Discover the Beauty of Singapore’s Native Plants: A Learning Journey for Children at Genesis Childcare 1989
- Genesis Childcare 1989 - Tampines
- Sep 27, 2023
- 7 min read
Updated: Oct 21
Singapore may be a small island nation, but it is home to an astonishing range of native plant species that have flourished here for hundreds — even thousands — of years. These native plants form the foundation of our natural ecosystem and play a vital role in maintaining biodiversity and environmental balance.
At Genesis Childcare 1989, we believe that early exposure to nature inspires curiosity, respect, and a lifelong love for the environment. Through hands-on exploration and nature-based learning activities, children at our Tampines preschool and Tampines nursery discover the wonders of local flora while developing essential observation and critical-thinking skills.
The Rich Biodiversity of Singapore
Despite its size, Singapore has recorded an impressive 2,200 native plant species. Across the island, you’ll find lush rainforests, mangroves, and coastal habitats teeming with both flora and fauna. In total, Singapore boasts 4,671 flora species, 819 fauna species, 1,689 tree species, and 262 heritage trees—a testament to the country’s commitment to conservation.
The OneMillionTrees Movement, a key initiative under the Singapore Green Plan 2030, aims to restore nature back into the urban landscape. More than 398,000 trees have already been planted as part of this national effort to transform Singapore into a “City in Nature.”
At Genesis Childcare 1989, we draw inspiration from this initiative by helping our young learners understand the importance of sustainability. In our Tampines childcare programmes, children learn how trees clean the air, provide shade, and create homes for wildlife. These early lessons encourage them to grow into environmentally conscious citizens.
Nurturing a Love for Nature from an Early Age
Native plants can be found in parks, gardens, and nature reserves across Singapore, many of which are nurtured by NParks volunteers and the Native Plant Squad (NPS). These plants are also cultivated at the Singapore Botanic Gardens, where researchers and conservationists work hard to protect endangered species.
At Genesis Childcare 1989, we believe that learning should extend beyond the classroom. Our Tampines preschool often introduces nature-themed activities where children can identify leaves, explore plant textures, and even grow simple potted plants. Through these activities, little ones develop a sense of care, patience, and appreciation for living things.
Let’s take a look at some of the most fascinating native plants of Singapore that can spark your child’s interest in nature and science.
Top 10 Native Plants of Singapore
1. Aeschynanthus Parvifolius (Lipstick Plant)
Known for its bright red buds resembling lipsticks, this eye-catching plant grows by weaving around branches and trunks. Its thick, glossy leaves and vivid flowers make it a popular choice in home gardens. The Lipstick Plant thrives in bright, indirect sunlight and requires regular watering—making it an ideal plant for young learners to care for in a simple gardening project at our Tampines nursery.
2. Alpinia Aquatica (Aquatic Ginger)
This native ginger plant grows partially submerged in water and produces dainty pinkish-white flowers. Commonly found near streams and swamps, it teaches children about plant adaptations to different environments. At Genesis Childcare 1989, we use such examples to encourage curiosity about science and nature during our Tampines infant care discovery sessions.
3. Cheilocostus Globosus (Orange Spiral Ginger)
Once thought extinct, this plant was rediscovered by a researcher at the Singapore Botanic Gardens. Its bright orange blooms and rapid growth make it perfect for introducing children to the concept of conservation and rediscovery.
4. Dianella Ensifolia (Common Dianella)
The Common Dianella looks like wild grass until it blooms with tiny, star-shaped violet flowers and cobalt-blue berries. Its resilience to various soil and light conditions mirrors the adaptability we nurture in children at our Tampines childcare center — encouraging them to thrive in different learning environments.
5. Dillenia Excelsa (Simpoh Lak)
A large, majestic tree with maroon-centered flowers, the Simpoh Lak is related to the Simpoh Ayer, often used in military training. This species attracts bees, offering a wonderful lesson on pollination. At Genesis Childcare 1989, such learning moments help children appreciate how every part of nature has a purpose.
6. Freycinetia Javanica (Climbing Pandan)
This plant is related to the edible pandan and grows by weaving around rocks and trunks. Its male flowers are more vibrant than the female ones, teaching young learners about plant reproduction and diversity. Activities like this make science fun and relatable at our Tampines preschool.
7. Ixora Congesta (Malayan Ixora / Jarum Jarum)
Famous for its clusters of orange flowers and its ability to attract butterflies, the Malayan Ixora is a visual treat. At Genesis Childcare 1989, we often use pictures of this plant to explain the butterfly life cycle and how plants support pollinators—key lessons in our Tampines nursery environmental education.
8. Hoya Latifolia (Wax Flower)
With its large, glossy leaves and fragrant pink flowers that bloom during the monsoon season, the Hoya Latifolia captivates both children and adults. Its star-shaped flowers resemble wax ornaments, making it perfect for creative learning projects like nature-inspired art at our Tampines childcare.
9. Portulaca Pilosa Subsp. Pilosa (Seashore Purslane)
A resilient succulent that thrives in sandy, sunlit areas, the Seashore Purslane is perfect for teaching children about drought tolerance and coastal ecosystems. Its ability to withstand tough conditions reminds little ones of the importance of resilience—a core value we instill at Genesis Childcare 1989.
10. Tarenna Fragrans (River Tarenna)
This plant’s sweetly fragrant blossoms and lush green foliage make it one of Singapore’s most beautiful native species. It thrives under both full and partial sunlight and blooms profusely, covering itself with flowers. We use stories about such plants to inspire imagination and creativity among our Tampines preschool children.
Flora of the Month: Chonemorpha Fragrans (Frangipani Vine)
Also known as the Frangipani Vine, this native climber produces creamy white flowers that smell delightfully sweet. Though not a tree, it can grow up to 20 metres tall with the right support, such as pergolas. Its broad leaves and beautiful blooms resemble the popular Plumeria Obtusa.
At Genesis Childcare 1989, the story of the Frangipani Vine is used as a metaphor for growth and support — just as this plant needs structures to climb, children need nurturing environments to reach their full potential. Our Tampines infant care and Tampines nursery provide that supportive foundation where children can blossom with confidence.
Discover the Beauty of Native Plants: Learning Beyond Books
Education goes far beyond the classroom walls. At Genesis Childcare 1989, we believe that hands-on experiences with nature enrich a child’s learning journey in meaningful ways. By encouraging children to discover the beauty of native plants, we help them understand the importance of biodiversity, sustainability, and care for the environment.
Through our engaging outdoor activities and nature-based learning experiences, children not only develop curiosity and observation skills but also cultivate a deep appreciation for the world around them — nurturing both their minds and their hearts.
Why Choose Genesis Childcare 1989 in Tampines
At Genesis Childcare 1989, we have over three decades of experience nurturing young minds in a safe, caring, and stimulating environment. Our Tampines infant care, Tampines preschool, Tampines nursery, and Tampines childcare programs are thoughtfully designed to balance play, learning, and growth.
We integrate nature-based learning to teach children about responsibility, empathy, and environmental stewardship — values that last a lifetime. When children plant seeds or observe local plants, they’re not just learning science; they’re developing patience, curiosity, and respect for the world around them.
If you’re searching for a Tampines childcare center that combines academic excellence with character-building and environmental awareness, Genesis Childcare 1989 is the perfect place for your little one to grow.
Final Thoughts
Singapore’s native plants are living reminders of our rich natural heritage. By helping our children learn about them, we cultivate a generation that respects and protects the environment. At Genesis Childcare 1989, we believe that every child can bloom beautifully—just like the vibrant plants that make our city a true garden in nature.
Through our dedicated Tampines infant care, Tampines nursery, Tampines preschool, and Tampines child care programs, we aim to nurture bright, kind, and curious learners who grow not just in knowledge, but also in heart.
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Genesis Tampines Childcare 1989 is one of the best preschool and childcare in Tampines. Our Preschool Tampines have over 30 years of experience in nurturing thousands of infants, toddlers and preschoolers. At our Tampines Childcare, we advocate that every child is unique and precious who needs to be loved and cherished.
As a leading early childhood center in Singapore since 1989, we are committed to nurturing our early learners holistically through various learning areas and positive learning dispositions. We place a strong emphasis on the way our teachers facilitate and interact with the children.
Our Childcare Tampines believe that every child is unique and precious who needs to be loved and cherished. Hence, our holistic curriculum aims to create meaningful learning experiences for each and every one of them!
Our Playgroup Tampines provides parents with the confidence that their children are in the good hands of our trained and caring teachers.
Our professional team of preschool teachers has a good understanding of child development and learning principles. We apply them efficiently and set the stage to create a meaningful learning experience that supports your child's discovery.
We consistently create a positive and cozy environment that will give your child a sense of security which builds their self-confidence to explore the world around them.
If you are looking for a good Tampines infant care or Tampines preschool or Tampines childcare near Tampines Central, do consider Nurture Infant House or Genesis Childcare 1989.
Located alongside our childcare in Tampines is our Nurture Infant House. If you are looking for Tampines infant care or infant care in Tampines, do visit Nurture Infant House. It is for infants aged 2 months to 18 months old. You can learn more about our infant care Tampines here.
Lastly, would you like to visit our Genesis Childcare 1989 to find out more about our environment and setup as well as understand our operations by talking to our teachers and supervisor?
Genesis Childcare 1989 (Playgroup to Kindergarten 2)
Blk 433 Tampines Street 43 #01-63/65 S(520433)
Nurture Infant House (2 to 18 months Infants)
Blk 433 Tampines Street 43 #01-61 S(520433)
Opening hours: Monday to Friday (7am to 7pm) & Saturday (7am to 2pm)
Public Bus services: 8 / 21 / 28 / 29 / 293
Tel: 96664141
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