Flora and Reproductive Phenology of the Rain Forest at Bukit Timah, Singapore

Abstract

The 71 ha Bukit Timah Nature Reserve contains the largest surviving area of primary rain forest in Singapore. The recorded vascular plant flora of the forest consists of at least 854 species: 787 angiosperms in 109 families, 65 pteridophytes and three gymnosperms. 58.6% of the species are trees or shrubs, 18.7% climbers, 12.3% terrestrial herbs, 8.8% epiphytes and hemi-epiphytes, 1.0% saprophytes and 0.6% parasites. The four families with most species-Rubiaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Orchidaceae and Moraceae - account for a quarter of the angio-sperm flora but contribute few large trees. Community reproductive phenology is characterized by supra-annual bursts of general flowering and fruiting, contrasting with a low background level. After an exceptionally dry and sunny February, 1987, more than 150 species in 42 families flowered between late March and late May, followed by an equally well-defined fruiting peak 13 weeks later, between late June and late August.