Those who walk or drive past SOTA would have caught sight of this bright green Angsana fruit on its staircase. Titled ‘The Seed' this art installation at SOTA's West Plaza steps draws its inspiration from the old majestic Angsana tree that used to be located at this very exact site, also affectionately known to the SOTA community as the “Tree of Knowledge”, or “SOTA Tree”. On 21st Jan 2018, the tree had to be cut down due to extensive decay.
The art piece was the brainchild of Visual Arts teachers, Zainudin Bin Samsuri and Luis Lee. This commemorative art installation encapsulates the precious moments of SOTA’s students and staff both present and past, as represented in its characteristic disc-like pod form with flat, thin wings. Made of fibreglass, 'The Seed' is also symbolic of the next lap in SOTA’s history as it celebrates its 10th anniversary in 2018. In the same vein as the old tree that battled harsh weathers and thunderstorms over the years, SOTA has grown from strength to strength since it was set up in 2008.
Originating from South East Asia, the Angsana also goes by other common names like Sena & Narra. It is a large handsome tree that can grow to 30 to 40 meters in height. It has a widespread, dense, dome like crown of long, weeping branches that makes it a popular shade and roadside trees. It is easily grown from cuttings and widely propagated as an instant tree due to its fast growth and ease of transplanting during the early days of greening Singapore campaign. However in the 1980’s, a fungal disease almost wiped out most of these instant trees. These days you hardly see groves of Angsana tree together.
The fruits are small circular winged pod fruits that are flattened and roundish in outline. Each greenish fruit contains a pair of seeds but does not split open on maturity. It merely becomes brown when dry. Its hardwood is yellow, red or white and is termite resistant. It has a rose-like fragrance and is often made into fine furniture and cabinets. It is a source of kino or resin and in traditional medicine, the leaves are used to combat tumors.
Just a piece of trivia, the Angsana is the national tree of the Philippines 🇵🇭
