Dipterocarps are a remarkable family of tropical hardwood trees known for their towering heights.
- Sat, 25 Jan 2025 - Thu, 27 Nov 2025
- 09:00AM - 06:00PM
- Centre For Ethnobotany, Singapore Botanic Gardens
- Venue: Level 2, Centre for Ethnobotany (Ethnobotany Garden)
- Nearest Entrance: Bukit Timah Gate (Botanic Gardens MRT)
- Date: Now to 27 Nov 2025
- Time: 9am – 6pm
- Closed every last Wednesday of the Month
- Admission is free
These trees, found predominantly in Southeast Asia, are not only ecologically important but also serve as a traditional and economic resource. The family name Dipterocarpaceae derives from the Greek words “di” (two), “ptero” (wing), and “carpos” (fruit), referring to the distinctive two-winged fruits that many species develop. These fruits play a crucial role in seed dispersal, with some species relying on wind, while others are dispersed by gravity, water, or even animals like macaques and wild boars.
Dipterocarps have long been valued by local communities for their versatile uses. Their resin (damar) serves various purposes ranging from torches to boat waterproofing and traditional medicine. Their significance extends into the timber they produce, such as balau and chengal, as well as in modern applications, such as in perfumes.
The Singapore Botanic Gardens' Rain Forest is one of the oldest remnants of primary rain forests in Singapore. Spanning 6.2 hectares, it is home to over 300 species of plants, including majestic, mature dipterocarps. This rain forest is part of the original lowland dipterocarp forest that once covered much of the island, a natural heritage preserved by successive directors of the Gardens . The OCBC Arboretum in the Singapore Botanic Gardens, managed by NParks, is Southeast Asia’s first high-tech conservation initiative for dipterocarps. The Arboretum houses 200 species of dipterocarps and employs an Internet of Things (IoT) system to remotely and continuously monitor tree growth and environmental conditions.
This exhibition invites you to explore the rich history, ecological importance, and versatile uses of dipterocarps. Join us to uncover the stories of these forest giants and their lasting impact on our environment and heritage.
For queries, please contact: NParks_SBG_Events@nparks.gov.sg
Image Credit: Singapore Botanic Gardens
When
3 February - 27 November, time: 09:00-18:00.
Age
0+
Price
Free
Telephone number
+65 6471 7138
+65 6471 7361
+65 6471 9937
Links
Address
Singapore1 Cluny Road, Singapore 259569
How to get there?
By bus alighting at Napier/Holland Road (Tanglin Gate)
- SBS Transit 7, 105, 123, 174,174e
- SMRT 75, 77, 106, NR8
- Nearest MRT Station : Orchard MRT (North-South Line) and a 5-min bus ride to Tanglin Gate
By bus alighting at Bukit Timah/Dunearn Road (Bukit Timah Gate or Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden)
- SBS Transit 48, 66, 151, 153, 154, 156, 170
- SMRT 67, 171
- Nearest MRT Station : Botanic Gardens MRT Station (Circle Line & Downtown Line)
By Taxi
There are taxi drop-off/pick-up points at the following major entrances:
- Botany Centre, Tanglin Gate (via junction of Holland/Napier Road)