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Trees planted as part of the Bridges Plants Trees initiative
Over 30 species of flowering and fruit-bearing trees, hardwood trees, swampland specialists and fast-growing pioneers will be planted as part of this initiative.
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Kayu Terimah (Trema orientalis)
Also known as the charcoal tree, this fast-growing tree can reach up to 18 metres in height with an extensive root system which enables it to survive long droughts [4]. Fibres from its bark are used to make rope, while its seeds contain a fixing oil [4].
Traditionally, its roots are used to treat blood in the urine and bleeding of the intestine and stomach, while its leaves macerated in lemon juice is a remedy for bronchitis and pneumonia [5]. Extracts of its flowers, bark and seeds have shown to have painkilling and antimicrobial properties [5].
Fig (Ficus species)
The Ficus is a fruiting plant of the mulberry family which can grow up to 12 metres high. Consumed fresh or dried, the fig fruit contains calcium, potassium, phosphorus and iron [1].
The fruit has been used as a mild laxative, expectorant and diuretic in Ayruvedic medicine. Extracts of the dry fruit have also demonstrated cell toxicity against breast cancer cells [2], while its leaves have shown positive effects on skin diseases, ulcers and diabetes. Syrups made from the leaves are used to treat coughs and dissolve congealed blood in bruises [3].
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Keranji (Dialium indum)
Locally known as the tamarind-plum, this tree can grow to 40 metres in Southeast Asia. The fruit of this tree, known as black velvet tamarind, is consumed as sweets by the locals, while its wood is used as timber [6].
The fruit also contains antioxidants which protect cells against free radicals, which may play a role in heart disease, cancer, and other diseases [7].
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Source:
[1] https://www.britannica.com/plant/fig
[2] https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0254035
[3] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0753332221001785
[4] http://tropical.theferns.info/viewtropical.php?id=Trema+orientalis
[5] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3731882/