ReTRIeVIA

Every Singaporean knows that Sir Stamford Raffles founded Singapore in 1819. Many may also know that he was a keen explorer of the flora and fauna of this region and have heard of the plant discovered in Indonesia that was named after him – the Raffles arnoldi, which has a flower famous for its enormous size and infamous for its smell of rotten meat. It is likely, though, that fewer Singaporeans have heard of another unusual plant, Nepenthes rafflesiana, discovered in Singapore and named after him, commonly known as the Raffles Pitcher Plant.

In this simple book, “Singapore Heritage: the Raffles Pitcher Plant”, Dr Tan Wee Kiat has innovatively communicated factual information by using stamps, phone cards, and currency notes. Readers receive an introduction to Singapore’s humble beginnings; learn that the Raffles Pitcher Plant is carnivorous, and that the plant is a living heritage that should be treasured by Singaporeans.

I recommend this book to all our students and teachers.

Professor Leo Tan

Director, National Institute of Education

Chairman, National Parks Board

2003