![BulbulRW-Harpullia ramiflora [JackieOng] 1](https://besgroup.org/wp-content/uploads/BulbulRW-Harpullia-ramiflora-JackieOng-1.jpg)
Jackie Ong’s images of the Red-whiskered Bulbul (Pycnonotus jocosus) eating fruits of the Harpullia ramniflora were photographed at Singapore’s Satay by the Bay.
![BulbulRW-Harpullia ramiflora [JackieOng] 2](https://besgroup.org/wp-content/uploads/BulbulRW-Harpullia-ramiflora-JackieOng-2.jpg)
The plant, commonly known as Cape York Tulipwood or Claudie Tulipwood, is a reasonably fast growing tree. It belongs to the family of plants known as Sapindaceae that gives us rambutan, longan, mata kuching and lychee.
![BulbulRW-Harpullia ramiflora [JackieOng] 3](https://besgroup.org/wp-content/uploads/BulbulRW-Harpullia-ramiflora-JackieOng-3.jpg)
The flowers and fruits are borne in dense clusters along the branches. The flowers are white and fragrant but not as conspicuous as the fruits. The latter are orange-red, splitting to expose the black seeds encased in golden-yellow arils (=extra seed covering that is coloured and hairy or fleshy, like in the durian). The above image shows the bulbul with a seed covered by a golden-yellow aril.
Jackie Ong
Singapore
8th January 2017
Reference:
Barwick, Margaret (2004). Tropical and subtropical trees. A worldwide encyclopaedic guide. London: Thames & Hudson. 484pp.
This post is a cooperative effort between Birds, Insects N Creatures Of Asia and BESG to bring the study of birds and their behavior through photography and videography to a wider audience.
