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Birds feeding on Harpullia ramniflora fruits

on 22nd January 2017

OrioleBN-Harpullia ramiflora [MeiHwang]

The luscious fruits of Cape York Tulipwood or Claudie Tulipwood (Harpullia ramniflora) grown at Singapore’s Gardens by the Bay are attracting many more birds – see earlier posts HERE and HERE. The birds are attracted by the bright colours of the fruit – orange-red fruit that splits open to display the golden-yellow aril enclosing the black seed.

YVB-Harpullia ramiflora [MeiHwang]

Mei Hwang documented three species, namely Black-naped Oriole (Oriolus chinensis) (top), Yellow-vented Bulbul (Pycnonotus goiavier) (above) and Red-whiskered Bulbul (Pycnonotus jocosus) (below).

BulbulRW -Harpullia ramiflora [MeiHwang]

Should the birds swallow the aril together with the seed inside, it will help in the dispersal of the plant. Should it peck off the aril, the seed will fall on to the ground below. This does not assist in seed dispersal. We urge nature enthusiasts to observe the birds taking the fruits to see whether they swallow the golden-yellow aril together with the seed inside or dispose the black seed.

Mei Hwang
Singapore
8th January 2017

This post is a cooperative effort between Birds, Insects N Creatures Of Asia and BESG to bring the study of birds and their behavior through photography and videography to a wider audience.

If you like this post please tap on the Like button at the left bottom of page. Any views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the authors/contributors, and are not endorsed by the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum (LKCNHM, NUS) or its affiliated institutions. Readers are encouraged to use their discretion before making any decisions or judgements based on the information presented.

YC Wee

Dr Wee played a significant role as a green advocate in Singapore through his extensive involvement in various organizations and committees: as Secretary and Chairman for the Malayan Nature Society (Singapore Branch), and with the Nature Society (Singapore) as founding President (1978-1995). He has also served in the Nature Reserve Board (1987-1989), Nature Reserves Committee (1990-1996), National Council on the Environment/Singapore Environment Council (1992-1996), Work-Group on Nature Conservation (1992) and Inter-Varsity Council on the Environment (1995-1997). He is Patron of the Singapore Gardening Society and was appointed Honorary Museum Associate of the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum (LKCNHM) in 2012. In 2005, Dr Wee started the Bird Ecology Study Group. With more than 6,000 entries, the website has become a valuable resource consulted by students, birdwatchers and researchers locally and internationally. The views and opinions expressed in this article are his own, and do not represent those of LKCNHM, the National University of Singapore or its affiliated institutions.

Other posts by YC Wee

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