An Observation of Trees along Sungai Pantai
by Benjamin Ong
While walking around Padang Varsiti, I noticed some of the trees lining Sungai Pantai, downstream from Tasek Varsiti. These are Syzygium campanulatum (commonly recognised by reddish juvenile leaves) which, according to botanist Dr Sugumaran of Rimba Ilmu, is an ideal understorey (mid-range height) tree for planting in public areas. While it is common around campus, it is not properly utilised in terms of distribution. At the moment, the tree is planted in a rather linear, avenue style, or else scattered—neither of these reflect the simulation of a proper forest canopy.
But what was more fascinating are the two Saraca cauliflora trees just by the river. On the Padang Varsiti side, they have grown much larger than the Saraca trees at Tasek Varsiti. Whether this has to do with flowing (lotic) water versus still (lentic) water, we don't know.
To give an indication of size, this is how massive the tree is, with a human for scale.
Of course, Rimba Ilmu has many more of these, and they grow much larger there, too. The Saraca cauliflora can grow up to 7 metres and more in height. It's the hope of both Water Warriors and RIMBA to see Sungai Pantai revitalised and remodelled to look more like a true river than a drain. There is also a need to choose our plants carefully so that we match riverine species with riverine habitats.
This is a scene from the Gombak River near UM's Pusat Pengajian Luar (PPL) Gombak. In the Malaysian wild, Saraca cauliflora grows to massive heights, offering an impressive canopy over rivers and providing the ideal microclimate for the flourishing of riverine organisms.
It would be nice to see UM become a truly lush and green place one day.
Benjamin Ong is a lay ecologist, educator and now coordinator of UMCares' The RIMBA Project. Passionate about Malaysia's cultural and natural heritage, he is on a mission to photograph UM's grand trees using film, which he believes to be the best medium able to render their majesty. He can be reached at benjamin@dimanajua.com.
