40-Day Banana 四十日蕉

This is a variety of banana that some locals refer to as the 40-day banana. This is because instead of 90 days, the banana ripens in 40 days. I think it is closely related to the local variety "Pisang Emas" . 40 days? fact or not, I'll know soon enough. I am now planting them in pots to start them off and the new leaves are growing bigger than the previous ones so that is a good sign.

Curcuma cordata

A very beautiful curcuma species from Thailand. It has beautiful purplish bracts and white flowers with a yellow lip. The leaves are long and broad, unlike curcuma longa which has more lanceolated leaves.

Blue flowers of otacanthus caeruleus

This plant with beautiful blue flowers was a gift from Mrs. Koh, a nice lady who lives in the neighbourhood. Just got the name thanks to Pino of GCS forum.

Curcuma longa (Tumeric)

This is a tumeric ginger from Thailand. I observed 2 main differences between the thai variety and local variety. Firstly, the local tumeric rhizome is thicker whereas the thai variety has rhizome of smaller diameter (they are equally bright orange in color). The local variety produces smaller plant whereas the thai variety has longer and bigger leaves. These are just my observations from the limited number of plants i have.

A must-have in any spice garden cos the leaves impart a very spicy flavour to your chicken curry. Just add 2 leaves (slightly crushed) and your chicken curry is instantly transformed. Some people are not aware that the leaves are used in many curry dishes in this region, not just roots. Not to mention that the flowers are truly beautiful as well.

Caterpillar on Penang Hill

There are lots of these caterpillars on penang hill. They can be found on the grassy slopes near the ginger plants. The many fine hairs are an obvious warning to would-be predators that they are not to be messed around with. I've had encounters with hairy caterpillars that left me with a burning and itching respect for them.

Beehive Ginger (ZINGIBER SPECTABILIS)

Beehive ginger growing on well maintained grounds of the Bellevue Hotel on top of Penang Hill

Close-up of the "beehive" or "honeycomb". Potential mosquito nursery? I think i better not think about planting this in case NEA come check my house every other day. But must admit that it is a lovely and interesting flower.

Close-up of the real flower. Doesn't it look exotic?

More Pics of Super Rosella

Super Rosella is so interesting. Not only are the bracts big and long, they are very thick as well.