The Orang Asal-themed garden showcases plants used by the indigenous communities in Malaysia. This part of the garden demonstrates how the right plants in the right places can improve biodiversity.
THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE
The area used to be chronically flooded with water especially during the rainy season. This was due to clay soils and the lack of a drainage system. Our first and biggest challenge is to improve the drainage system. In order to direct excess water out, we dug trenches and filled it with granite chippings. These drains allow rainwater to flow towards the main drain outside the garden. After installing the drainage system, the land became more resistant to flooding and thus more viable for planting.
THE PLANT SELECTION
Plants were selected for cultural significance to Orang Asal communities. These plants are beneficial for both animals and humans. Many of these plants are perennial herbs and vegetables that are easily grown and sustainably harvested over time E.g. belalai gajah (Clinacanthus nutans), pegaga and selom. These plants bear flowers that attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies while creating complex structures that serve as places for animals to hide and live in.
Check out the list of plants at BIG CMIS here
HIGHLIGHTS AND FEATURES
Traditional food plants
The selection of plants is partly adapted from Syarifah Nadhirah’s book Recalling Forgotten Tastes. These plants are commonly used as food ingredients or medicinals by indigenous peoples in Malaysia.
Image credit to Syarifah Nadirah
Learn more on Recalling Forgotten Tastes here.
Craft plants
Among the selected plants, jelai (Coix lacryma-jobi) is a highlight as it represents traditional crafting culture. Other plants include dyes and weaving materials.
Jelai (Coix lacryma-jobi)
Jelai seeds are used by the indigenous community as beads to make crafts
Microhabitats
Nestled within the garden, Microhabitats provides food and shelter for small animals. Some examples of microhabitats are such as wildflower patches, flowering border plants, coconut husks on the ground, log pile and container ponds.
Wildflower patches
Nestled within the garden, Microhabitats provides food and shelter for small animals. Some examples of microhabitats are such as wildflower patches, flowering border plants, coconut husks on the ground, log pile and container ponds.
Pollinator flower garden
The front part of the garden comprises colourful ornamental flowers that are commonly seen in local gardens. This corresponds to typical nusantara garden design, in which the front garden is usually decorated with attractive flowering plants.
Urban Biodiversity Initiative (UBI) 