Mangroves are the only trees in the world that can tolerate saltwater. Mangroves deal with otherwise toxic levels of salt by excreting it through their waxy leaves. On top of being adapted to high levels of salt, mangroves are also adapted to the low oxygen levels of the mudflats. Certain species of mangroves have evolved special roots called “pencil roots” which stick up above the ground like little spikes. These roots are exposed during low tide, allowing them to get air. Apart from “pencil roots”, different kinds of mangroves also have different types of roots. One such example is the red mangrove, which have “prop roots” that help prop up and support the tree. Like the “pencil roots”, they also have openings that allow the tree to take in air.

A very special and rare flower that can be found at Sungei Buloh is Cymbidium bicolor, a type of orchid flower. This is another plant that was thought to be extinct from Singapore, but a single plant was found at the wetlands of Sungei Buloh. It is a species of the Cymbidium family in Asia, and is known for having two colours, reddish purple and light pale yellow. The plant has thick leathery strap-shaped leaves. The thick leaves store water and can tolerate drought and direct sunlight. These flowers grow on tree trunks in deciduous forests. This species of flowers grow in big clumps and can sometimes surround the entire tree trunk. These plants are also “critically endangered” on the red list of threatened plants in Singapore.

A very conspicuous flower that can be found at Sungei Buloh is that of the Sea Hibiscus. The Sea Hibiscus tree has heart-shaped leaves and bright yellow flowers that attract bugs. It is commonly found on seashores throughout the tropics. Like many other mangrove plants, it has a high tolerance for salt, thus explaining why they can thrive well in mangrove swamps.

Another interesting plant that can be found at Sungei Buloh is the Nipah Palm. The Palm can be found in mangroves, and is easily distinguishable by its very long palm-shaped leaves. Attap chee, a key ingredient in the local dessert ice kachang, is obtained from the fruit of the Nipah Palm. The Nipah Palm grows in soft mud and slow-moving tidal and river waters that bring in nutrients.

The nyireh batu is another endangered mangrove plant that can be found in Sungei Buloh. It is usually found in sandy areas, and is 5-20m tall. It has tiny flowers that are white in colour and are found in clusters. It also has round fruits.

Near the shallow waters and sandy areas of the mangrove, you can find the Beccari’s seagrass. While seagrasses are generally not considered mangrove plants, huge fields of this seagrass can be found in Sungei Buloh. It is only about 0.5cm long, while 5-10 long oval shaped leaves emerge from a long and thin stem. The flowers and fruits of this plant are tiny, and not easy to spot. In some places, the seagrass are an important nursery for horseshoe crabs in many regions. It is listed as “Critically Endangered” on the Red List of threatened plants of Singapore.