Myristica fragrans: Nutmeg

The nutmeg tree is any of several species of trees in genus Myristica. The most important commercial species is Myristica fragrans, an evergreen tree indigenous to the Banda Islands in the Moluccas [Spice Islands] of Indonesia. The nutmeg tree is important for two spices derived from the fruit: nutmeg and mace.

In Sulawesi the entire ripe fruit is peeled and split into two and fruit halves [after the mace and nutmeg are removed] are spread out, sprinkled with sugar, and left for three or four days in the sun. After this treatment they have become translucent, with a pale brown tinge from the sugar, and are slightly fermented. They can be eaten as they are, as a snack food or at the end of a meal.

Photo: SBWR, SIngapore 20100508

Source: Wikipedia

Mussaenda philippica: White Mussaenda

Mussaenda philippica also known as White Mussaenda, Tropical Dogwood, Virgin Tree, Buddah’s Lamp, is a shrub or small tree, 3-5 m tall, and more or less hairy, or nearly smooth. Member of family Rubiaceae [Coffee family] cultivated as garden ornament. The leaves are dark green 6-14 cm in length, pointed at both ends, and furnished with stipules about 4 mm long.

The flowers are borne in small numbers in terminal, hairy cymes. They are yellow, hairy, about 2 cm long and enlarged upward. The sepal cup is about 7 mm long. The 4-8 cm long white bracts are more ’showy‘ than the flowers. White Mussaenda is native to Southeast Asia.

Note:

Cyme: an arrangement of flowers in a plant inflorescence

Photo: HortPark, Singapore 20120526

Musa laterita: Bronze Banana

Photo: Hortpark, Singapore 20120526

Source: Wikipedia

Musa laterita is an Asian tropical ornamental species of plant in the banana family native to the Indian Subcontinent [northeastern India] and Indo-China [Myanmar and Thailand].

Ploceus philippinus: Baya Weaver

The Baya Weaver [Ploceus philippinus] is a weaverbird found across South and Southeast Asia. Flocks of these birds are found in grasslands, cultivated areas, scrub and secondary growth and they are best known for their elaborately woven nests. These nest colonies are usually found on thorny trees or palm fronds and the nests are often built near water or hanging over water where predators cannot reach easily.

These are sparrow-sized, 15 cm/6 inches and in their non-breeding plumage, both males and females resemble female house sparrows. They have a stout conical bill and a short square tail.

Among the population variations, three subspecies are recognized: subspecies philippinus is found through much of mainland India, subspecies burmanicus is found eastwards into Southeast Asia, subspecies travancoreensis is the population in southwest India.

Photo: JBP, Singapore 20120529

Source: Wikipedia

Heliconia caribaea ‘Purpurea’ : Large Heliconia

‘Purpurea’, also known as Heliconia caribaea ‘Red’, is the red form of Heliconia caribaea. Bracts are bright red with a thin yellow lip. The plant is vigorous, erect and clumping, from 8-10 feet tall. Heliconia caribaea ‘Purpurea’ can grow in partial shade to full sun.

Heliconia caribaea syn. Heliconia bihai 

Photo: JBP, Singapore 20120529

Source: Wikipedia

Halcyon smyrnensis: White-throated Kingfisher

The White-throated Kingfisher [Halcyon smyrnensis] also known as the White-breasted Kingfisher or Smyrna Kingfisher, is a tree kingfisher, widely distributed in Eurasia from Bulgaria, Turkey, east through Southeast Asia. It can often be found well away from water where it feeds on a wide range of prey that includes small reptiles, amphibians, crabs, small rodents and even birds. During the breeding season they call loudly in the mornings from prominent perches including the tops of buildings in urban areas or on wires.

This is a large kingfisher, 28 cm in length. The adult has a bright blue back, wings and tail. Its head, shoulders, flanks and lower belly are chestnut, and the throat and breast are white. The large bill and legs are bright red.

Photo: JBP, Singapore 20120529

Source: Wikipedia

Attacus atlas: Atlas Moth

The Atlas moth [Attacus atlas] is a large saturniid moth found in the tropical and subtropical forests of Southeast Asia. Atlas moths are considered the largest moths in the world with wingspan reaching over 25 cm [10 in]. Females are appreciably larger and heavier.

Atlas moths are said to be named after either the Titan of Greek mythology, or their map-like wing patterns. Atlas moths are predominantly tawny to maroon in color with roughly triangular, diaphanous [transparent] “eyes” on both forewing and hindwing, bordered in black.

Mating couple.

Male [left] Atlas moths are distinguished from females by their smaller size.

Photo: Penang Butterfly Farm, 20010601

Source: Wikipedia

Aplonis panayensis: Asian Glossy Starling

Aplonis panayensis also known as Asian Glossy Starling, Philippine Starling, Philippine Glossy Starling, Bornean Starling, Indian Glossy Starling, Greater Glossy Starling, is a species of starling in the Sturnidae family. It is found in Bangladesh, Brunei, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand.

Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests and subtropical or tropical mangrove forests.

The tree in these photos is Pipturus argenteus: Australian Mulberry.

Photos: DFNP, Singapore 20120525

Source: Wikipedia

Lonchura punctulata: Scaly-breasted Munia

Lonchura punctulata also known as Scaly-breasted Munia, Scaly-breasted Mannikin/Finch, Spotted Munia, Spice Bird/Finch, Nutmeg Finch, Pipit Pinang [Malay] is a sparrow-sized estrildid finch native to tropical Asia extending from India and Sri Lanka east to Indonesia and the Philippines.

They are found in open habitats including gardens and agricultural fields where they forage in groups.

They specialized in eating grass seeds and sedges, and have large conical beaks adapted for this purpose.

The Scaly-breasted Munias in these photos are juveniles.

Photos: DFNP, Singapore 20120525

Source: Wikipedia and www.naturia.per.sg

Ypthima baldus newboldi: Common Five-Ring Butterfly

Let me start by saying that Ypthima baldus is called a ‘Five-ring’ although it actually has 6 rings. Why? The 2 rings [ocelli] nearest the lower inner corner of the hindwing [tornus] counted as one.

Ypthima baldus newboldi is a small butterfly with wingspan of 35 – 40 mm.

Photos: DFNP, Singapore 20120525

Note:

Further reading about Singapore’s Ypthima can be found here.

Check out Glossary of entomology terms here.