Trees in fruit

There are a few trees around the campus in fruit right now (April 2012). Have a look out for the rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum) near the Ayer Rajah pitch, at the bottom of the slope behind the Science block. The tree is covered in spiky green fruits, its branches leaning right down to ground level. By June these sweet, lychee-like fruits should be bright red and ready for eating.

Higher up, beside the steps from the Ayer Rajah pitch to the path near the Art department, are two mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana) trees. These flank the path. One is overshadowed by a huge raintree and has an information plaque at its base. The other has recently produced a flush of light green leaves that give it an attractive two-tone appearance. If you look closely, you will also see that the tree is covered in unripe mangosteens. By June these should have turned dark purple and contain the deliciously aromatic segments that give this fruit the nickname "queen of fruits".