Green Culture Singapore Book Review

Begonias of Peninsular Malaysia

by Ruth Kiew

Writer: Gloria Chay • Available online 5 Mar 2005

The book "Begonias of Peninsular Malaysia" authored by Dr. Ruth Kiew was launched recently, on 26 Feb 2005, by the Singapore Botanic Gardens/National Parks Board. Dr. Kiew is currently the Keeper of the Herbarium and Library and Assistant Director of Botanical Research in the Singapore Botanic Gardens. She possesses a BA (Part II Botany) and a PhD from Cambridge University. Dr Ruth has studied on wild begonias for more than three decades. The team responsible for making this book a reality must be congratulated and mentioned which comprises botanical illustrations by Zainal Mustafa, water colour paintings by Wendy Gibbs, principal photographer Yap Kok Sun with contributions by Ali Ibrahim and Tan Jiew Hoe. It has taken Ruth and her team almost 4 years to complete their research and uncountable number of field trips to photograph and collect herbarium specimens of each species in their various flowering/fruiting stages.

The book is written in a style that is accessible to the layman. It is definitely a book that every plant-lover should have. One of the aims of creating this book was to show the wonderful variety of Begonias at our doorstep and to ignite interest in the species native to our region. I believe it has surpassed this aim. The long-awaited book showcases 52 indigenous species and two escapees are described with photographs and illustrations of all parts of the plant. Research has been meticulously performed and superb photographs distinguish this book from others. Probably the only book of its kind, it allows readers to appreciate Begonias beyond the usual imported Rex hybrids, commonplace in local nurseries though not necessarily suitable for our climate. Detailed botanical descriptions are also given to aid identification of plants.

Book Details:

Hardcover: 308 pages
Publisher: National History Publications (Borneo) Sdn. Bhd.; 1st edition (2005)
ISBN: 983-812-086-3
Product Dimensions: 10.4 x 7.5 x 1.1 inches
Retail Price: SGD 65