The fast growing African Mahogany has a tall and firm trunk where lustrous leaves spread out evenly at its top. You may observe that unlike rain trees, they do not have epiphytic ferns growing on them. A row of these majestic trees lining the Tan Kah Kee Drive was planted in 1997. Apart from being well-known for providing beautiful lumber, the African Mahogany also provide cooling shade for pedestrians. It certainly makes walking up the hill every morning a lot easier!
Madagascar Almond Tree Terminalia neotaliala
The Madagascar Almond Tree is a deciduous or evergreen tree with conspicuously layered branches. It is as though they were trimmed ever so meticulously by our gardeners! This species found behind Block A is a ‘tricolour’ cultiva, where each exquisite oval-shaped leaf is lined with a golden rim. Wonders never cease, even in this less-frequented corner behind our school building.
Tembusu Fagraea fragrans
We still have quite a few Tembusu trees in our school. This is also the very species of tree that appears on our $5 notes. Due to their height, they are often seen towering over buildings and other trees, and can even be observed all the way from the Holistic Education Centre in JC. The Tembusu trees are part of the primary forest cover on this land before the school was built - consequently, they are easily over a hundred years old. Despite their age and historical value, these trees were almost chopped down some years long ago. As a result, you will realise that they often have one or more stumps. Luckily, these trees were able to survive the ordeal. Do not be fooled by the pictures, all of these trunks belong to the same tree!