新加坡植物园: 周边有什么、如何前往、何时最合适 · 2026年

Botanical research transformed regional commerce when director Henry Nicholas Ridley cultivated rubber seedlings brought from Kew Gardens. Planters across Malaya adopted his tapping methods, turning the territory into a leading exporter of natural rubber. Later work under Eric Holttum established orchid hybridisation techniques, yielding the orchid hybrid Vanda Miss Joaquim and the largest collection of tropical plant specimens.

The property previously maintained animal enclosures as a colonial zoo before high upkeep prompted officials to shutter the exhibits. Historic structures like Ridley Hall, Holttum Hall, and the Corner House still mark the grounds. During wartime military occupation, professor Hidezo Tanakadate negotiated directly with general Tomoyuki Yamashita to safeguard the living botanical grounds and associated collections from looting.