Wayside Flowers of Singapore

Singapore has numerous wild plants that grow and flower freely in our city-state, adding colour and beauty to even the most urban and drab of areas. Yet, all too often, we walk past these common flowering plants without noticing them. And when we do, we are able to name only one or two—perhaps the common touch-me-not, or the morning glory. Here, then, is an easy-to-use guide to help the general public fully appreciate and put a name to the many wayside flowers of Singapore. This book is in full colour, with excellent close-up photography for each flower, showing each species in close detail, so that its parts can be clearly seen. The book also shows the plant in its typical natural environment, be it up a wall or in a drain. The flowers have been grouped by their predominant colour—blue, green, orange, pink, purple, white or yellow—making it easy for the user to locate the flower in the book. Other 160 species are covered. Both common and scientific names are given, and where applicable, the local (e.g., Malay or Chinese) name. Distinctive features of each plant or flower are described in clear and easy-to-understand terms. Text may include interesting nuggets of information such as a plant's traditional uses or how it got its name. With an introduction by Dr Wilson Wong, Deputy Director (Horticulture) & Curator (Palms, Shrubs & Ornamentals) at the Singapore Botanic Gardens, National Parks Board, and a long-time contributor to The Straits Times' weekly gardening column Root Awakenings. Foreword by Professor Jean Yong, Professor of Horticulture at Sveriges lantbruksuniversitet (SLU, Swedish Agricultural University). About the authors Kaw Jon Boon was trained in graphic design and has a passion for capturing intimate images of nature through photography. Louise Neo conducts botanical research at the National University and has authored scientific publications on local flora.