Hopea sangal - a series of events across 2 years

In Sep 2002, a Hopea sangal re-discovered in Changi, which was significant as it was thought to be extinct in in the Singapore Red Data Book, and the name Changi was thought to have been originated from the tree's common name, Chengal Pasir.

Hopea sangal at Changi.

Photo credit: Tan Beng Chiak

However, the property management company taking care of the area felled the tree without the approval from authorities in November in the same year. The company's manager observed that the tree was struck by lightning and was not doing well, and decided to have the tree removed. Sivasothi who was there to check out the re-discovery was just in time to witness the felled logs from the tree being hauled away.

Hopea sangal stump.

Photo credit: Sivasothi

Logs being hauled away.

Photo credit: Sivasothi

The logs were recovered and artists carved pieces of the wood into sculptures. Some of the sculptures were exhibited at the Singapore Zoo main entrance.

Before the tree was felled, some seeds were collected by Nature Society Singapore's (NSS) members and passed to National Parks Board for propagation. After about two years of being "grown partially in a carbon dioxide enriched chamber", the sapling was more than one metre in height. Some seeds were grown by the NSS and a sapling was handed to the Singpore Zoo.

On 7 Nov 2004, Mr Lee Kuan Yew planted a sapling nurtured by NParks Pasir Panjang Nursery at Henderson Crescent, between Blocks 103 and 104.

Mr Lee planting the Hopea sangal sapling while members of parliament (MP) of the Tanjong Pagar group representation constituency (GRC) and community members look on.

Photo credit: John Yong

Google map showing approximate location of the VIP-planted tree (in red pointer).
Block numbers added by me.

Map credit: Google Maps.

I tried to locate the tree and it was found at a not so prominent spot (pointed by red arrow). 

Photo taken by me on 6 May 2018.

Overall view of the tree - the crown facing the west seemed more lush than the part facing the east, probably due to a block to the east (block 106). Note the surrounding trees that are topped.

Photo taken by me on 6 May 2018.

The tree is leaning to the north, possibly due to the phototropism as there is a block to the south (block 104) and palms (Dypsis lutescens) fighting for crown space. It is also slightly assymmetrical, as the crown is raised higher at the part where it is in contact with the palm leaves.

Photo taken by me on 6 May 2018.

Girdling root to the south of the tree.

Photo taken by me on 6 May 2018.

The plaque reads:

"Tanjong Pagar Town Council
Clean and Green Week 2004
This tree, Hopea sangal was planted by Mr Lee Kuan Yew
Minister Mentor and MP for Tanjong Pagar GRC
on 7 November 2004"

Photo taken by me on 6 May 2018.