Tree Mapping is a novel initiative by UMCares in collaboration with two lecturers (Dr Khadijah and Dr Jean) from UPM. This initiative aims to identify the tree's species and location followed by plotting it on an open-sourced website called peripcorpsis.org. This website serves as a platform for everyone to get access to the data, learn about the tree and probably plant it at your home once you know where to get the seed!
For example, look at the plant below. Its called Dipterocarp (genus name), while its common name is Pokok Kapur. It is an endangered tree that needs urgent action to propagate it to our vicinity. We are lucky to have this tree growing strong in few spots around UM.
This tree is found along the pedestrian walk towards Faculty of Language and Linguistic. Specifically speaking, this Dipterocarp is growing healthily outside Geology Department. If you are observant enough, you'll get to spot its seed which comes with 5 petals, looking like a flower, shuttlecock or probably like our Chinese traditional game - featherball aka jian zi - as you walk.
Back to my experience joining the team again on their effort, I have come to realize that the Malay saying on "tak kenal, maka tak cinta" is so true! Getting to know the names of the trees around you is as important as knowing your neighbourhood.
This is my favourite tree in UM. Located outside of our Main Library, this decades old tree provides undivided love and protection to the tiny little ones under its widespread arms. Every single individual walking under its shade would certainly thankful.
However, do you know that this humungous tree is actually made up of a single tree called Delonix (a legume tree) dominated by hundreds of fig tree? Basically, it is the bird that has done a remarkable job in spreading the fig tree's seeds. Bird feed on fig tree's fruit and as it perched on the legume tree, its dropping which carries the seeds help germinate the tree around the legume tree.
The whole afternoon was spent fruitfully mapping trees around main library and varsity lake. Deftly done, Dr Khadijah are being able to identify most of the trees by species name! That, etched a sense of reverence in me.
How amazing
is that to see three different species of plant living in harmony on a tree
bark: duit-duit (tiny, green, round leaf), lichen (white spot) and moss (green
patch).
Spotted a
tiny little butterfly resting vertically on a leaf, unfazed by my close up
shoot!
Another close-up discovery: some sort of eggs dangling under the leaf.
I always love how a tree branch out horizontally. Provides an expansive shade isn't it!
This is one of the trees that I find most interesting because it has a very unique leaves that shaped like fish tail!
The next time you are stepping on grass, watch out for the small little fan-shaped leaves trying to be more stood out in the sea of green. This small little one is not grass but germination from another parent tree.
Ah! Found a young Cycas in library area! The reason why I reacted this way is because Cycas is a rare species for it is currently an endangered species; a treasure yearned by illegal trader for its unique tree bark. A good zoom onto it will reveal what look like a snake skin.
Ever wonder
what tree that is standing tall at the entrance of Faculty of Arts and Social
Science? Its Pines! If you remember your biology, Pines is a type of conifer
tree in which it has special adaptation to prevent water loss. Note that the
conifer trees here grow in “U” shape where the they branch into two. In a way,
they shape like a traditional sound tuner.
Besides, to
identify whether or not this is a conifer tree, look for its cones on the
ground! The large one represents female while the small one is the male seed.
UM is a
good venue for bird watching for its diverse plant species has attracted
numerous beautiful and interesting birds. The bird shown here is actually a
white-breast blue bird.
Wonder what are they looking at?
Its petai tree!!! Never know that we have one in UM. Located near the car park area beside the pedestrian walk heading to Geology Department, the petai is not as visible as expected as the tree is way too tall for us to spot one.
