What's New at Rimba Ilmu
Our MILLENIUM
FOREST effort: Intensive
plantings of Malaysian rainforest trees in the garden.
Although routinely some
additions are made from time to time, we were able to begin, at the end of
September 2001, planting out very special forest species donated to us for establishing
a special new Arboretum, as well as generally augment the plantings in the
Garden in a significant way. This work will continue through 2002 and
beyond, and starts off on the ground the
Rimba Ilmu's Millenium
Forest programme, through which we build one of tomorrow's forests for Kuala Lumpur. Our
emphasis this year is to involve more volunteers who can be contacted when
we periodically handle large numbers of new plantings: this
calls for a willingness to get on with planting trees
"hands-on".
Over 1200 trees of many
different species have already been planted out since the initiation of
this new effort, which is largely supported through the generosity of Mr J. Kingham.
Over 2004-2005 DHL
joined hands with Rimba Ilmu to establish a
special conservation collection of Malaysian forest trees. This was one of
the first interactions between the botanic garden and a private sector
company which is encouraging lasting interest in the Malaysian environment.
The collection has been established in an area near the northeastern part
of the Garden and a site by a slope overlooking a small stream has now been
planted with a special selection of Malaysian forest tree species. These
include both dipterocarps and non-dipterocarps,
from Peninsular Malaysia as well as Sabah and Sarawak.
Guided
Garden Walks
Discover the grounds of the Rimba Ilmu,
which just passed its quarter-century mark. Get specially introduced to
medicinal plants, palms, citruses and their relatives and other special
tropical plant groups with Ms Angela Hijjas or Mr M. Sugumaran, who will
lead these tours. This is held on the FIRST
SATURDAY of every month, when not a Kuala Lumpur public holiday (we are
closed on public holidays), and begins at 9.00 am, lasting 2-3 hours. Meet
at the front of the Rimba
Ilmu Building.
Effective dates:5 January, 2 February, 1 March, 5 April, 3 May, 5 July, 2
August, 6 September, 4 October, 1 November, 6 December.
New Plants Preview
Rare
Plants and Orchid Conservatory
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A bed of Paphiopedilum barbatum
slipper orchids in the Conservatory.
(Photo: F. L. Tang)
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Special tours of the Conservatory of
Rare Plants and Orchids will be held immediately after each Guided Garden
Walk (see above), time-permitting: Transport yourself into the world
of rare and endemic plants, and gain an insight into what causes their
rarity and how they may be specially endangered. This facility is not
normally open to the public as it caters mainly to research, and small
children may not be admitted when not properly supervised by
parents/guardians.
Virtual
Conservatory
Year
2003 Environmental Education Programmes
Our Environmental Education Programme is targetted at
one-day or half-day sessions for school students. These are attended to by
trained Nature Education Officers and supported by specialist staff of the Rimba Ilmu Botanic Garden.
Call or email Mr Low Yee Wen
or Mr Shan early to confirm: 03-79674690 or email
eep@um.edu.my.
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A view of the
Courtyard of the Rimba
Ilmu Building,
across from where the Herbarium is located.
(Photo: K. M. Wong)
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Opening
Hours
Please note our opening hours and that we
are closed on Saturdays (except for first Saturdays), Sundays and Public
Holidays (Federal
Territory).
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