In Plain Sight - Provinsi Rattan (Part 6)

Partial view of Botanic Island Two, looking north
Location : Provinsi Rattan, Zone E

Botanic Island Two, showing rattan
trailing at the center.

 Of all the Provinsi or Plain areas, the Provinsi Rattan is the most wild in nature.  This is because in the Provinsi are located two Botanic Islands viz Botanic Island Two and Three.  At the Botanic Islands are preserved many forest trees for posterity.   At the inset is a view of Botanic Island Two , looking south.  Both Botanic Islands have rattan growing naturally in them, besides original jungle trees, unique palms, lianas and forest climbers. Presently there is one wild Rambutan tree that is fruiting profusely.  Seen also is a wild forest climber belonging to the Bauhinia species that is flowering in orange glory.  Below are more pictures of the attractions at Provinsi Rattan .....

Provinsi Rattan - home for rattan collection -  7 rattan species are available on site

Botanic Island Two - showing lianas and climbing rattan, at center

Stream at Provisi Rattan
Location : Botanic Island Three

The big tree at center is the wild Rambutan tree
Location : Provinsi Rattan, between Botanic Island Two and Botanic Island Three

Wild rambutan fruits

Colourful Bauhinia spp. climber growing wild over the forest canopy
Location : Botanic Island Two, Zone E

Botanic Island and walk

Botanic Walk One, between Island One at left and island Two at right.

Fresh fruit bunch of the oil palm cut open

 There are three vegetation islands that are preserved for posterity in developing the park.  The park is built out of an integrated eco-farm based on oil palm cultivation.  Over the years I saw the potential of developing it into a park and ultimately an eco-resort.  This year I have decided to upgrade it into a park with oil palm farming as the main activity to raise revenue for maintenance and development purposes. The oil palm trees have been in commercial production since last year. The Botanic Islands in the park provide much diversity to the environment, besides becoming a haven for wildlife and micro-climatic dinamics.

Fresh fruit bunches of the oil palm eaten by squirrels..
Oil palm (Elaeis guineensis)

Squirrel at Botanic Island One

Botanic Walk Two , entering through the
island of lianas and climbers

 At Botanic Island Two, the attractions are the 'Tarzan' ropes!  Here there is a large collection of jungle climbers or lianas.  The jungle floor is thickly covered with fallen and decomposed leaves, branches, tree trunks etc that is characteristic of the jungle look. The branches are frequented by mammals, birds, bees and butterflies of many kinds.

Butterfly at Botanic Island Two.

Red-headed (Ashy) Tailorbird (Orthotomus ruficeps) hunting for red ants..
location : Botanic Island Two

Botanic Island Two, looking south

Lianas or climbers  reach to the top of some of the tall tropical hardwood trees at Botanic Island Two

Botanic Walk Three...entering the rattan territory

 The Botanic Island Three is home for the rattans.  Here can be seen 7 different species of rattan palms or rather 'climbing' palms. 
The rattans produce fruits that are eaten by many wild animals like the palm civet cat or what the locals here called "Musang".  The prevalence of many wildlife will be rewarding for those interested in birdwatching and other wildlife subjects.

Fruits of the rattan
location : Botanic Island Three

Fungi at Botanic Island Three

"Musang" or the palm civet cat