mahang or ant plant

another interesting plant found in our nature reserves and parks is the mahang or ant plant. we first came across this plant at lower peirce reservoir but since learning about it, i have started to notice them at macritchie reservoir, bukit batok nature park and sungei buloh wetland.

the mahang or ant plant macaranga triloba (so called because of the three lobes which make up the leaf) is an interesting example of symbiosis: the plant provides housing for a species of ant in its hollow, swollen leaf shoots and in return the ant protects the plant from leaf-eating insects.

its stem is hollow, as the pith within disintegrates just behind the meristem (growing tip). within the hollow, ants of the species crematogaster borneensis establish their colonies. small holes along the stem can be seen where the ants enter and exit. the plant also provides small white food bodies for the ants to feed on. in return, the ants protect the plant against foreign invading insects and other small creatures. the ants also bite off the growing tips of plants that come near the macaranga plant, hence preventing vines and other plants from growing over and smothering it.

the pagoda shape ketapang tree

the ketapang tree

i have known this particular type of tree from my kampong days, having clear memories of this tree, which quite unlike others, shed its leaves during certain time of the year. it was a majestic tree, at least 35m tall, growing at the edge of the jewish cemetery, just next to a monsoon drain which was less than 50m from our house.

i just found out that ketapang leaves are sometimes known as indian almond leaves or huu kwang leaves. the kepatang trees are native to south east asia. the use of the leaves is the 'trade secret' why some fish breeders are so successful in breeding dicsus, bettas, angel fish, arowanas, and neons, etc, in malaysia and singapore.

the leaves, when left in the water, release organic acids like humic and tannins which lower the ph of the water, absorbs harmful chemicals and help create a soothing and calm environment for the fish.

soak one/two leaves in water for 48 hours, the ketapang leaves release a mild dye that turns the water tea-coloured. this solution, when added to the aquarium water, acts as a natural colour-enhancer and water conditioner that is most ideal for the fish. this addition is enough for up to 200l water tank per water change.

my good friend nah chuan has this idea that any dry old leaves will serve the same purpose. he keeps discus and he had tried this theory of his on his own fish.

found a number of ketapang trees at the sungei buloh wetland. if you visit qian hu at jalan lekar, you will find many ketapang trees within its compound.