Shorea sumatrana is a forest tree species belonging to the family Dipterocarpaceae.

This largesized timber tree is widely distributed across Sumatra, Thailand and Peninsular Malaysia, particularly in the east coast region. Frequently, it grows in low lying swampy habitat along river banks. Shorea sumatrana is locally known as balau sengkawang ayer. In Indonesia, it is called kayu meranti. It has small fragrant flowers with yellow petals and looks beautiful with its pink base. The stem is straight and smooth with small buttresses. The wood is grouped as heavy hardwood. The timber is used for heavy construction, such as housing poles and bridges. The stems produce resin or dammar known as gusi dammar, gummy dammar or cats eye dammar. The resin was traditionally used for making torch and now is used to produce paint, varnish, lacquer, cosmetic and in the pharmaceutical, dental and linoleum industries. It is also used as emulsifier and stabilizer for paint products and printing inks. The conservation status of the species is critically endangered. This is the consequences of destruction to its habitat. The flowering and fruiting sengkawang ayer trees can be seen near FRIMs library, Urban Forestry office (Building D13), and at the Rover Track entrance near the mosque. Written by Naimah L. Article uploaded on 3 August 2012. The weekly weather was cloudy with no expected rain with temperature was ranging from 24 to 33C. Samanea saman or Rain Tree originated from South America and was brought into the Malay Peninsular in 1876. This species has been introduced for urban planting since early 1900s and until now it is still commonly planted in urban areas especially along roadsides and highways. In FRI Kepong, the species was first planted in 1927 as part of trial plantings. This tree has a unique habit of folding its compound leaves at dusk or when it rains, hence the name Rain Tree. Samanea saman is a fast growing and hardy species, which can grow well in harsh urban environment. An avenue of mature rain trees with crown wide spreading like an umbrella make them excellent shade trees which create green tunnel effects in the city centre. Old rain trees are majestic and impressive looking but somewhat creepy especially when they are heavily infested with epiphytes such as bird nest fern, stag horn fern and pigeon orchid. Nevertheless, by being a good host to a variety of epiphytes, such trees contribute towards enriching the biodiversity especially in urban areas. Its flowers are small, in clusters, pinkish white and slightly fragrant. Yellow Samanea saman is a genetic variation of the rain tree which produces golden yellow leaves. Owing to its beautiful golden foliage, the yellow rain tree is highly sought after and becoming more popular for urban planting. During dry periods, the golden colour appears to be more luminous and the contrast between their crimson flowers and golden hue leaves provides a striking look. In FRIM, an old rain tree reaching almost 180 cm trunk diameter can be found standing majestically adjacent to the Administration Building (D1). A few mature trees can also be seen near Takipp Building (G2) and by the roadside near the football field. A yellow rain tree was also planted in front of Rumah Arboreta (near H4 building) while another three stands of yellow rain tree can be found near FRIM entrance. These trees were preserved at site during the facelifting work of FRIM entrance that was completed in April 2013.

15 March 2012 (Thursday) Kayu arang or Diospyros terengganuensis shared the same genus as persimmons, Diospyros kaki. This particular species originated from Terengganu and belongs to the family Ebenaceae. The dark colour of the trunk earned the name of the local ebony. The attractive red flushes of the new leaves can currently be observed on this tree, which is located in front of B3 building, beginning in the middle of February 2012. This rare species is endemic to Peninsular Malaysia and is only found scaterred in the lowland and hill forest of Terengganu. Maniltoa browneoides, is a medium-sized evergreen plant and can grow up to 25 meters. This shady tree is commonly planted for landscaping public parks, recreational areas, golf courses and parking areas. This tree is also commonly known as handkerchief tree or enam-enam. Maniltoa browneoides originated from Papua New Guinea and has long shiny green leaves. This tree is very unique, where its pale green-white young leaves or shoots hang in a bunch at the tip of the twigs like handkerchiefs when viewed from a distance. Up close, the leaves look like papers that are arranged overlapping each other. The young leaves will gradually turn shiny dark green prior to the emergence of new shoots. The flowers are white and grow in clusters. The fruit is dark brown, nut shaped approximately 7 cm containing one small seed and also and forming a dense cluster at the tip of the twigs. Each cluster is larger than 30 cm. This unique tree can be found in front of the administration building (D2) adjacent to the library. Maniltoa browneoides belongs to the family Leguminosae and its conservation status has not been reviewed. Barringtonia macrostachya or locally known as putat is an understorey tree of primary and secondary forest found along rivers and on hills or inundated forest and swampy areas. The species is widespread, from China, Vietnam, Myanmar, Thailand, Malay Peninsula, Sumatera, Borneo, Philippines, Sulawesi to the Moluccas. Putat has known medicinal values. The paste made from the putat roots has been traditionally used to treat sore eyes and ring worm. The bark or pounded fruit are used as fish poison. The leaves of putat are used to treat stomach-ache. A member of the family Lecythidaceae Barringtonia macrostachya tree can be seen at the Non-Dipterocrap arboretum. The conservation status of this species is Least Concern.

Tabebuia pentaphylla is native to Central and South America and is popularly planted along roadsides and as a garden ornamental plant. In Malaysia, Tabebuia is also known as the Cherry Blossoms of Penang after its pink flowers which are much like the cherry blossoms of Japan. There are two colors of Tabebuia pentaphylla often planted in Malaysia, which is the pink and white varieties. The species name pentaphylla refers to the five leaves in each stalk, where penta means five and phylla means leaf in Latin. Other local nicknames for the plant include tissue paper tree, referring to its thin petals. The tree is also known as ip rosa in South American countries. Tabebuia requires a distinct dry season in order to burst into bloom. In FRIM the large tree in front of FRIMs main administrative building (D2) is flowering during the last week of May. In FRIM there is also a Tabebuia ochracea tree near building D3. The tree bloomed its yellow flowers during the last week of January 2012.

Kasai or Pometia pinnata is also known as matoa in Indonesia and tava in Samoa. Kasai is a large forest tree that can grow up to 18 meters with diameter up to 100 centimeters depending on the environment it grows in. Kasai thrives well on dryland and its natural distribution is in South East Asia and the Pacific Islands. Kasai has a beautiful form and looks very attractive for its wavy leaves with clear venations. The trees pretty bright red shoots can enhance the landscape of any area. Today, Kasai is often planted as a shady ornamental tree species in cities and recreational parks, as well as alongside roads and highways. Kasai fruit is commonly eaten and is categorized as a rare fruit. The fruits are small, oblong and around 3 to 4 cm long. When young, the fruits are light green and come in stalked bunches much like the longans. Kasai fruit will change its color to reddish brown and eventually to dark red when fully ripe. The fruit skin is quite fragile and easily broken when bitten. The fruit flesh is very thin and transparent, white in color, almost like the longans. It tastes very sweet, but not easily separated from the seed. Kasai fruit can be also be cooked in sweet sauce (pengat), eaten with bread or glutinous rice. In the olden days, kasai bark was very useful in preserving fishing nets. The nets are dipped and soaked in a solution of dried bark to prevent deterioration. In those days, fishing nets were made from cotton rope unlike the nylon used today. Pometia pinnata belongs to the family Sapindaceae, like the longans, litchi and rambutan. At FRIM, it can be found in Taman Warisan (by the road side before turning into FRIMs main entrance). Many trees can also be found at Kepong Botanic Gardens. Kasai can also be seen as one walks along the Rover Track.
The Rufous-collared Kingfisher is a nearly threatened (NT) species that can be found in FRIM. If you tread slowly into our nature trails, this vibrant and attractively coloured bird can possibly be seen, especially near Kem Perah and the Rover Track, areas which are adjacent to Bukit Lagong Forest Reserve. The Rufous-collared Kingfisher (Actenoides concretus) is a species of bird in the Alcedinidae family. It is widely distributed and can be found in Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia, Myanmar, Singapore, and Thailand. Kingfishers occupy a wide range of habitats, however, this Rufous-collared Kingfisher prefer to stay inside forest areas, close to water bodies or streams. Its survival is threatened by deforestation and habitat loss. Kingfishers are highly territorial birds, and they will locate a prime area based on food sources, desirable perching trees and safe roosting sites. As good as its name, this well known fish hunter also feed on various arthropods such as insects and large scorpions, snails, small snakes, and lizards. They will hunt their prey by diving from a low perch to snatch the prey off the water surface or off the ground.

Lagerstroemia floribunda originates from tropical Southeast Asia. It is a member of the Lythraceae family, which also includes henna and pomegranate. The genus is named after the Swedish botanist Magnus von Lagerstroem (1691-1759). Their delicate flowers are hermaphrodite (having both male and female organs), middle-sized, white, purple or lavender, up to 7.5 cm wide and have five petals that appear crumpled like crepe paper, giving rise to the common name crape myrtle or crepe myrtle. The leaves of bungor are oblong, up to 30 cm long and 13 cm wide and are quite leathery. The fruit is a capsule, which is dry at maturity and splits open to release the winged seeds. When grown as trees, it can grow up to 15 m tall. Close

relatives of this species, Lagerstromia speciosa and and L. langkawiensis can also be found at FRIM. Lagerstroemia speciosa leaves are utilized in the Philippines as a folk medicine for the treatment of diabetes and kidney diseases. In laboratory experiments leaf extracts are reported to stimulate glucose uptake in a dose-dependent manner in similar ways to insulin. A tea produced from the leaves of L. speciosa is currently available. The wood is resistant to waterlogging and therefore is valuable for the construction of boats, shipbuilding, furniture and construction industry. There are many cultivars of Lagestromia speciosa planted on roadsides, in office compounds, public parks and gardens. In FRIM, you can see this tree with its reddish leaves in front of the auditorium (Building E1). L. floribunda can be seen in Kepong Botanic Garden and L. langkawiensis can be observed near Building D4, FRIM.
Bamboo is a group of a true grass from the family Poaceae and subfamily of Bambusoideae. The Dendrocalamus giganteus found in FRIM is one of the tallest bamboo species in the world. The bamboo is known as Giant Bamboo or Dragon Bamboo. This clumping giant is native to Myanmar, Bhutan, China and Thailand. Bamboo is one of the fastest growing plants in the world due to its unique rhizome system. The giant bamboo can reach up to 30 meters tall with diameters of 15-30 cm. Its leaves can grow almost 61 cm long and 10 cm wide. Most bamboo flowers infrequently, and it has been reported that flowering cycle for this giant bamboo and seed-setting can be at every 29, 40 and 43 years interval. Phenological studies conducted at various places in Asia could not conclude the precise interval period for the giant bamboo to flower, thus the exact interval is believed to vary due to growing conditions. It was also observed that the clump that has undergo flowering did not always die as in other types of bamboos. Dendrocalamus giganteus is very useful for construction, boat mast, bamboo house, water pipes, furniture, paper production and various other uses. While young shoots are used as a vegetable source, the culm sheaths are used to make hats. Giant Bamboo occurs naturally in humid tropical highlands or hill slopes, usually up to 1,200 m altitude. It can also be grown successfully in the lowlands on rich loam alluvial soils where humidity is high. In FRIM, this giant bamboo can be seen near the Keruing Trail entrance, in front of Building D4. The bamboo last flowering seasons was recorded in 1953, 1991 and currently it is flowering again.

Bidara emping or scientifically known as Arytera littoralis is a small evergreen tree that can reach up to 10 m tall, rarely to 13 meter tall. This shady tree with a rounded crown is often used as an ornamental plant in public parks, recreation areas and parking lots. The natural distribution of Arytera littoralis is the primary and secondary forests of Malaysia and Singapore. This is a very attractive tree with its purplish gray young leaves and white flowers that grow in clusters at the end of the twigs. At FRIM, this tree can be found along the roadside near FRIMs museum (Building D1) and at Perah Camp Site. Currently, these trees are heavily fruiting. The small fruits are orange when young and dark red when mature. Arytera littoralis belongs to the family Sapindaceae and its conservation status is Lower Risk/Least Concern.

Polyalthia stenopetala (Annonaceae) is a shrub or small slender tree up to 10 m tall. This is a lowland forest species, common throughout Peninsular Malaysia except Perlis and Pulau Pinang. The inner bark is usually brownish with pale streaks or wedges, with ginger-like smell. The flowers grow out of the main trunk, a term known as cauliflory, salmon pink with narrow linear petals hanging down. Fruits are glossy deep red with one seed, flattened and squarish which will turn black upon maturity. Polyalthia stenopetala is known locally as jambul cicit. This species can stand full sun with green mature foliage and prominent red young leaf flushes making it suitable for urban site planting. This amazing looking tree can be seen at Kepong Botanic Garden, FRIM.

The Crested Serpent Eagle or Spilornis cheela, is named after its dietary habit of feeding on crawling animals, rodents, reptiles and other small birds. The word serpent was derived from a Latin word meaning snakes or crawling animals. This raptor is locally known as lang kuik and its size can be up to 74 cm. Spilornis cheela belongs to the family Accipitridae. Hunting for snakes can be dangerous, but for this fierce and yellow faced raptor, its legs are installed with armor-like scale to protect it against snake bites. This bird usually hunts from a high perch at the edges of clearings, open forests and on wet grassland areas. However, interestingly at FRIM, it is possible to see it walking on the ground searching for food. For a closer look, you can try looking for it on the lamp posts and low branches at the roadside of Jalan Jelutong. It can also be seen near Herbarium building (B8), Bukit Bujang and Bukit Lagong area. Usually at noon, this raptor will be hovering and soaring up in the air above FRIMs forest while rising on thermal. It will usually utter a shrill whistle iluii..kii-kii-kii-kiiluii, sounding much like a bicycle pump. This big bird will become very noisy when alarmed and will raise its crest. The crested serpent eagle is usually a lone-ranger but sometimes can be seen in pairs, when they will stay and hunt together all year round. This raptor can be found in all kind of forests, mangroves and shrubs up to 1900 m a.s.l. The conservation status for this raptor is classified as Least Concerned based on IUCN Red List. If the angsana were famed for its carpet of yellow, a flowering jelutong Dyera costulata offers a carpet of white. The ground underneath the jelutong seemed to be blanketed by snow from the small white fragrant flowers littering the ground, giving a surreal winter look to the scene. The fallen flowers will not last long on the forest floor and therefore are less often seen. In Malaysia most trees flower in August to October but in FRIM, it is flowering now. Flowers are small (about 2 mm) and are nocturnal, opening between 57pm and fall off the next morning at about 57am. Flowering lasts for about 10 days before the new shoots start growing. Young fruits are detected after 2 to 3 months. Lucky nature photographers and nature lovers may have had the opportunity to witness this fleeting natural wonder when they walked along FRIMs Jalan Jelutong earlier this week. The pristine white `snow has now turned golden brown. The tongkat ali (literally translated as Alis root) herbal drink is a common house beverage for Malaysians from all walks of life. However, not many people have seen a living tongkat ali tree.

Its scientific name Eurycoma longifolia (family Simaroubaceae) explains a little about the characteristic of this plant. In its original root words in Greek, eurys means broad while come means a tufted bush, so the combination word Eurycoma refers to growth habit of its compound leaves that spirals out at the the tip of its slender trunk in a large dense rosette. In Latin, Longus means long and Folia refers to the leaves, so its specific epithet Longifolia tells about its compound leaflets that are long and slender, often reaching 20 cm in length. Tongkat ali has a fairly wide distribution in Southeast Asia, and could be found from southern Myanmar in the west to the Philippines in the East, Indochina in the north and Sumatra, Peninsular Malaysia and Borneo in the south. In Malaysia, tongkat ali is a relatively common tree let of the sub-canopy layer, from coastal forest on sandy substrate to upper hill Dipterocarp forest at about 1,000 m. The fruits of tongkat ali contains a pulpy layer favored by wild birds that play an important role in its seed dispersal. tongkat ali produces a fairly large and attractive inflorescence (flower cluster), with dark reddish, hairy petals.
The fruits of limpatu or Prainea limpato var. longipedunculata are simply irresistible to some fauna as they are sweet and aromatic, smelling almost like banana when ripe. The limpatu tree near the parking lot of D4 building is frequently visited by squirrels which eat the fruits leaving very few intact bunches on the tree since it started fruiting in early June 2012. Limpatu is a member of the Moracae family. The species can be found in Peninsular Malaysia and Borneo and is known as buah kesusu or buruni in Borneo. The green limpatu fruits will turn to bright orange when ripe. However, hardly any ripe fruits can be seen on the tree as the squirrels feed on the fruits even when green. The edible small pear shaped fruits (approximately 2 2.5 cm long) are borne in clusters at the end of a long peduncle which can reach up to 25 cm, hence the name of the variety. Limpatu is a sub-canopy tree which can grow up to 29 m. This Couroupita guianensis tree has rather unusual inflorescences, they grow directly out of the main trunk, a condition termed as cauliflory. The large fleshy flowers would last for weeks and exude a strong fragrance that attracts insects for pollination. The cannon-ball tree can grow up to 20 m tall. The species is deciduous and will shed all of its leaves during the dry season. The fruits are huge, brown in colour resembling cannon balls, hence its name. Within the fruit are many small seeds. The cannon-ball tree is a native of South America. It is often planted in tropical botanic gardens. The cannon-ball tree flowers throughout the year. The tree with its glamorous flowers can be seen in front of B2 building.

Legend has it that Parameswara was resting under a Melaka tree when he saw a mousedeer kick his hunting dogs. Honouring the brave mousedeer he chose to build a new settlement at the site and named the area Melaka that became a state in Malaysia. Melaka tree is also known as Indian gooseberry tree and scientifically known as Phyllanthus emblica. The fruit of the Melaka tree has a sweet and astringent taste and has been used extensively in Ayurvedic medicinal treatments. Scientific research on Melaka fruit or Indian gooseberry has found that it has antiviral and antimicrobial properties. It has also been shown that Melaka fruits has the ability to reduce blood cholesterol levels and decrease blood glucose.

In January 2012 the Melaka tree in FRIM shed its leaves to almost bare but today visitors to FRIM have the chance to see green and fruiting Melaka trees at the Fruit Tree Arboretum at the right of the guard house at FRIMs entrance and on the slope at the right of Melaka traditional house. The trees have been fruiting since the middle of May 2012. Melaka trees have also been extensively planted by the city of its namesake, along the riverbanks of Bandar Hilir, Melaka.
We are at the beginning of the fungal fruiting season in FRIM. Usually every year, from the end of February to March and from August to September, fungal sporocarps or mushrooms fruit in FRIMs grounds. It is July now, and rather early for the mushroom season but look down on the forest floor, and you will see various species of mushrooms starting to appear. They can be found along the trails and sides of the main roads. Sometimes we can find them under the leaf litter and growing on old stumps. The fleshy mushrooms lifespan is very short, about 2-5 days, while those growing on wood can live much longer. Most fungi are inconspicuous because of their tiny size and dull colour but there are some with bright and brilliant colours too. There are more than 4000 species of fungi in Malaysia and 160 species have been recorded in FRIM. The humid forest conditions and habitats in FRIM are very suitable for fungi. While some of the fungi may be edible, there are many that are poisonous too. Therefore, do not to simply pick up any mushrooms for consumption unless you are absolutely sure of its identity or it has been identified by a mushroom expert.

Syzygium zeylanicum or formerly known as Eugenia spicata belongs to the family Myrtaceae, the sea apples, and is locally known as kelat nenasi or gelam tikus. This species can often be found in secondary forests, coastal areas, along riverbanks and rarely in montane forests. Syzygium zeylanicum is a shrubby tree and rarely grows more than 18 m tall. When the tree blooms, it produces white flowers and fruits, giving the tree a snowy effect. The tree has a neat crown and reddish-brown bark, attractive as an ornamental tree thus commonly cultivated along roadsides. The fruits are small white berries with sweet pulp, eaten by birds, squirrels, other fruit-eating animals as well as humans. While the buds open, we can see the flowers surrounded by many kinds of nectivorous insects. Light green fresh leaves will be flushed soon after the fruiting ends. At FRIM, the tree can be found in Kepong Botanic Garden. Besides for its beauty, the tree also benefit humans for its economic value. The reddish brown bark is used for fuel and in boat building while the leaves and roots are used in traditional medicine. The tree is common and widely distributed in Malaysia, Sumatra, India, China, Myanmar, Thailand and Singapore.
Alphonsea maingayi is a member of Annonaceae. This species is endemic to Peninsular Malaysia with known localities in Perak, Negeri Sembilan and Pahang southwards. Locally, the species might be known as pisang-pisang batu, pepisang bukit, mengkudang or terbak. This species is a tree of moderate size with black bark and spreading branches. The crushed twigs and cut bark produce strong cucumber smell. It has been observed that three of the trees near the entrance of FRIM began flowering from December 2011 to January 2012 and the fruits starts appearing in February. A sight to see up close, the ripen yellow fruits are edible with sweet and sour taste. This tree is also attractive for landscaping.

Perupok or scientifically known as Lepisanthes alata is a medium-sized shady tree that can grow up to 10 meters. This species originated from South East Asia and is often used as ornamental plants in garden landscapes. Perupok is widely distributed in Peninsular Malaysia, Java, Borneo and the Philippines. Perupok is also commonly known as pokok johor or Terengganu cherry. In Java, this tree is known as belimbing cina. Perupok is a very attractive tree with its young leaves or shoots of pale purple as well as purple flowers. The mature leaves of perupok are green with 8 to 12 leaflets, with inflorescences up to 55 cm long. Perupok is not very commonly cultivated thus it can be categorized as a rare fruit tree. The flowers and fruits do not have specific seasons but can occur throughout the year. The fruit is a globose berry, arranged closely and attractively in big bunches formed by clusters containing about 20 fruits per cluster, 2cm to 3cm diameter, deep red, shiny, with a pointed tip. The flesh of the fruit tastes sweet but a little tart with 1 to 3 seeds in a fruit. Although perupok tree bears edible fruits which are also offered for sale, it is more often planted for ornamental purposes. As the fruits of perupok are eaten by birds, it can be planted to attract birds to frequent our gardens. Lepisanthes alata belongs to the Sapindaceae family but its conservation status has not been reviewed. In FRIM, this tree can be found next to the Terengganu House, the Fruit Arboretum, Kepong Botanical Gardens and near Building D13 (Urban Forestry). Shorea singkawang or locally known as meranti sengkawang merah belongs to the Red Meranti Group of Dipterocarpaceae. This species can be found in Peninsular Thailand, Peninsular Malaysia and Sumatra. In Peninsular Malaysia, the habitat of this species include lowland dipterocarp forests and damp soil near streams, often on well-drained, undulating land up to 400 m altitude. Germination of this species in FRIM began in 1927. The first fruit setting record for the cultivated tree in FRIM was in January 1939. In Sumatra, this species is one of the important sources of illipe nuts, which yields fat similar to cocoa butter, like the engkabang, Shorea macrophylla. This species is considered Critically Endangered by IUCN (2010). A fruiting tree can be seen along Jalan Jelutong, FRIM.

Peltophorum pterocarpum or commonly known as the yellow flame tree has a wide distribution centred in tropical South East Asia, from Sri Lanka in the west, Indochina in the north, throughout Malesia to northern Australia in the south. Originally, it is a tree of the sandy and rocky shores and occasionally limestone plateau of Malaysia, as indicated by its common names in Malay, batai laut or jemerlang laut. Being a native tree of the open country, Peltophorum pterocarpum is known for its ability to overcome lalang, is fairly wind-firm, is not attacked by boring beetles and can regenerate from cuttings. Now, it has become a common wayside tree, planted extensively inland to adorn our gardens, parks and roadsides in Malaysia. Peltophorum pterocarpum has many other common names, e.g. copperpod, golden flamboyant, yellow flamboyant, yellow poinciana, kupang (Bornean), soga (Indonesian) and perunkonrai (Tamil), and others. It is a small to medium sized tree that can reach a height of 15 to 25 m or even taller, with a trunk diameter up to 1 m. The crown is domed shaped with the foliage mostly at the outer face, resembling a gigantic cauliflower-like umbrella, providing ample shade. The compound, bipinnate leaves are relatively large, reaching 30-60 cm long each. However, the oval leaflets are only about 8-25 mm long and 4-10 mm broad, giving the tree crown a feathery look.

From some of its common names, we can guess that its yellow flowers is the most attractive element of the tree, of which contributed to it being a favorite ornamental tree in the tropics. Besides, the roots are noted to grow deep in the soil and are seldom destructive to pavements. The tree was reported to be able to start flowering about four years after planting. Each individual yellow flower is only about 2.5-4 cm across, but the inflorescence is a large compound raceme up to 20 cm long, usually held atop a dense, deep green crown. The fruit is a pod 5-10 cm long and 2.5 cm broad, purplish at first, then ripening dark brownish. Although not as striking as the golden yellow flowers that seem to set the tree crown aflame, the fruits that denote another of its common name, copperpod, are no less conspicuous. The wood is durable if sheltered from the weather and has a wide variety of uses, including for cabinet-making. The foliage is used as a fodder crop, while the bark produces a yellow-brown dye. In Java, it is known as kayu timor and used in traditional medicine. However, its many usages are seldom practiced in Peninsular Malaysia. At FRIM, fruiting jemerlang trees can be seen in front of the primary school, SK Kepong and near Nature Education Centre, Jalan Bukit Watson. Flowering trees can be sighted along roadsides in many cities in Malaysia, such as along Kepong-Sg Buloh main road.
Saraca cauliflora or Gapis at FRIM has been blooming during the last week of January 2012. The flowers are usually expected to last two or three weeks. Locally known as Gapis, Saraca cauliflora is also known as ashoka tree, yellow saraca, ghandhapushpa or sorrowless tree. Saraca belongs to the family Caesalpinioideae. It is distributed within South East Asia and highly valued as a medicinal tree. In Malaysia, the tree can often be found naturally on riverbanks, such as by the rivers of recreation forests. Due to its pretty flowering nature, the tree is widely used for ornamental planting. In FRIM, two trees can be seen in the compound of the primary school where it was planted as ornamental trees, one at a stage of blooming flowers and another is still at the budding flower stage. Bright and fragrant Gapis can be seen near Sg Kroh tributary alongside Jalan Jelutong, growing wildly. For visitors to FRIMs canopy walkway, beautiful flowering Gapis trees can be seen along the journey. Four trees along the Rover Track, five trees along the Canopy trail and three can be sighted from the walkway.

Pterocarpus indicus is a native species belonging to the Fabaceae family. Locally known as angsana or simply sena, it is an excellent roadside trees planted particularly for its shade. Among the first species to be introduced for ornamental and urban planting in the late 1800s, Sena is still a popular tree planted along roadsides, parks and open spaces, today. Sena was first planted in FRIM campus as nurse trees to provide shade to timber tree seedlings in 1927. There are now a few remnants left from this planting effort. Sena is a fast growing trees and is easily transplanted. Its flowers are very conspicuous especially when it blooms simultaneously, covering the entire crown. The scenic beauty of its bright yellow flowers amidst its green leaves and subsequently the layer of yellow flowers carpeting the earth beneath the tree is a sight to behold. Sena also yields a beautiful red, scented wood that can make fine furniture. In 2013, the angsana tree flowered on 15 March. Once again yellow flowers adorned FRIMs main pond area.

Firmiana malayana or mata lembu can be found along riverbanks and open forests in Peninsular Malaysia, from Gemas northward, and occasionally planted in populated areas. This deciduous tree can grow up to 20 meters. The bark is silvery grey while the leaves are broad and softly hairy on the undersides. Flowers of the mata lembu are vivid orange, on tassels up to 12 cm long. Firmiana malayana will shed its leaves after a dry period and remains bare for six to eight weeks. At the same time the flowers would develop and turn into fruits in another four to five weeks before new leaves appear. Trees with attractive flowers lure birds to feed on the nectar, thus acting as pollinators. The tree, barren of leaves and full of the vivid orange flowers or the boat-shaped fruits, makes a spectacular sight. This tree can be seen in front of FRIMs Human Resource office (Building B1). Firmiana malayana belongs to the family Malvaceae. Its conservation status has not been reviewed. Shorea macrophylla is a North Bornean dipterocarp species which is locally known as Kawang, Engkabang Jantong, Kawang Jantong and Tengkawang Hantelok. This is a medium sized to large tree with a known record of 5 m tall and 4m girth in Brunei. The wood is one of the lightest in the Red Meranti group. S. macrophylla is one of four known species of the Red Meranti bearing illipe nuts; which yields fat similar to cocoa butter. This lowland tree is one of the fastest growing species of the genus. It is found frequently along rivers and in areas which are periodically inundated. The conservation status is Vulnerable. You may want to hurry if you want to see the fallen fruits yourself at FRIMs Engkabang trail as animals are making a feast of them.