lini

Black millipede

Anoplodesmus Saussurii

Desc: Mostly black with yellow sides. 2 pairs of legs - roughly 16 pairs

These millipedes are usually found in humid soil in the Southeast Asia and Figi. It was roughly 22mm long and from what I know, they’re mainly herbivores and eat basically anything - even cow shit (bigback ahh).

It is not a poisonous creature but the fluid it secretes may cause irritation. It helps with soil health by helping to decompose things discarded in soil.

Firebush / Firecracker bush

Hamelia patens

Singapore (Usually found in tropical and subtropical regions and is commonly planted in SG parks and by the roadside)

It is a shrub with bright orangey-red tube-like flowers that grow in clusters. The flowers are known to be rich in nectar and often attract bees, butterflies and other pollinators. This is one of the reasons why the flower is used in landscaping in Singapore as well!

This fierce flower helps to support urban ecosystems by encouraging pollination, essential for healthy plant communities.

Lantana

Lantana camara / Lantaneae

Singapore

Though I don’t remember where I saw this flower, its vibrant and distinct orange colour along with its cute shape and size made me swoon right away!

It is a small flowering shrub with healthy green leaves and the bright orange flowers grow in clusters. As innocent as this flower looks, it is an invasive plant that can spread super quickly and even grow faster than natural vegetation!! However, it attracts pretty butterflies…a win is a win.

Red Junglefowl (Male/Rooster)

Gallus gallus

Open space nearby Gardens by the Bay MRT

I was giggling when I turned around and saw this feathered fellow behind me while I was in the space during an event. I’m absolutely convinced this little guy came out of nowhere. But I must admit it was super cute and woke me up with its cockle-doodle-doo!

Formally known as the Bankiva-fowl, it is a tropical galliform bird usually found in Southeast Asia. It has a bright red comb on its head, orange feathers on its neck and dark long tail feathers. It is usually found in forests and is the ancestor of modern domestic chickens!

Males can make over 20 different calls to communicate with other birds! Flirting with every kind of species I see…

Bamboo Orchid

Arundina graminifolia

Right outside gardens by the bay mrt!

I was out with my friends, and this beautiful flower caught my eye. It reminded me a lot of Singapore’s national flower Vanda Miss Joaquim. It has 2 petals that are spread out when bloomed, like ears. It has a vibrant yellow and pink in its inner, lower petals.

It is native to tropical Asia - India, Singapore, Nepal, China etc. Its stems can reach up to 2.5m and the plant itself produces plants of diameter 5 to 7cm! As a strong and robust flower, this orchid is fit to be grown practically anywhere, from flower beds to streetscapes.

Bamboo Orchids are often used for decoration and as medicine as it has a long blooming period as well as anti-inflammatory and soothing. In some parts of Malaysia, these flowers are also used in cooking, producing a taste similar to bitter gourd.

Did you know?

Common Myna

Scientific Name: Acridotheres tristis

<In Singapore>

It is a brown bird with a darker, black had with a distinct yellow patch behind its eyes. (like eyeliner!) Commonly found across Singapore, it is native to South Asia.

Common Mynas are super comfy around more urban areas and compete with the other local native birds, like Javan Mynas (usually seen in hawker centres) , for food and nesting areas.

I saw 2 of them while volunteering for an event, they had a cute hop as their walk as it looked around for food scraps. They made a clicking sound which I unfortunately did not catch on camera.

Fun fact!!