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 | Bird's Nest Fern | A large, leafy tropical fern (genus Asplenium) which grow at the base of branches of large trees, or as seen in this picture, on the ground. Also known as "Nest Fern". Picture taken in Singapore (Alexandra Hospital gardens). |
|  | Honey Pineapple | Thai Honey Pineapple is a popular choice for shoppers in Singapore. This variety is sweet, and reasonably priced. Pic taken at supermarket in Singapore. |
|  | Afternoon Nap at Fort Canning Park, Singapore | Fort Canning Park, located within minutes of Singapore's central shopping areas, provides a welcome respite from the afternoon heat. Mature trees, abundant foliage and the hillside location all make the park one of the cooler places in Singapore. And looks like this tourist is taking advantage of that fact! (if you visit this park, check out its spice garden where you can find common and not-so-common Asian spices and herbs). |
|  | Orange Bauhinia (bauhinia Kockiana) | This plant is a tropical climber which flowers all year round. Landscape designers use it to act as a canopy above walkways. Also commonly known as "orchid tree". The bauhinia is named after 16th century botanists/herbalists Jan and Caspar Bauhin. |
|  | Orange Bauhinia( Bauhinia Kockiana) | This plant is a tropical climber which flowers all year round. Often found planted as a shady canopy (above walkways). Also commonly known as "orchid tree". The leaf of the Bauhinia kockiana has three nerves running from the base to the apex. The bauhinia is named after 16th century botanists/herbalists Jan and Caspar Bauhin. Picture taken in Singapore. |
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|  | Leaves of the Indian Borage | Commonly mistaken for a mint, Indian borage (Plectranthus amboinicus; previously also classified as Coleus amboinicus, C. aromaticus) is commonly used throughout Southeast Asia to treat coughs. Chew the leaves of this plant when you have a cough and throat irritation. It is also useful for burns, sores and stings. |
|  | "mas Cotek"( Ficus Deltoidea) Leaves | "Mas cotek" (Ficus deltoidea) leaves are used by the Malays in Malaysia and Singapore to make a drink believed to be good for womb contraction after delivery, removal of toxins, reduce cholesterol. The drink is also believed to improve blood circulation and help reduce joint pains. This picture was taken at the Spice Garden at Fort Canning Park, Singapore. |
|  | Female " Mas Cotek "( Ficus Deltoidea) Leaves | This plant is known for having male and female versions. Pictured here is the female species, which is characterised its larger leaves and by the presence of three black dots on the back of its leaves.
The "mas cotek" is used in traditional Malay healing preparations (in Southeast Asia). Prepared as a drink, it is believed to be good for removal of toxins, blood circulation, reducing cholesterol, alleviating joint pains, and helping to contract the womb after delivery. It is also thought to be good for increasing sexual desire.
This picture was taken at Fort Canning Park, Singapore (Spice Garden). |
|  | Traditional Malay Wedding Souvenir (bunga Rampai) | "Bunga Rampai" is given as souvenirs to guests at traditional Malay weddings in Singapore.
To make "bunga rampai", "sireh" (betel) leaves are filled with finely shredded "pandan" (Pandanus amaryllifolius) leaves, fragrant flowers (for example, "cempaka" flowers), and sprinkled with rosewater.
These souvenirs symbolise wishes of beauty and well-being to the newlyweds. |
|  | Cat's Whiskers( Orthosiphon Aristatus) with Purple Flowers | These flowers are thought to resemble cat's whiskers ("misai kucing" in malay), hence its name. The flowers pictured here are purplish. It is also common to see cat's whiskers with white flowers.
The leaves of the cat's whiskers plant is a well-known malay herbal remedy believed to be effective for the treatment of gout, diabetes and rheumatism.
Picture taken in Singapore. |
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