Andrographis paniculata (穿心莲 , 苦草)

 

The Chinese name of this herb literally means "Bitter Grass" and it is so bitter that it goes right through your heart.  

It's a common plant in Singapore and many grow it as a potted plant.  The leaves are extremely bitter and if you chew on a leaf the bitterness stays in your mouth for a long long time ( 1 hour?).  The entire plant can be uprooted, washed then dried in the sun for a few days until it becomes almost brittle.  After which it can be ground to a powder (together with the roots) to be used when you need to cure your sore throat.  

Location : Near the Helicopter ( Aerospace Hub) 

Cissus hastata ( 四方藤）

This very interesting vine produces bright red tendrils which it uses to hold on to other plants in order to climb up in search of sun light.

It has medicinal properties and which includes treatment for abdominal ailments as well as cough.

Thai migrant workers would use its leaves as a wrap for grilled or bbq fish meat. The leaves have a lemony acidic taste so the entire wrapped parcel of hot fish meat tastes excellent when dipped in a special chilli-salt paste prepared by the workers.

Location: Block 58 level 2 open planted area.

Magnolia champaca

The highly fragrant yellow flowers of Magnolia champaca greets all who walks under them with the scent of a thousand jasmine flowers. 

The flowers remain fresh for a few hours after bring removed and stays fragrant throughout the day.  Thus making them a favourite candidate for garlands. 

Medicinal uses:

The bark can be used as a febrifuge (fever reducer) and in decoctions for postpartum recovery

Flowers and budd are used for healing of wounds and nflammation as well as for treating leprosy, gout, vertigo, and chronic gastritis.

Leaves can be brewed into tea for coughs, bronchitis, and sore throats.

The root extract can be used as a purgative, emmenagogue, and to heal cracks in the feet.

This tree has its canopy just above level 2 of block 56 ( the Convention Centre is in the background). Another cluster of these trees can be found at level 2 of block 58. 

Kopsia arborea (蕊木)

The beautiful white flowers of Kopsia arborea be seen when you walk from block 56 towards the Food Club canteen. They are arranged in a corolla fashion forming almost a big ball of white flowers.  The tree has dark green leaves and grows to more than 10 feet tall.  The fruits resemble Asian Olives and turns black when ripe. Both dried leaves and fruits are used in TCM to treat sore throat and tonsillitis.