Contents and search bar Index of flora Index of fauna
	Kingdom Plantae | Division Spermatophyta | Order Palmales

Nipah or Attap Palm Nypa fruticans Family Arecaceae (Palmae) This palm forms dense growths in brackish (sea water diluted with fresh) water especially along river banks throughout South East Asia. It is uncommon in Singapore, but its characteristic fruits (right) can be seen along the shore. Its leaves are similar to those of the coconut and are still used in the making of thatched roofs (attap). Its flowers which grow in inflorescences are tapped for sugar and the making of vinegar and alcohol. Its seeds, especially the hard starchy endosperm, is made into a sweet preserve commonly known as "attap chee". The fruits grow in bunches. (Height up to 30m).

Introduction Shore environment

From A Guide to Seashore Life by Dr Leo W H Tan and Peter K L Ng Published by the Singapore Science Centre and sponsored by BP @Raffles Museum of Biodiversity Research and Singapore Science Centre