Starting the Journey We began with a brief introduction about the selected trees at the 10th Hole. Once everyone was ready and registered, we walked towards the golfer’s terrace, crossed the putting green, and moved to the left side of the 10th Hole New Course.
Participants observed a large, flattened pod, typical of the Gapis fruit, We also discussed the round balls attached to the trunk, indicating the tree’s readiness to flower or a harmless parasitic effect. The young leaves hang down for several days, appearing light greenish-white.
Photo session at the fairway 10th Hole New Couse
Gapis Tree: A Treat for the Aboriginal People
Our first stop was the Gapis tree, the only one of its kind in the area. Thriving in wet surroundings, this tree helps control the ecosystem balance and prevents soil erosion. We have spotted a large flattened pod which was still unripe and the participants were able to touch the big fruit. The fruit is commonly consumed by aboriginal people. They bake it like a potato, peel the seed, and eat it. The tree’s flowers and fruit grow directly from the trunk. There was a question about the round ball attached to the trunk, it was mentioned that the trees were ready to flower. Somehow, it also could be the effect of parasites on the tree which would not harm the tree. The young leaves hang down for several days and right now it seems the light greenish white. This shade-tolerant tree with a spreading crown was perfect for our first stop.
Farizaa holding Gapis fruit collected from the tree
Unripen Gapis fruit
Kapur Tree: The Aromatic Giant and its Crown Shyness
Next, we visited the Kapur tree, known for its crown shyness, where the canopy’s leaflets don’t overlap, creating a unique pattern from the view from the ground. The single seed on Kapur’s flower can be planted to get the new seedling. Hopefully, we can see the Kapur seed falls during our next nature walk planned in August while exploring our small jungle of Kapur trees.
All parts of Kapur have the aromatic properties, the bark and leaf, even dried and crushed. As the scientific name which is Drynobalanops aromatic. The ‘aroma’ which is the fragrant smell of resin known as Dammar. The camphor oil produced by the tree was obtain by tapping the stem. This oil is exported to China and Japan to produce medicines or ointment. Also known as the Borneo Camphor Tree, it has a cylindrical trunk reaching 60 meters, and is used in heavy construction. Participants crushed and smelled the leaves, enjoying the tree’s distinct aroma.
Fruit of Penaga laut as the source of Tamanu oil
Merawan Tree: The Broccoli Look-Alike
Our third stop was the Merawan tree, with a large, conical crown resembling broccoli. Known as Hopea subulate or Merawan Kancing is native to Malaysia and visible along the Rawang bypass. This fastgrowing, self-pruning tree is ideal for roadside planting. Its unique self-maintenance feature involves shedding dead branches without the need to hire tree pruners.
Brown woody pod of Handkerchief fruit
Handkerchief Tree: Nature’s Drapery
We then moved to the handkerchief tree, named for its new leaves that resemble soft white handkerchiefs. Although we couldn’t see these new leaves, participants admired the powder-puff flowers and brown woody pods. We also discovered a blooming pigeon orchid nearby, though its fragrance had faded.
It was unfortunate since the pigeon orchid has a very fragrant smell. What sets the Pigeon Orchid apart are its striking flowers, which bear a resemblance to the graceful form of a pigeon bird in flight when viewed from the side. Each inflorescence boasts multiple blossoms, typically adorned in shades of white or creamy yellow, exuding a sweet fragrance reminiscent of honey or vanilla. We have started a landscaping project of collecting the pigeon orchids around the course and placing them at the main junction from the main gate. Participants were able to look at a plucked fruit and the inner pod and seeds.
Unfortunately, while observing the orchid, we encountered aggressive fire ants biting all participants and myself. This sweet flower attracted the ants to the tree.
Fragrant pigeon orchid resemble pigeon bird in flight from the side
Local Bay Leaf: A Culinary Delight
Next, we explored the local bay leaf tree, known as Pokok Salam. Its leaves, used in cooking to enhance aroma, are similar to imported bay leaves but have a distinct ‘jambu’ smell. Participants smelt the crushed leaves. This plant is native to Malaysia, Burma and the Philippines.
Quiz session
Elephant Apple Tree: A Treat for Elephants
At the next station, we examined the elephant apple tree, known for its large, round fruit. The mediumsized tree has abundant fruits which are around 15-20cm yellowishgreen apples. White petals at the end of branches face downwards. These fruits also called Chalta (in Hindi) are consumed by local wild elephants and can be cooked or pickled. The tree, pollinated by bats or bees, produces fruits not suitable for parks due to their size which could be hazardous. Participants learned about the health benefits of the fruit, including improved body weight, lower blood pressure, and digestive aid.
Tamanu Oil Source: The Versatile Penaga Laut
Our final station was the Penaga Laut tree also known as the mastwood. This tree with its spreading crown can grow up to 20m tall. It has an irregular crown and bears a lot of fruit throughout the 10th Hole New Course. The participants were shown the round one seed, a green fruit that can be eaten when the kernel is broken. The extraction of Tamanu oil from its seeds widely sold in the market is used to treat skin diseases, hair oil or biodiesel. The fruit can be cooked or eaten raw and also used as an ingredient in fish, curry and drink recipes. Several participants tried the seed inside which tasted like cashew nut with a little bit of sweetness.
Compost area and nursery
As we had extra time, we visited the compost area and nursery, part of the Club’s activities. We produce compost from grass clippings, dried leaves, and pond weeds. The whole composting process takes between a year to two years. Participants were offered some compost for their home gardens, promoting organic planting practices which could reduce chemical usage and save the environment.
Back at the hall, we enjoyed refreshments and watched video clips about the trees we visited. The videos demonstrated how the Gapis fruit is consumed by Aboriginal people. How camphor oil is extracted from the Kapur tree trunks and its unique crownshyness. We also learned about the broccoli-like Merawan tree as seen throughout the Rawang Bypass. Tamanu oil products and how to extract the oil from the seed. Lastly, the participants were shown how the elephant apple fruit was cut and eaten. Its seed can also be used for hair fall and dandruff besides making juice and sauces.
Brian answering the quizzes
Interactive Quiz and Feedback
Participants engaged in a quiz with 22 questions about tree characteristics. The pictures of flowers and fruit that could not be seen on the tree at that time were shown as an illustration purposes to complete our learning tour. It was a pleasure that there were two kids of Ng YI Rhu who participated in the nature walk and were able to answer the questions. They were given prizes and enjoyed answering all the questions. The purpose of the quiz is to examine their focus and understanding during the walk.
One of the participants, Yang Mei Mei commented about how informative the event was as they would never know about the arrangement of the tree and their characters rather than being a golfer in this beautiful course. Ms Voon just visited me before and asked about the propagated flower, she has a first-time experience with the nature walk said it was interesting and would like to be a regular participant in the nature walk event.
I wish to thank all the regular participants, Woo Xer Li and family, Brian and his wife Wendy, Jayashree Ramani, Zuraidah Ismail and those who keep supporting the event and are always ready to answer every quiz. I hope to meet all the participants again while providing new good info and collaborating on a few interesting ideas for the next nature walk. I encourage the participants to bring over their kids in the way to let them observe, learn and play with nature in reality which could help them learn about surrounding nature and keep them close in their minds and hearts.
Enjoying the quiz session
For further inquiries or information, please do not hesitate to contact your horticulturist at nur.farizaa@rsgc.com.my.
