In honour of Mr. Silverthorne, our head of campus, who left UWCSEA East in January, the Parents' Association with Ms. Psillides approached our service group for the opportunity to plant an indigenous rainforest tree on campus. On behalf of Rainforest Restoration, Anthony joined the planting and explained the significance and importance of conserving indigenous tree species in Singapore.
This planting is a reminder of Mr. Silverthorne’s lasting impact on our College even as he moves on from UWCSEA and would also further enhance the biodiversity of our College and local community. Fittingly, the tree is symbolic of our College's committment to sustainability.
Cynometra ramiflora is a tree indigenous to South East Asia, and it has been documented that it can grow up to 26 meters in height (Canopy height is from 20 to 30 meters). When mature, the tree flowers as delicate, white clusters. It grows natively in mangrove forests and along coastline areas of Singapore, and prefers medium to full sunlight. However, due to decades of urbanisation and coastal development, it is unfortunately critically endangered in Singapore. It is now confined in the wild to a limited range in select nature parks and protected areas. This is why it is important that we can conserve the biodiversity of Singapore by restoring native tree species to our local environment.
Rainforest Restoration has been generously supported by the Kirtida and Bharat Mekani Environmental Sustainability Fund via the UWCSEA Foundation and our longstanding collaboration with the Plant Resource Center at the Singapore Botanical Gardens. They provide our nursery with indigenous rainforest trees, including the Cynometra ramiflora that was given to us to nurture several years back. We would like to also extend our thanks to the facilities team and service deparment for organizing this valuable event.
References:
Cynometra Ramiflora L. (April 20, 2020). Flora and Fauna Web. National Parks Board. Accessed from: https://www.nparks.gov.sg/florafaunaweb/flora/2/8/2834.
