2004 Oct - Nov

National Park Office
National Park, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department
Travel in National Parks
In Touch with Nature Conservation
National Park Bulletin
Blooming Season
October-November
2004
www.dnp.go.th

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Contents
Hot News 2
Wild Flowers in Bloom 3
Insect-Eating Plants :
Wonders of Nature 4
Tourist Calendar 5
Butterfly fish are coral fish of beautiful
colours. At least 40 species of butterfly fish have
been identified in Thailand. The most recently
discovered, for the first time in Thailand, is the
dotted butterfly fish, Chactodon semion. It was
found in the vicinity of Ao Phak Kat in Mu Ko
Surin National Park (NP) by Mr. Baramee
Temboongiat.
Hot News
Re-opening of National Parks
Several national parks
have re-opened following
the scheduled closures
for park recuperation and
visitorsû safety during the
monsoon season.
❁ From October 1 st ,
2004 (2547), the following
parks have re-opened: Phu
Kradueng NP; the nature
trails in Huai Nam Dang NP;
rafting trips on the Mae
Taeng River, the nature study
trails at Doi Chang, Ao Pakarang, Ao Chek and the Ko Kudi Ranger Station in
Khao Laem Ya-Mu Ko Samet NP.
❁ From November 16 th , 2004 (2547), Mu Ko Surin NP, Mu Ko Similan NP,
Mu Ko Lanta NP (around Ko Rok, Kong Hin Daeng and Kong Hin Muang) and
Tarutao NP around Mu Ko Adang-Rawi have also opened to visitors.
Information for Readers
The National Park, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department (DNP), which publishes this
newsletter, was formed on October 2 nd , 2002 following the reform of government administration.
The DNP is charged with the mission to conserve, protect and rehabilitate the resources,
wildlife and plants of the forest. Its mission also includes the protection and control of existing
protected areas (including national parks) and the rehabilitation of degraded forests to bring
them back to their former condition. The outcome of these activities will be the retention of
balance in the ecosystem and environment as well as the enhancement of biodiversity.
In its capacity as the manager of nature tourism in Thai national parks, the DNP stresses the
importance of a tidy and pollution-free environment. On the auspicious occasion of the 6 th cycle
birthday celebration of the Queen (72 nd birthday in August,2004) the DNP initiated a project called
çGreen National Parks, Clear Water and White Sandé, comprising activities such as essay writings
and slogan competitions, a project sending trash back to litter bags, and the promotion of 5 good
practices among park staff (clearing up, convenience, cleanliness, healthy environment and good
habits). Even people with no opportunity to participate in these activities can contribute greatly to
the programme by not bringing foam containers with them when they visit national parks.
Vinich Rukchart
Acting Director, National Park Office
Invitation to View The Best
of Thai National Parks
The public is invited
to read about and enjoy
photographs of the 31
national parks considered
to be the best in Thailand.
The information is from
the book, The Best of
National Parks of Thailand
published by the DNP. It
can be viewed online on
the DNP website, www.dnp.
go.th, ùNational Parksû
submenu. We hope that
these pictures will excite
your interest in Thai nature
and motivate you to visit more of our national parks.
Owner : National Park, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department : 61 Phahonyothin Rd., Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900 Tel. 0-2579-5269 • Advisors :
Somchai Pienstaporn, Vichit Phattanagosai, Vinich Rukchart • Editorial staff : Suchai Omapiyan, Thanaroj Phothisaro, Anuchaya Chumnankid,
Vasa Sutthipibul, Chantanaporn Ampholchantana, Peeranuch Dulkull, Sumitra Jamnansribejra, Kwanhathai Naleun, Chanin Thorhut, Chaton Sittikehapark •
Design & Printing : Nature Tree Co.Ltd. 3476/5 Lat Phrao 138 Klong Chan, Bangkapi, Bangkok 10240 Tel. 0-2734-0654 Fax. 0-2734-0653

Wild flowers
in Bloom
Noone can deny the grace and charm of
wild flowers, in the arrangement of their petals
or their sweet scent. They are the visible representatives
of nature that send signals to humans
to make them realize the importance of the
ecosystem. In fact, flowers adapt attractive
forms and scents to lure insects and thus assist
in pollination for reproduction.
Wild flowers are a great source of
knowledge that can be tapped in all seasons.
During the rainy season, forests are at their
greenest. Humidity stimulates plants to produce
flowers of various hues and colours, especially
those species that go through a long hibernation
period or have underground stems.
Competing for attention from beneficial insects,
they produce incredibly eye-catching flowers at
unbelievable speed. The most distinguished
among these plants are those of the ginger
family, such as Krachiao or Bua sawan - Heavenly lotus, (Curcuma sparganifolia), visible at Pa Hin
Ngam NP, in Chaiyaphum. Every year thousands of Krachiao will bloom in the meadow in the
middle of the rich dry dipterocarp forest. The sight of morning mist caressing the Krachiao is
breathtaking. Moreover, the rainy season brings a covering of Pro Phu (Caulokaemferia spp.) to the
rocky flats. These white, yellow or pink flowers, also belong to the ginger family. On sandstone
mountains such as Phu Hin Rong Kla, Phu Luang, Phu Ruea and Phu Kradueng, Pro Phu bloom
all over the meadow and pine forest.
As the rain subsides and the cool wind gains strength other groups of flowers emerge to show
their beauty. These include insectivores like Soi Suwanna (Utricularia bifida) with their bright yellow
flowers and the deep purple Dusita (U. delphinioides), which survive on the wet sandstone plain.
Though the sandstone has no top-soil or nutrients, Soi Suwanna and Dusita have developed special
organs to seduce insects into their traps, before digesting and absorbing the end solution for their
çWildlife aplenty, white sandy beaches, sparkling water,
owe all to our national parks.é
By Miss Chonthicha Wongsasek, Ban Fai School. (translated from Thai)
Feature Story
nutrition. Visitors should drop by to see these
flowers at Pha Taem NP, in Ubon Ratchathani
and they will not be disappointed. The end of
the rains and arrival of cool winds also brings
new flowers to Phu Soi Dao, in Uttaradit, where
a plain of light pink Ngon Nak flower, or çthe
serpent crest floweré and çthe high noon dew
floweré (Murdannia gigantea), intermingle with
the bright yellow blooms of Kra Thin Thung
among the pine trees. Shrouded in a sea of
mist, this creates a picturesque sight.
When summer finally arrives, instead of hitting
the beach, why not head for the mountains and
enjoy different kinds of greenery. The queen of
summer flowers is undoubtedly the wild rose or
rhododendron. This plant is native to the
northern hemisphere where the weather is cool,
but some species have adapted to a humid
forest environment in hill evergreen forest.
Rhododendrons in Thailand are often are found
in clumps with beautiful brightly coloured
flowers. They include Kulap daeng - Red roses,
(Rhododendron simsii) on Phu Luang, in Loei
and Kulap Khao (R. lyi) at Lan Hin Pum on
Phu Hin Rong Kla, in Phitsanulok. Also, Kulap
Phan Pi (R. arboreum) blooms in winter in the
mountains of Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai.
As seasons pass, flowers of various
species adorn an array of colourful vistas
for people to appreciate. They paint the
forests and contribute to the abundance of the
eco-system.
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Knowledge in the News
1. Ya Nam Khang
(Drosera indica)
2. Soi Suwanna
(Utricularia bafida var. bifida)
3. Mo Khao Mo Kaeng Ling -
Monkey’s pots (Nepenthes
thorelii) found on sandstone
mountains such as Phu
Kradueng in the Northeast of
Thailand.
1. 2. 3.
Insect-Eating Plants
Wonders of Nature
One group of species in the plant kingdom that catches public interest is the carnivorous plant. Over
500 species of plants that can catch and consume insects and animals have been identified, from all 9
plant families in the world. The carnivorous plant we are most familiar with in Thailand is the pitcher plant.
Species from 3 different families are extant: Mo Khao Mo Keang Ling (Nepenthes), Ya Nam Khang
(Drosera) and Dusita (Utricularia). There are more than 80 species of pitcher plant from the
Nepenthaceae family alone. Most can be found in Southeast Asia, and 7 families found in Thailand.
All pitcher plants are creepers. Their insect trap or çpoté is a modification of the leaf and it
contains a solution. On and around the opening of the pot there are glands that produce juice to attract
insects into the pot. When an insect falls in, a digestive enzyme is released to digest the victim. The
nourishing solution is then absorbed into the plant tissue.
The sundew genus (Droseraceae family) consists of about 100 species all over the world. Three
species of this family have been discovered in Thailand. The genus is characterized by its leaves that
twist around the stem. Some species have leaves formed into clusters like pseudo-flowers, but all
produce tiny tendrils on the leaf surface. At the end of each tendril, there is a gland producing juice to
lure insects into the trap. Once caught, the insectûs struggles stimulate the leaf to curl tighter and release
digestive enzymes to digest the insect.
The three species of sundews found in Thailand are Chok Bo Wai (Drosera burmannii), Ya Nam
Khang - Dew grasses (D. indica) and Pat Nam (D. peltata).
Dusita or Sarai Khao Niao (Lentibulariaceae family) are also carnivorous. There are 180 species
worldwide, distributed throughout tropic and temperate zones. Most are small aquatic or terrestrial plants,
while some are epiphytes. In Thailand 20 species are extant. The mechanism for catching insects in this
genus varies. For operation in the water, special tendrils, in the shape of a long whip, have developed
at the base of the plant. At the end of the whip is a round bulb which opens and sucks in water mites
or insect larvae that swim or float against it. A digestive enzyme turns the victim into nutrient for the pla
nt. In Thailand these distinctive plants, of the family Utricularia, are usually found in damp areas on rocky
flats. They are Dusita (Utricularis delphinioides) with purple flowers; Soi Suwanna
(U.bifida var. bifida) with yellow flowers; and Thip Keson (U. minutissima) with smaller flowers than other
species, pinkish purple in colour.
Come and See the Flowers in the National Parks
All visitors can appreciate the beauty of flowers in the national parks. However, if you want to have a close
look of them or study them, you need to be equipped with a magnifying glass to observe the smallest blooms and/or
binoculars to see flowers on high branches. A note book and camera are also recommended. Those who enjoy drawing
or painting may bring art materials to record the beauty in front of them. All should note the simple rule for enjoying
flowers in the national parks: çDO NOT PICK THE FLOWERSé. Picking the flower shortens the life cycle of the plant, deprives others of the
splendour and is against the law. Also, tread carefully lest you step on and damage flowers unintentionally. One recommendation is to try to go
and see flowers on weekdays when there are fewer visitors and few people to obstruct your view.
çBeautiful green parks, white sand, fresh clear water,
we should help protect them.é
Mister Phirayu Niamsap, the Demonstration School of Rajabhat University, Chiang Mai. (translated from Thai)

The
Phu Kradueng
Experience
The current of cool season is an opportune time to visit Phu
Kradueng, a high mountain in the northeast, in Loei Province. One can
take in the natural beauty of the pine forest, the soft misty breeze, the
scenery at sunrise and sunset and study rare species on the mountain.
A suggested 5-day itinerary is given below.
Day 1: Rise early and begin with a hearty breakfast before beginning
the trek up the mountain before the sun is high. The starting point is
the foothill National Park Office at Ban Si Than. The cool weather in the
morning makes trekking less arduous and allows time to admire the
vegetation which changes with elevation. The forest along both sides
of the trail starts out as bamboo and shifts to dry dipterocarp, dry
evergreen and finally pine forest (the three needles type) on the ridge of
the mount which is a vast plateau, flat as a table top. The distance up
hill is around 5 km and at an easy pace the trip should take 6-7 hours.
There are several rest areas along the way where light snacks and
drinks are on sale. The track is steepest on the last section, where some
climbing is necessary. After the first day it is recommended to pitch a
tent and rest.
Day 2: Wake up with the birds at 5:00 a.m. and take a hike to Pha
Nok Aen to see the beautiful sunrise, before walking back to the camp
for breakfast. From late morning until late afternoon, trek along the
western precipice to see the cliffs and the mountain view at Pha Noi,
Tourist Calendar
Pha Yiap Mek, Pha Daeng, ending at Pha Lom Sak, and experience the
renowned sunset behind the lone pine tree.
Day 3: Arise early in the morning to breathe fresh mountain air and
take a circular hike through waterfalls and rich evergreen forest. Those
waterfalls are Wang Kwang, Phen Phop Mai and Phen Phop, Tham Yai
and Than Sawan. Take time to enjoy the maple trees, locally known as
Kuam Daeng, shedding their leaves to beautify the stream below. In the
evening, return to the camp and lie down by the camp fire to count the
stars. Day 4: Again arise early to enjoy a walk through Anodat Pool
to Tham So Nuea and Tham So Tai waterfalls, ending up at Phra Ong
waterfall. Complete the day by trekking to Pha Mak Duk to enjoy the
beautiful sunset and bid farewell to Phu Kradueng.
Day 5: After breakfast, pack up the tent and all your belongings and
begin the half-day hike back down to the office in the foothills. Showers
are available and may be welcome at this point before you drive home
safe and sound.
www.dnp.go.th/botany/bfk.htm
During the transition from the rainy season to the cold weather, several forests
in Thailand become favourites for flower- lovers. Blooms of all kinds cover the high
hills, such as the fields of silver button flowers at Thung Salaeng Luang NP, in
Phitsanulok and Soi Suwanna, Dusita and Chok Bo Wai on the
sandstone flats of Pha Taem NP, in Ubon Ratchathani. Visitors can learn more about
the flowers they see on the trails from the DNP Herbarium webpage, at
www.dnp.go.th/botany/bfk.htm. The Herbarium unit is well-known in the field of plant
research and collecting in Thailand. Forest travellers who find unfamiliar plants are
encouraged to take photographs and gather relevant data to give to the Herbarium
for examination. You could have discovered a new plant.
The front page of the website contains sub-menus such as the history of the
herbarium, basic plant structure, plant collection methods and the çFlora of
Thailandé project which has systematically collected several plant families. A click on the çPlant of the Monthé link takes you to pictures and
information about the most recent plant discovery. In November 2004, the plant on display was the Prathat Lueang flower (Yellow firecracker flower)
with a detailed botanical description. In addition, there is also news on plant seminars. This website is meant for those who truly love forest plants.
Visitors know its worth, villagers learn to protect it,
local organizations join to develop it; therefore, soil, water and forests are sustained.é
Miss Supansa Chirachotkhachonkun, Chulalongkorn University. (translated from Thai)
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