The
South China Sea extends from the Strait of Malacca in the southwest,
to the Strait of Taiwan in the northeast. Over 500 million people in
China, Taiwan, the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia,
Singapore, Cambodia, Thailand, and Vietnam live within 100 miles of
its coastline.
Biodiversity
and Natural Resources:It
has a remarkable amount of biological diversity, including over 30%
of the world’s coral reefs and many valuable fisheries. It is also
thought to contain abundant oil and natural gas, a prospect of vital
interest to the energy-importing countries around the region.
Sea
lanes of communication:It
is one of the world’s busiest international sea-lanes with many of
the world’s busiest shipping ports. Over half of the world’s oil
tanker traffic and over half of the world’s merchant fleet (by
tonnage) sail through its waters every year. It is a strategic
maritime link between the Pacific Ocean and the Indian Ocean, and
therefore of paramount importance to major naval powers.
Regional
solutions for Regional problems:The
South China Sea is an area of growing concern over conflicting
territorial claims, piracy, poaching, resource depletion, pollution,
drug trafficking, illegal migration, and terrorism threats.
17 Jul 2022. Dr Jerzy Pawel Gawor gave an excellent veterinary dentistry talk on radiology of the teeth for diagnosis and treatment such as root canal. He has vast experience in this specialty. I find it very useful.
19
JUL 2022. This 40-year-old Jambu tree rejuvenates with a new set of
vivid green leaves. Is it due to Covid-19 pandemic and climate
change?
PHOTOGRAPHY TIPS Best to use tripod as there
is difficulty in focusing leaves. Take several photos.
Canon
R5. Tripod. AV Mode, F/16 ISO 200
11 NOV 2022. SINGAPORE FLORA. A Jambu tree planted
over 40 years ago by a veterinarian in his practice. The tree has new
crop of leaves and some leaves have lumps or leaf galls. It is rare
to find such a sturdy tree in Singapore.
Water
Apple, Jambu Air Mawar, Water Rose Apple, Watery Rose Apple, Water
Cherry, Java Apple, Bell Fruit, Jambu Ayer, Jambu Chili, Jambu Air
Growth
Form: Small evergreen tree with a dense, spreading crown. Habitat:
This species occurs in moist tropical lowlands at altitudes of up to
1200 m. It grows best in climates that have a substantial dry season,
but only in locations where they have ready access to water (eg.,
near a stream).
Trunk:
Trunk is short with branching occuring at about 1 m. Bark is brown
and cracked. Foliage: Leaves are elliptic (5 - 23 cm long, 2.5 - 13
cm wide) with very short petioles. Flowers: Flowers (2.5 - 3.5 cm
wide) are loosely arranged in small terminal or axillary clusters of
3 - 7. The bisexual flowers carry a large number of long stamens that
give the flowers a fluffy appearance. They have a subtle fragrance.
Fruits:
Fruits are pear-shaped berries (5 cm long). The apex has a shallow
cavity that is partially covered by 4 fleshy sepals. The skin is
shiny, thin and waxy, while the flesh is white, juicy and crisp.
Fruits are often seedless, but sometimes have 1 - 4 small seeds.
In
Singapore, the fruits are typically produced from January to March
and from July to September. Landscaping: This plant is often planted
in tropical parks and gardens. The pink to red fruits add colour and
interest to the landscape. They can be used for screening, but should
be planted on the outside of the screen.
This
species grows well when planted next to streams and ponds, because it
requires a consistent supply of water. Cultivation: It grows best in
open, tropical environments. Add well-rotted compost to the soil
before planting. During the first 2 years of growth, the trees should
be carefully weeded, watered and mulched with regular applications of
manure or complete fertilizer. After the trees have become
established, they require minimal maintenance.
This
species grows quickly and will produce fruits within 2- 3 years. For
optimal fruit production, apply a compound fertilizer after
harvesting the fruits.
Propagation:
In Southeast Asia, this species is typically propagated by air
layering. It can also be propagated by cuttings, budding, marcotting
and grafting. Although seeds can be planted, they do not store well
and must be planted immediately.
Etymology:
The genus name "Syzygium"
is derived from the Greek word "suzugos" which means
joined. Syzygium used to be the name of a Jamaican plant species with
paired leaves and branches. The species epithet "aqueum"
refers to the juicy fruits of this species. It comes from the Latin
word "aqueus" which means watery.
Merlion turns 50 on Thursday 15 Sep 2022. Designed by artist Kwan Sai Kehong and completed in 1972 by Singapore sculptor Lim Nang Seng. The statue is a well-recognised icon internationally. Light-ups and other events to celebrate its golden jubilee.
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Youtube image
PHOTOGRAPHY TIP. I happened to be at the right place and right time to take an attractive photo (owing to the banner).
1. The “Beautiful Singapore” banner attracts the viewer. It has the graphics of the Marina Bay Sands, Jubilee Bridge and the MerlionSunday 17 Jul 2022.
2. The sky was overcast - not too glaring as the sun was in front and to the left of me.
3. The group displays various degrees of attention to the photographer! One sister had her eyes closed. One man seemed to be eyeing the lady....
TO BUY PHOTO: shutterstock.com/g/toapayohvets.
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PHOTOGRAPHY TIP: Focus on the sunglasses of the lady tourist in pink dress. This oblique view is better than the front view in this case. The sun is behind her, hence the image is dark and at 100% view, the face is "noisy".
Canon EOS 90D, 18-200mm lens, single point central focus, P Mode.
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19 JUL 2022:
PHOTOGRAPHY TIP: Try to focus on the face of the squatting man in white shirt and include the Merlion. Crop out one tower of the Marina Bay Sands hotel so as to show the packaged tour group.
Canon EOS 90D, 18-200mm lens, single point central focus, P Mode.
SINGAPORE - 16 JUL 2022, 6.30 PM: The Toa Payoh Public Library, opened in 1974. was the second public library set up during the rapid expansion of the public library network in the 1970s.
