Collecting seeds in Singapore

[sarasota alex]

Hi All,

I'm going to Singapore next week and while there will probably visit Malaysia and possibly Indonesia. Needless to say - I want to collect some seeds. I am however very aware of the strictness of Singapore laws and I don't want to break any.

I found that the regulations regarding bringing seeds from Malaysia to Singapore are well documented on the internet with phone numbers for further questions. But what about the rest of the situations.

Would I get in trouble for:

• Collecting seeds off of street palms in Singapore
• Collecting seeds in Singapore Nature Preserves
• Bringing seeds from Indonesia to Singapore
• Anything else I may not be thinking of

Any advise is appreciated.

Alex

[MattyB]

Ever seen the movie Brokedown Palace?

[sarasota alex]

No. But I have otherwise been warned.

So I want to stay on the good side of the law.

[Sabal Steve]

Don't chew gum there.

[PalmnutVN]

I went to Singapore Botanical Gardens a couple of years ago and left with a pocket full of seed. That said, I did ask one of the gardeners first and after making a note of his name, only then did I go seed hunting

I took those seeds to Indonesia with me and had no problems at customs (I seem to recall that you have to declare any plant material on the landing card), although it seems that you are doing it the other way round. If you want palm heaven then Thailand is the place for you.....

[Zeeth]

I've heard that Singapore botanical gardens has some mature Lodoicea, though those seed might be hard to fit in your pocket.

[Peter Pacific]

Alex, you're going to jail!! sorry, couldn't resist.

Keith, a double coconut seed will never show up on an xray machine.

Peter

[Zeeth]

Alex, you're going to jail!! sorry, couldn't resist.

Keith, a double coconut seed will never show up on an xray machine.

Peter

You're right, he may even be able to sneak it back in his trousers, as long as he can pull off the bootylicious look long enough to get through security.

[doranakandawatta]

I must say it's better to avoid the Singapore Botanic Garden since many palm fruits are falling like rain and it's so difficult not to get these fruits in a pocket or a bag.

Be careful with Actinorhytis fruits, they're quite heavy when they fall from the top of the palm.

Same for Gardens by the Bay. Better to enjoy watching pictures on Palmtalk .

Maybe you can ask at the office close to the Cluny entrance, so you get a real answer before you wander in the gardens.
Maybe you could try to talk ith the Palm collection curator.

Sometimes the floor is red of fallen fruits (Normambya, Rhopaloblaste…) on which you have to walk, it's not the same with Bismarckia or Latania seeds...

( I shouldn't but I can say that these seeds have a very high germination rate..)

For Lodoicea, I invite other Palmtalk friends in Peradeniya where we could organize a "Nuts gang" !

[CLINODAVE]

If you are bringing the seeds back to the U.S., you need a seed import permit. This is not an onerous undertaking. APHIS relevant webpage:

http://www.aphis.usda.gov/wps/portal/aphis/ourfocus/planthealth?1dmy&urile=wcm%3apath%3a%2Faphis_content_library%2Fsa_resources%2Fsa_epermits%2Fsa_plants%2Fct_ppq_epermits

Good idea to keep in mind that seeds can harbor organisms (animal, plant, bacterial, viral) that are not visible to the naked eye, but could nonetheless pose a risk to local natural environments or agriculture in your home area. Or the plants resulting from the seed germination could themselves present invasive or other negative aspects upon introduction into your area.

You might also check with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection office at the port though which you will return to the U.S. to learn if there are additional protocols.

Dave

[Sabal Steve]

I believe that x-ray machines show objects of higher density more prominatly.

[sarasota alex]

Thanks all for advise!

I'm all set with bringing it legally into the US. Done it many times, just never from Asia.

[sarasota alex]

New questions I have - how do I tell whether a Nypa fruticans fruit is ripe and ready to be picked for seed collection?

[Jeff Searle]

And don't spit......

[PalmnutVN]

Over here, Nypa usually germinate on the huge football shaped inflorescence before dropping off into the water.

In Vietnam, the seeds are sold as a delicacy and become freely available two or three times a year. That said, I've tried several times to germinate these seeds but have unfortunately, never had any success with them.

[doranakandawatta]

Alex,

Are you on the way back to Saratosa, or in Sentosa Resort's poolside or in jail?

How is your Singapore palmy journey?

Hope to see you pics soon

Regards

Philippe

[doranakandawatta]

Either his seeds sprouted now or he got grey hair in Singapore's prison….

I hope Alex is fine and his palms too

[Mandrew968]

Good luck, Alex! Hope you get some goodies!