Bidara emping or scientifically known as Arytera littoralis is a small evergreen tree that can reach up to 10 m tall, rarely to 13 meter tall. This shady tree with a rounded crown is often used as an ornamental plant in public parks, recreation areas and parking lots. The natural  distribution of Arytera littoralis is the primary and secondary forests of Malaysia and Singapore. This is a very  attractive tree with its purplish gray young leaves and white flowers that grow in clusters at the end of the twigs. At FRIM, this tree can be found along the roadside near FRIM’s museum (Building D1) and at Perah Camp Site. Currently, these trees are heavily fruiting. The small fruits are orange  when young and dark red when mature. Arytera littoralis belongs to the family Sapindaceae and its conservation status is Lower Risk/Least Concern.

Prepared by Naimah CL. Posted on 24 January 2013. The weekly weather was 23° to 33°C and rainy.

Arytera littoralis Picture by Nor Azlin MF		Young orange fruits  Picture by Nor Azlin MF
A row of trees along the roads can beautify any park Picture by Nor Azlin MF		The flower of Bedara emping Picture by Naimah CL