-10-trees/2-angsana [1]
Scientific name
Pterocarpus indicus
Origin
Peninsular Malaysia, Borneo. Philippines, New Guinea, Myanmar
Characteristics of this tree
We have noted its shape and drooping branches. A mature tree has buttress roots and light brown bark that has flaking longitudinal strips. This tree is very adaptable and can grow well in a wide range of conditions from flat sandy ares near the coast to hilly areas with stiff clay. Hence, it is a widely planted street tree.
Leaves, flowers and fruits
These are shown in Figure 1. https://www.nparks.gov.sg/florafaunaweb/flora/3/0/3095 [2]
Leaves are pinnately-compound. with glossy green leaflets. There are seven to nine leaflets alternatively arranged with an ending terminal leaflet. The leaves range in size from 20 to 50 cm.
The flowers are yellow, pea-shaped, with crumpled petals, and are produced in panicles. They last only one day on the tree. When the tree is actively blooming, the ground around the tree is covered with a carpet of yeloow.
The fruits are circular and about 5 cm in diameter, flattened with papery wings and contain 1 or more seeds in each fruit. The papery wings gives the tree its name of pterocarpus (winged seed). As we can guess, the seeds are disseminated by wind.
Take home messages
This is another common wayside tree of Singapore. Its tall and shady crown couple with the ability to grow adaptably in different kinds of soils makes the Angsana tree a good street tree. In the next post we will revisit another yellow tree: the Yellow Flame.
Dr LG Goh
Dr GOH Lee Gan is a retired Associate Professor in the Department of Family Medicine, National University Health System. He has an interest in learning and teaching how we can age well everyday (AWE).
