FOREST BOULEVARD
“The Forestias” has a wealth of trees to enjoy from the moment you arrive. At the entrance you are greeted by huge payom trees (Shorea roxburghii) that line both sides of the road along with Java plums (Syzygium cumini), which feed birds and squirrels.
As you travel further into the forest you’ll find clusters of perennials along your route. You’ll meet rain trees (Samanea saman) and the freshwater mangrove (Barringtonia acutangula) with its distinctive large leaves. The vivid red blossoms of fire-in-the-forest (Butea monosperma) light up their surroundings at the start of the year. Burma lancewood (Homalium tomentosum) and the New Guinea walnut (Dracontomelon dao) both tower into the sky. The monkey fruit tree (Artocarpus lacucha) is easily spotted by its reddish or dark brown bark with its rough surface.
Ta-khian (Hopea odorata) is a large evergreen up to 40 meters tall. Thai blackwood (Dalbergia nigrescens) is a perennial with light gray bark. Tempusu (Fagraea fragrans) grows tall with a round canopy and flowers that stay fragrant all day long. Bahera (Terminalia bellirica) is a medium to large deciduous perennial. Diospyros decandra is a medium-sized perennial that takes 10 years to bear its sweet and fragrant fruit.
In the shade of these trees, you’ll find a host of shrubs with enchanting white, pink, purple, yellow, and red blooms. These plants all provide food and homes for tiny creatures. Honey bees feed on their flowers and ants build nests in their branches. Birds feed on their fruits and build nests to start their families.
The red power puff (Calliandra haematocephala) stands out for its luminous blooms that attracts butterflies and hummingbirds. The dwarf white bauhinia (Bauhinia acuminate) has white flowers that scent the evening air. Flowering all year round, emperor’s candlesticks (Senna alata) is a fast-growing, medium-sized shrub whose yellow flowers provide eye-catching displays. Peregrina (Jatropha integerrima) has pink and red flowers. Achiote (Bixa orellana) is famed for its red seeds used to color food, but its fruit and leaves can also protect from parasites, treat skin diseases, and ease joint problems. All these shrubs ensure that wherever you go you are surrounded by greenery and beautiful blooms.
“The Forestias” takes you into the heart of the forest. Plants of all kinds flourish on every side. Colorful butterflies flit between the fragrant blooms, feeding on their nectar. Birds and squirrels fill the trees. With all this greenery, The Forestias also creates a cooler microclimate. The trees conserve rainfall, which is soaked up by the forest soil, while their canopy protects us from the sun.
Spectacular and delicately scented flowers will bloom at The Forestias from December to February. Each plant brings its special gift. Payom trees, for instance, have medicinal bark. Rain trees form a green passageway welcoming you into the project. These giants are also homes for lac bugs, producing the shellac that was long used for dyeing and treating wood.
The Forestias gathers rare plants and native species from across Thailand. Visitors and residents will get close to nature and learn about its marvels in thriving forest ecosystems. Nature will embrace you from the moment you enter the project, giving you precious memories to cherish forever.
References
Insects by Ms. RungA-run Onsudjai, Agricultural Operations Officer, Economic Insect Promotion Group http://www.agriman.doae.go.th/homebee0/insect situation/100-101Lac.pdf
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