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A walking trail in the Adelaide Botanic Garden

P L A N T S A N D P E O P L E O F A S I A

Acknowledgements

This booklet has been developed with

financial assistance from the Botanic

Gardens of Adelaide, Multicultural

Education Coordinating Committee,

Asia Education Foundation,

Catholic Education Office

Contributors include:

Madelena Bendo

Alison Bullock

David Doherty

Jennifer Harris

Steve Meredith

Toni Mulrany

Paul Wright

Robin Green

Sylvia Williams

Libby Round

Gilbert Dashorst

Booklet developed by:

Steve Meredith,

Education Officer,

Botanic Gardens of Adelaide

Madelena Bendo,

Business Development Manager,

International Education Services

This booklet may be photocopied for

educational use.

This document contains material from

other sources. Permission has been

granted by the copyright owner for the

following to be reproduced.

Perfumery with Herbs by Ivan Day,

Published by Darton, Longman and

Todd, 1979, p 101B

‘Food to die for’ by Cherry Ripe, The

Weekend Australian , January 17•,

1998, p 14•

‘A Lotus with Animal Magic’ by Paul

Starick, The Advertiser , January 23,

1997, p 3

Every effort has been made to contact

the copyright owner of the following

article. If the author wishes to contact

the Open Access Materials Unit

negotiation for use can be made.

‘Bandung’s beans are the best’ by Dr

Jonathan Agranoff, Garuda Magazine ,

1997, pp 22“

Every effort has been made to trace

and acknowledge material taken from

other sources. If an omission is

brought to our attention, it will be

rectified as soon as possible.

ISBN 0 7308 7647 0

© Department of Education, Training

and Employment, South Australia.

Published by the Materials Unit of the

Open Access College, March 2000

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Connecting to the curriculum

This trail is designed for students in the middle years of schooling. It uses an integrated curriculum Approach, covering a number of Learning areas.

Introduction

Welcome to the ‘Plants and People of Asia’ trail in the Adelaide Botanic Garden.

This trail uses the plants of Asia and their cultural stories to help students understand different aspects of Asianlife and the Asian environment. The activities along the trail also integrate relevant Australian perspectives todeliberately blur the boundaries between Asia and Australia. This encourages students to question their ownviews and values within a combined Asian and Australian context. Challenging student perceptions is critical todeveloping a sound understanding of where Australia and Asia fit together, in the past, present and the future.

Why learn about Asia?

There are many reasons for our students to learn about Asia.

• Australia has a long history of contact with Asia beginning withcontact between the Aboriginal people of northern Australia.

• Australia has an increasing economic, tourism, educationand migration interaction with Asia.

• The pace of change in Asia is rapid and itis growing in importance in the global economy.

• Asia is our neighbour.

(Taken from Studies of Asia: A Statement for Australian Schools , AEF, 1995)

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Refer to the Australian Curriculum Links document on the website:

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General Capabilities

The learning approach throughoutthe trail has a strong focus on thefollowing,

Intercultural UnderstaningEthical behaviousPersonal and Social

Team teaching

The trail is suited to having teachersfrom two different curriculum areasconduct the excursion. Both theteachers and students would benefitfrom the collaborative sharing ofcurriculum expertise.

Using the booklet

In the garden students will workindependently and/or in smallgroups. Because group discussionis required when responding tomany of the questions, studentswill benefit from prior experienceof working in a collaborative setting.

Time management

The booklet has an extensiveamount of information and not all ofit will be completed on a singleschool excursion. Suggestedapproaches for maximising studentlearning within a suitable time frameinclude:• choosing stations you think are

most likely to interest your students

• using only selected stationsrelevant to your current curriculumfocus

• splitting the class to cover differentstations (with supervision)

• giving different student groupsdifferent activities to report back on

• selecting only particular curriculumlearning area activities like‘Environment’ or ‘You and me’ foreach station.

Stations

The trail has 11 stations, each withinformation, student activities andteacher tips. Stations 1¶ are on thewestern side of the creek. Stations7ˆ are on the eastern side. Students can work in small groups,then share responses and information.

Each station can be found by usingthe map, plant labels and the‘Finding the plants’ section onpages 6 and 7.

Main themes include:

1. Plants as symbols of status

2. Plants and our senses

3. Naming systems in scienceand culture

4. European representation ofAsian art

5. Religious symbols

6. Environmental restoration

7. Asian fauna

8. Traditional poetry

9. Decoration

10. Economic crops, Europeancolonialism

11. Unusual flora, religious icons.

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Activities

Each station has an integrated curriculum approach with studentlearning arranged under the following headings.

Use your senses Encourages students to use sensory observations to look more closely at the natural environment in the garden.

Traditional plant use Broadens students’ understanding of Asian culture throughstories of traditional plant use.

Environment Emphasises the biology and ecology of plants while encouraging scientific thinking on issues relating to the environment.

You and me Discussion starters on personal and social development issues that parallel Asian plant stories, often relating Asian and Australian contexts. Discussion can be followed up back at school.

Place in space Activities to help students familiarise themselves with thegeographic location of different Asian countries.

Challenge A collation of diverse ‘challenges’ for students to engage with back at school. Bestdone after your visit to the garden. Can also be done as stand-alone activities. Anemphasis on research and reporting back on findings in different formats. Articlesand activities for this section are at the back of the booklet.

Students should be encouraged to:

• use their senses to findinformation and to enjoythe natural world

• contribute to discussions

• actively listen to others

• reflect and share theirresponses with others.

Teacher tips

Notes for the teacher are included foreach station. They comprise answersand some suggested responses toopen-ended student activities.

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Finding the plants

There are a number of different cycads in this area. Cycas revoluta hasdark green, palm-like leaves radiating from a short central trunk. Maleand female plants are growing near the bitumen path.

Towards the hospital boundary, look for a very large spreading tree witha dense, wide canopy. The trunk is divided into numerous smaller trunksor branches. A circular flower bed surrounds the base of the tree. Toiletsare just across the bitumen roadway.

Down towards the lake, look for two large spreading trees growing next toeach other. One could have masses of figs growing on its trunk in summer.

On the bank of the creek that feeds the lake and not far from a small bridge,look for a large weeping tree.

From the willow follow the creek towards the city. The circular lotus pondis just past a small bridge. The pond changes through the year. In latespring, summer and early autumn, it has a covering of large leaves andpink lotus flowers. In winter, the plant dies down and is not visible.

Just past the lotus pond, towards the city and near the edge of the creek,look for a small, dense forest of trees.

Go across the creek to the bank opposite to the Casuarina forest. Here youwill find a long avenue of different types of bamboo.

On the grassy bank, just next to the bamboo grove, is a small grouping ofcherry blossom trees.

Head parallel with the creek towards the glasshouse. Outside the glasshouse and along the path near its entrance you will find a number ofdifferent hibiscus plants.

Go into the end room in the glasshouse (Victoria House). On the north-western side of the pool is a coffee tree.

Follow the bitumen path around the back of the glasshouse past therestaurant to the south-east corner of the rose garden. Look for a mediumsized tree with pointed, deep green leaves.

Location 1Cycas revoluta Cycad

Location 2Cinnamomum camphoraCamphor Laurel

Location 3Ficus racemosa Cluster Fig

Location 4Salix babylonica Weeping Willow

Location 5Nelumbo nucifera Sacred Lotus

Location 6Casuarina forest Casuarina or Sheoak

Location 7Bambusa Bamboo

Location 8Prunus Flowering Cherries

Location 9Hibiscus rosa-sinensis Hibiscus

Location 10 Coffea arabica Coffee

Location 11 Ficus religiosa Peepul

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S T U D E N TI N FOR M A TION AND AC T I V I T I E S

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some wild cycads have become soprecious that they have a silicon chipembedded in the trunk to help trackenvironmental vandals who stealthem from their natural habitat.

It’s a small world

Small cycads make excellent potplants. Just plant one in a little soilin a shallow container. Have a lot ofpatience. Wait a decade or so, andthere you have it. A miniature cycad!

In Asia

If you were Japanese and had thisplant in front of your home, it wouldbe a sign that you came from a fineold family.

In the past

Cycads have lived on the earth for300 million years. They once madeup 20% of the earth’s plantpopulation and grew all over theworld. Cycads survived the dinosaurage and have changed very littlefrom that time. They can almost bethought of as a living fossil.

Today

Today, cycads are found in manyAsian countries and in the northernhalf of Australia. This particularcycad grows in Japan along sunlit,rocky coastal locations. ItsJapanese name is Sotetsu.

Threatened plant

Cycads are considered an attractivegarden plant. Many have becomerare or endangered in the wild dueto plant collectors and habitatdestruction. In South Africa,

1 . C Y C A D SCycas revoluta

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Challenge

Read the fascinating story ‘Food to die for’ on pages50© (from The Weekend Australian , January 17•,1998). Find answers to the following questions.

1. Why do many plants and animals have deadlypoisons in their bodies?

2. How have people learnt to overcome poisons incycads and fugi fish?

3. What foods available to you can be dangerous toeat?

Place in space

1. Cycas revoluta is native to (hint: use the plant label)

2 . Shade this country on the ‘Map of Asia’ on page 53.

Use your senses

1 . Look closely at different cycads in this area.

Record some general observations.

Leaves tough / soft Spines yes / no Cones large / small

2 . Can you find cycads with flowers?

yes / no

Traditional use

The starch-rich seeds of cycads are poisonous yetcycad flour was a traditional food for different Asianand Australian Aboriginal people.

1. What must have been done to make the food safeto eat?

2. How could people have developed this knowledge?

You and me

1. What symbols in Australia do we use to showstatus?

2. Cycads have changed very little over millions ofyears.

(a) How have you changed through the years?

(b) What hasn’t changed about you?

Environment

1 . Look for different shaped cones on different plantswith the name, Cycas revoluta .

How do you explain this difference?

2 . How do the leaves of some cycads help defendthe plant from being eaten?

3 . Cycads look very similar to:

roses palms bamboo

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The wood

The light-brown, fine-grained timberhas been used in China and Japanfor furniture construction and shipbuilding. The timber is ideal formaking moth repellent chestsused to store clothes and fabrics.The chests are often intricatelycarved with scenes from daily life.

Incense

Camphor oil has been used formany centuries as a componentof fragrant smelling incense andtraditional medicine. Many religiousgroups including Christians, Hindusand Buddhists use incense for ritualand domestic offerings. It is burntat festivals, initiations and duringdaily rites. In Chinese society,incense is burned during festivalsand processions to honour ancestors and household gods.In Japan, it is incorporated intothe Shinto religious ceremonies.Incense is also used in certainChristian church ceremonies.

In Asia

Camphor laurel is native to China,Taiwan and Japan. In Japan someof the large, old trees have beendesignated as national monuments.

Essential oil

Wood and oil products fromcamphor laurel are highly prizedfor their aromatic, insect repellentand medicinal properties.Earlier methods of obtainingcamphor were very destructive andthreatened the existence of wildtrees in their native habitats. Thisled to improved management andthe planting of harvestable groves ofcamphor trees. The essential oilfrom camphor has been used tomake pharmaceuticals, celluloid,perfume, fireworks and smokelessgunpowder.

2 . C A M P H O R L A U R E LCinnamomum camphora

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You and me

1. Quiz a friend on how different smells affect them.

The smell of makes my friend feel

because

2. (a) Circle your favourite and cross out your leastfavourite smells from the list below.

mint fish dew running shoes

incense coffee roses eucalyptus

the sea compost rain burnt toast

(b) Explain your choice to the group.

Environment

1 . How could the smell of the leaf protect the tree?

2 . Why do you think this tree was first brought toAustralia?

3 . Camphor laurel is starting to go ‘feral’ in parts ofAustralia. How does the tree’s shape help it growfaster than nearby plants?

4 . What Australian tree has an insect repellent smellsimilar to camphor?

Challenge

1. Use the recipe on page 47 to make your ownincense in class.

2. Find out how essential oils are used in aromatherapy. Present your information to theclass.

Place in space

1 . Apart from China and Japan, camphor laurel isnative to

2 . Shade this country on the ‘Map of Asia’ on page 53.

Use your senses

1 . Pick up a fallen leaf from the ground. Crush it. Usethree different words to describe the smell.

2 . At eye level, look closely at the trunk.

I guess the circumference is about?

8 m 16 m 20 m

3 . How many branches make up the trunk base?

Traditional use

1. People put camphor wood shavings or woodballsin their clothes cupboards. Why?

2. Camphor was used to make celluloid. Why didmovie stars like Marilyn Monroe and HumphreyBogart owe their fame to celluloid?

3. Incense has been used in spiritual ritual by manycultures. What uses have you seen?

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Shade, elephants and medicine

The cluster fig has been usedwidely in coffee plantations as ashade tree. The leaves are foodfor cattle and elephants. The barkis used as a wash for wounds.The milky juice from the plant hasalso been used to treat diarrhoea.

Aboriginal use

The cluster fig is also found innorthern tropical parts of Australia.It is a traditional food of Aboriginalpeople from the Coburg Peninsularnear Darwin.

In Asia

The cluster fig is widespreadthrough Asia. It grows from India,Sri Lanka and Burma to Malaysiaand Australia.

Strange trunks

Clusters of figs hang directly fromthe main trunk and branches. Thisappearance is very eye catchingwhen the tree is in full fruit. In India,the tree loses its leaves during thesummer rainy season. (This isdifferent from cool climatedeciduous trees that lose theirleaves in winter.)

Food products

Cluster figs have been used insouthern India to line the sides ofroads and to supply large amountsof edible fruit. The fruits, when ripe,can be dried to provide a powderthat is malted and roasted into abreakfast food. The unripe fruit canbe ground with flour to make breador it can be eaten as a vegetable.

3 .CLUSTE R F I GFicas racemosa

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Challenge

1. Find out why you never see a fig flower by justlooking at the fig tree.

2. Find out how the giving of scientific names (likeFicus racemosa ) to plants and animals works.

3. Explain the advantages of using the Latin languagefor scientific names.

Place in space

1. Ficus racemosa is native to countries that include

B __ __ __ A

2 . Shade this country on the ‘Map of Asia’ on page 53.

You and me

1. In the Bali/Hindu naming system, a person is given aname according to where they fit in the family, that isfirst born, second born and so on. This system isthen repeated after the fourth born. It goes like this:

Wayan – 1st and 5th Made – 2nd and 6th

Nyoman – 3rd and ___? Ketut – 4th and ___?

2. In Bali, you would be called

3. If you could change your name what would youchange it to?

Ask a friend to tell you why it suits or does not suit you.

Environment

1 . Where are the figs growing on this tree?

2 . Why is this an unusual place to grow?

3 . How could the location of the fruit help the plant tospread its seeds?

Use your senses

1 . Find another tree near the cluster fig that starts withthe name Ficus .

Its complete name is Ficus

2 . List similarities and differences between the twofig trees.

similarities differences

3 . Is the plant name Ficus closest to our own familyname or given name?

Traditional use

1. Look on the tree or the ground for a cluster fig fruit.Does the fig look like it would be good to eat?

Yes / No

Why?

2. Why would you have to be careful in coffeeplantations when sitting underneath this treefor shade?

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on a quaint bridge and a pair ofswallows. The usual colourscheme is blue on white, thoughthere are variations. A legend oflovers transformed into swallowsis associated with the willowpattern story.

In Asia

This willow is common in east Asia.It is believed to have come intocultivation from Northern China over300 years ago. Large specimensgrow along the Yangtze River.

Irrigation channels

Quick growing willows are plantednext to irrigation channels byvillagers along the dry valleys of theWestern Himalayas. When cut, theyproduce a continuous supply of newshoots that can be harvested overand over again. The shoots areused for making baskets, fueland as a building material.

The ‘willow pattern’ story

The willow pattern design is acommon design on dishes. Peopleoften associate it with China butit does not come from Asia. Thepattern that features the willow treewas developed by Thomas Turnerin England in 1779 in imitation ofChinese decoration. Its classiccomponents are a weeping willow,pagoda-like structures, three men

4 . W E E PING WI L L O WSalix Babylonica

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Use your senses

1 . Why do you think this tree is referred to asweeping?

2 . Look closely at the location of this tree.

Weeping willows like to grow near

3 . Feel the smaller branches of the willow. Circle thewords to describe them.

brittle soft springy rough

flexible smooth firm

Traditional use

1. Sketch the shape of this tree made famous bywillow pattern crockery.

2. What feature do willow sticks have that makes themgood for woven fences, basketry and cricket bats?

You and me

A willow, growing near water, is sometimes a featureof large Japanese gardens. The willow is chosenfor its beauty, privacy and serene filtered light.

1. Describe your favourite place.

2. What makes this place special for you?

3. With another student, talk about how your specialplace makes you feel.

4. Does your friend feel the same way about theirspecial place? Why?

Environment

1 . Introduced willows were planted in Australia nearrivers to control erosion. If left unchecked, they canquickly take over. What problems arise when onlywillow trees grow along river banks?

2 . (a) Weeping willows are deciduous. Whatevidence for this can you see at the moment?

(b) What problem might this cause Australianstreams and rivers?

3 . Unscramble the letters to discover the nameof a South Australian river where willows havebecome a problem.

IRREV RUYARM __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __

Challenge

A plant story

A person ordered 24 weeping willows from a nursery.On receiving only 12 willows she complained to thenursery. The woman at the nursery replied ‘Break the12 willow sticks in half, plant them all in the ground andyour order will be filled.’

Explain why she was telling the truth.

Place in space

1. Salix Babylonica is a native to

(hint: use the plant label)

2 . Shade this country on the ‘Map of Asia’ on page 53.

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Good omen

In China, people related the lotus toa good omen and to love. It becamepopular among men of noblecharacter to send the fruit of thelotus as a gift of peace.

A drinking straw

During the lotus festival time inJapan, a small hole is made wherethe stem joins the leaf. Wine is thenpoured onto the leaf and suckedthrough the base of the stem.This provides the drinker withan unusual, tasty, nutrient rich drink.

In Asia

The beautiful lotus flower risesmajestically from muddy pools andlagoons throughout Asia. It is one ofthe most important symbols foundin most Asian cultures.

Religion

The lotus symbolises the life ofBuddha. It grows up through themud yet its leaves and flowers areuntainted, just as the Buddha grewup in the world, yet was untainted bylife’s ‘illusions’ and ‘desires’. Theflowers are used in daily offeringsin Buddhist temples. In the art ofboth Hinduism and Buddhism, thegods are frequently representedseated on a lotus throne.

Food

Just about all parts of the lotus plantare edible. This includes the seeds,leaves, flowers and their stalks.The flowers give rise to aninteresting seed pod that is edibleand resembles a giant salt shaker.

5 . S A C R E D L O T U S Nelumbo nucifera

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Challenge

Hot plants

The University of Adelaide has shown from experimentsin the Botanic Gardens that the lotus flower stays warmat night.

Find out more about this fascinating flower by readingthe lotus newspaper article on page 52, then:

1. (a) Explain how the lotus flower stays warm atnight.

(b) How might this help the plant?

Place in space

1 . Lotus is an important Buddhist symbol in manyAsian countries including:

T __ __ __ __ __ __ D

2 . Shade this country on the ‘Map of Asia’ on page 53.

You and me

The lotus flower symbolises beauty and peace.Little wonder the ‘lotus position’ in yoga is designedfor relaxation and to help overcome stress.

1. When do you need to relax?

2. What do you do to relax?

3. Where would you choose to relax in this garden?

Environment

1 . Why does the sacred lotus die back in Adelaidefrom May to October but grows throughout the yearin tropical Asia?

2 . Which of the Asian countries below could growsacred lotus all year round?

Thailand Indonesia China Japan

Vietnam Malaysia Tibet

3 . The seed head of the lotus is very light.How does this help the seed to spread?

Use your senses

1 . Drop water onto the leaves. What happens?

2 . (a) Do the lotus flowers appear to be followingthe sun?

(b) How do you know?

Traditional use

1. All parts of the lotus are eaten.

Make some predictions.

The small green seeds would taste like

The stems would taste like

2. Gently feel the stem. What must it be like on theinside if it is used as a drinking straw duringJapanese lotus festivals?

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Sand binding

Casuarina trees are quick growers.They can quickly establish smallforests and stabilise sand dunes.Features that enable them to dothis include the ability to:

• fix nitrogen using bacteria in theirroots

• sucker large numbers of newplants from roots

• conserve water by having tinyleaves.

In Vietnam, casuarinas have beenused extensively to reclaim landnear beaches and deltas. They alsomake effective wind breaks near thecoast. Protection from strong windsencourages the healthier growth ofplanted crops.

Timber

The hard, reddish-brown timberhas many uses including firewood,house rafters, tool handles, postsand charcoal.

In Asia

Casuarinas grow near beaches anddeltas in many Asian countries.

Peace, quiet and poetry

This small forest of casuarinassurrounds the visitor in an eeriesense of aloneness and privacy.The sound of the wind whistlingthrough the branchlets, is oftenused in the language of Asian poetryand songs. Not surprisingly, thehaunting sound has symbolic andspiritual importance to the peopleof Java in Indonesia. A similarspiritual importance, through theDreaming, is attached to casuarinatrees by the Narrunga Aboriginalpeople from Yorke Peninsula.

6 . C A S U A R I N A F O R E S TCasuarina or Sheoak

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Challenge

1. Introduced plants that compete vigorously withnative plants can be a problem for someenvironments. Find out why Casuarina equisetifolia ,which originates in Malaysia, southern Asia andAustralia, has become a problem in the Evergladesof America.

2. For help, try the internet at:

http://www.aqd.nps.gov/npci/epwg/caeq1

http://aquat1.ifas.ufl.edu/mcplnt2c.html

Place in space

1 . Casuarinas are used in:

__ __ __ __ __ __ __

to reclaim land near river deltas and the coast.

2 . Shade this country on the ‘Map of Asia’ on page 53.

Use your senses

Before you walk into the casuarina forest, note thingslike the surrounding sounds, light, shade wind, view,smells, ground surface.

1 . What changes when you enter the forest?

2 . Where do you prefer being, in or out of the forest?

Traditional use

New casuarina saplings can grow from suckers thatsprout from the roots of the parent tree. Why does thismethod of reproduction make the casuarina good for:

1. (a) binding sand

(b) producing firewood

(c) timber carving

Why?

You and me

Here is a Balinese love poem.

Lebih baik lari / mengejar kemajoean / daripadaberdiam diri / jadi tontonan

Much better to / pursue advancement / than be a /silent display ( Anonymous author, 1927 )

1. What is the message in the poem? Do you agreewith it?

2. Add another verse, in the same writing style.

Environment

Look around the forest.

1 . What features identify the original parent plants inthe forest?

2 . What evidence is there that the casuarina forest isclaiming land from the creek?

3 . Why would people want to reclaim land in low-lyingareas of Asia?

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but true, the panda’s digestivesystem is more suited to a dietof fruit and meat than low nutrientbamboo.

Tinikling—a dance

Tinikling—the national dance ofthe Philippines, depicts the journeyof the tikling bird (a heron) as ittravels through rice fields, avoid-ing bamboo traps made by farmers.The dancers weave ‘in-and-out’ ofthe bamboos, trying not to getcaught in the traps as the speedof the tapping intensifies until thedance comes to a climactic finish!Tinikling is a dance of skilledartistry, fast foot movement andgrace. It is a battle betweendancer’s feet and bamboo poles.It is an attempt to take each otherto the utmost limit of agility andendurance.

In Asia

The different uses of bamboo arealmost endless. It is one of themost versatile and importantmaterials for everyday life.

A fast grass

Believe it or not, bamboo is a typeof grass. The largest bamboosin Asia grow up to 40 metres tall.Bamboo is the the fastest growingplant on earth with a recordedgrowth of 121 cm in 24 hours! Theirfast growth rate, strength, size andthe ease of harvest explain its usein everything from food, paper andfurniture to house construction. Thehollow stems are ideal for makingmusical instruments, water pipesand lightweight carrying poles.

Giant panda

The endangered giant panda’s dietconsists almost exclusively ofbamboo. In prehistoric times, thegiant panda, was widespread inChina. Today, it is estimated thatonly 1000 remain and all are con-fined to the bamboo forests ofsouth-western China. Strange

7.BAMB O OBambusa

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Challenge

1. Bamboo can be used to carry water. Find out howmuch water they hold by completing the mathsBamboozler on page 48.

2. Find out more about what different Asian musicalinstruments are made from bamboo. Report yourfindings back to the class.

Place in space

1 . Tinikling is the national dance of the

P _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _.

2 . Shade this country on the ‘Map of Asia’ on page 53.

Use your senses

1 . Describe the feel of the stem of the giant bamboo.

2 . How many different types of bamboo are along thisavenue?

3 . How many strengthening rings does a tall bamboohave?

4. (a) Find a young shoot. Why might it be the bestpart of bamboo to eat?

(b) What Asian foods have you eaten recently?

Traditional use

Bamboo has many uses in Asia.

1. Circle item(s) that bamboo is probably not usedfor in Asia.

houses furniture paper water pipes

dye musical instruments food blinds

2. Bamboo is grown in Asia as a living fence. Look atthe bamboo grove. List three features that make itan excellent ‘living fence’.

3. What is something you could make from bamboo?

Environment

The giant panda’s diet consists almost exclusively ofbamboo.

1 . Pandas eat bamboo

leaves stems shoots

Why do they need strong jaws?

2 . The amount of bamboo they eat per day is about:

14 kg 25 kg 50 kg

3 . Bamboos of a given type can flower together thenall die at the same time. What problems does thiscause pandas?

4 . What could be done to overcome this problem?

You and me

The Tinikling dance from the Philippines gets faster andfaster as the dance progresses. The fitter the dancer,the better they cope with the challenge of leaping out ofthe path of colliding bamboo rhythm poles.

1. (a) Are you fit at the moment?

(b) What makes it difficult or easy for you to keepfit?

2. How do you keep fit?

3. ‘Fitter people cope better when life gets hectic ordifficult.’ Do you agree? Give reasons.

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8 . F L O W E R I N G C H E R R I E S

to dark red and all colours in between.So varied are the colours that thedifferent white colours can be describedas ‘snow-white’, ‘bluish white’,‘yellowish white’ and ‘milky white’ andall shades in between.

Blossom festivals

Large numbers of people in Japangather together to enjoy the blossomingtrees. It is an occasion for food, fun anda celebration of life. There is newoptimism and hope with the coming ofwarmer weather. In the old Japanesecapital of Kyoto the willow and thecherry are often seen growing together.Little wonder that Japanese art regularlyfeatures these plants.

Brief beauty

There are many poems written to thebeauty of cherry blossom. Here is one.

In Asia

The flowering cherry tree iscelebrated throughout Japan for itsspring blossoms. It is planted allover the country. Many varieties aregrown in gardens. Wild natural treesgrow in mountain regions.

Ancient roots

The Japanese Mume (Prunusmume ) was introduced to theJapanese Islands from Chinaaround 1300 years ago. TheJapanese cherry or Sakura wasalready established in Japan longbefore that time. Both thrive inJapan and have become animportant cultural symbol.

New beginnings

The flowers bring a sense ofcheerfulness and gentleness. Theirshort life celebrates the promise ofspring and future happiness.

Such variety

Centuries of breeding and selectionhave created many different forms,colours, shapes and sizes. Theflowers range in colour from white

Prunus

Cherry blossom poem Chirinureba When they have scatteredkouredo shirushi though you yearn, no tracenaki mono wo of this beauty will remain:kyo koso sakura if you wish to break

yourself a boughoraba oriteme of cherry blossoms, break

it today!

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Use your senses

1 . Choose a cherry blossom tree. Tick the featuresyou can see in the table and work out the patternof life the tree has with the seasons.

The season is currently

summer autumn winter spring

Traditional use

1. Find a plant in this area that is a traditional giftto the state of South Australia. From what partof Japan was it a gift?

(hint: find the plaque)

2. Much poetry surrounds the flowering cherry. Longago, just before his death, a Buddhist monk wrote:kono yo ni wa In this world, mata mo mirumaji unlikely I will see them againume no hana blossom of the mume: chiri-jiri naran how sad it is that soon koto zo kanashiki they will scatter and fall.

Read the Japanese version of the poem to one ofthe trees. What aspect of life is the poem about?

Flowers Leaves Buds Fruits

Summer

Autumn

Spring

Winter

You and me

Cherry blossom blooms for a very short time. Likeyouth, it is with us only briefly, or is it?

1. People are old when they reach

2. (a) How are younger people different from olderpeople you know?

(b) How are they the same?

3. (a) Can you imagine yourself at forty years ofage? What do you think you will be doing?

(b) How do you think you might have changed?

Environment

1 . Cherry blossom trees drop their leaves in winter.

What is the advantage of being deciduous in areaswith freezing cold winters?

2 . In Japan, cherry blossom trees were popular inlarge private gardens. Today, however, there hasbeen a steep decline in the number of trees grown.Why is this the case?

Challenge

Traditional Japanese Haiku poetry originated froman ancient word game. It includes flashes of wisdommixed with reference to nature and the seasons.

Find out more about this fascinating way of makingpoetry.

Run a class Haiku poetry competition.

Place in space

1 . Japanese Mume was brought from China to Japan.What countries are located between China andJapan?

and

2 . Shade these countries on the ‘Map of Asia’ onpage 53.

28

String and medicine

The fibre from hibiscus stems isgood for making cord or string.Many parts of the plant have beenused medicinally, in particular, juicefrom the leaves has been used toassist with childbirth.

Shoe flower

The spectacular flowers bloomfor only one day, however, hibiscusplants are often covered in acontinuous supply of flowers. Oneof the Indonesian names forhibiscus is kembang sepatu whichmeans ‘shoe flower’. This isthought to come from the Portuguese who used the juice ofthe petals to blacken shoes. InChina, the flowers are pickled andeaten.

In Asia

The large, strikingly colouredflowers make this a popular plantthroughout tropical regions.

Big, bold and beautiful

Hibiscus flowers always catch theeye. They come in many dazzlingcolours, shapes and sizes. Thecentre of the flower often providesan attractive colour contrast to thepetals. Little wonder then thathibiscus flowers are used tobrighten up homes and to add to thesplendour of displays made forspecial ceremonies and importantoccasions.

Gods and Heavenly Emperors

The vibrant colours of the flowershave been likened to those of thesun, and in Chinese mythology, thehibiscus flower is said to symbolisethe ten sons of the HeavenlyEmperor Jun. The flowers are usedin offerings to the gods by the Hindupeople of Bali.

9 . H I B I S C U SHibiscus rosa-sinesis

29

Challenge

Clothing and culture

1. Find out more about traditional forms of clothingand body decoration in a country of Asia.

2. Discuss how clothing and decoration have beeninfluenced by religion, climate, history andavailability of materials.

3. Make a display poster and share your findings withthe class.

Place in space

1 . Hibiscus is found in

M _ _ _ _ _ _ _

2 . Shade this country on the ‘Map of Asia’ on page 53.

You and me

1. When do you use flowers as part of a ceremony,celebration or special occasion?

2. (a) Who gives the flowers?

(b) Who gets the flowers?

(c) Why are flowers chosen?

(d) Are flowers associated more with one gender?Why?

3. Men in Bali may wear a flower behind their ear as adecoration. What does this say about Balineseculture?

Environment

1 . In the box below, draw an accurate diagram of thecentre part of the hibiscus flower.

2 . What is a design feature of the flower that helpsinsects to pollinate it?

3 . Look closely. What pollinates the flowers here inthe garden?

Use your senses

1 . How many different coloured hibiscus flowers canyou find in this area?

2 . How many different colours can you find in just onehibiscus flower?

3 . Do hibiscus flowers have a scent?

4 . Count the petals. Hibiscus flower parts are inmultiples of

Traditional use

1. Hibiscus is a light wood used in wood carvings fortourists.

What is the advantage for tourists in buying thistype of wood carving?

2. Gently feel the stem. What features make it goodfor string?

3. Why do you think the hibiscus flower is chosen forofferings to gods?

30

Special needs

Coffee requires special soilconditions and a delicate balanceof warmth and moisture. Frost-freeregions between 2000 and 2400metres above sea level provide thebest growing conditions. Hillsidesin tropical Asia provide an idealenvironment. Intensive work isneeded to successfully grow andharvest coffee.

The world’s best

Some of the most famous coffeesare grown on the islands of Sumatra, Sulawesi and Java inIndonesia. These coffees are notedfor their richness, and full body.Many consider the Mandheling andAnkola coffees of Sumatra theworld’s finest.

In Asia

Coffee is the world’s most popularbeverage. More than 400 billioncups are consumed each year. It isa world commodity that is secondonly to oil. Asia has a number ofregions that meet the demandingclimate and soil needed for growingthis important economic crop.

History

Coffee originally comes from theEthiopian region of Africa. It laterspread through the Middle Eastthen was introduced into Europein the late 1500s. Popularity andpressure for increased suppliesled to coffee merchants expandingthe growing of coffee into Asia.In 1690 coffee was smuggled outof the Arab port of Mocha by theDutch, and transported to Asiafor cultivation. Coffee plantationsspread rapidly to Java and otherislands of the Indonesianarchipelago. Today, Indonesia isone of the world’s major coffeeproducers.

10.CO F F E ECoffea arabica

31

Challenge

Read the story, ‘Bandung’s beans are the best’ onpage 49. Explain why you think the small, family-runAroma coffee company is able to successfully competewith larger, international coffee companies.

Place in space

1 . Coffee is grown on the main islands of

I _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ .

2 . Shade this country on the ‘Map of Asia’ on page 53.

Use your senses

1 . Where do the coffee fruits or ‘cherries’ growon the plant?

2 . What word best describes the way the leavesare joined to the branches.

opposite or alternate

Traditional use

In Indonesia coffee beans are ground very fine.The coffee drink is made within the cup. The preferredtaste is sweet and hot.

1. What styles of coffee drinking are you familiar with?

2. Why do people drink coffee when they get older butnot so much when they are young?

3. Ripe and unripe coffee cherries grow next to eachother. Why does this mean coffee plants areharvested by people and not machines?

You and me

In Indonesia, the Aroma company stores coffee beansfor seven years before roasting them. Most coffeecompanies roast their beans almost immediately. TheAroma coffee is said to be distinctive, delicious and wellworth the long storage time.

1. Give an example of when you had to wait a long timeto get something you wanted.

2. Why did you have to wait so long?

3. Was the wait worth it? Why?

Environment

1 . Note the conditions of the glasshouse.

Circle the environment you think coffee growsbest in.

tropical temperate desert

2 . Over 60 different types of Coffea are found in thewild. Only 10 of these are grown for the productionof coffee.

Why is it important to protect these wild types ofcoffee plant?

32

Strangler in the forest

The Peepul is one of the stranglerfigs. In the wild, it starts life highup in the rainforest canopy. Theroots twist around the trunk of thesupporting host tree as they growdown towards the ground. Stranglers can grow to nearly eightmetres in diameter with suckersand buttress roots forming a massaround the host tree’s trunk. Overtime, the strangler can kill its host.

Flag of Sri Lanka

The four leaves in the corners of theSri Lankan flag are from a Peepultree. These leaves represent thefour ‘Noble Truths’ described inthe Buddhist Dharma.

In Asia

The Peepul (or Bo tree) is a treesacred to Hindus and Buddhists.Buddha is thought to have achievedperfect knowledge or enlightenmentunder its canopy. The name‘religiosa’ reflects the degree towhich the Peepul is worshipped.Hindus look upon killing the tree asa great sin.

A temple tree

The Peepul is often planted aroundthe entrance to temples and placesof worship. The vigorous roots caneventually destroy structures over along period of time, creating afusion of building and naturalchange.

A long life

Peepuls are often long lived,maintaining life by successivelyproducing roots and suckers toadvance the growth of the tree.In one case, continuous recordshave been kept of a Peepul whichwas originally planted over 2000years ago. This specimen, in SriLanka, is thought to be one of theoldest known historical trees.

11.PEE PULFicus religiosa

33

Use your senses

1 . Sketch the unusual shape of the leaf.

2 . Leaf shine

Top glossy / dull

Underside glossy / dull

Traditional use

1. Stand back and look at the canopy of the tree.Guess why the Buddha chose this tree to meditateunder.

2. Give some other examples of plants that havecultural, historical or religious significance.

Challenge

Tai Chi is a series of exercises designed to promotehealthful and harmonious body movements. It is saidthat the slower the movements the greater the benefits.It is a sort of meditation for body and mind throughmotion.

1. Find out more about Tai Chi. Try it.

2. Share your findings with the class.

Place in space

1 . The Peepul leaf is on the national flag of

S __ __ L __ __ __ __

2 . Shade this country on the ‘Map of Asia’ on page 53.

You and me

Different people have different beliefs about who theyare and where they come from.

1. What religious backgrounds are there in your class?

2. Buddhism uses meditation to clear the mind. Try itfor a few minutes on the nearby lawn. Relax. Blockout surrounding distractions. Focus on slow calmbreathing. Let your thoughts flow without judgementor control.

How did you feel after your meditation?

3. What form does Christian meditation take?

Environment

1 . Rainforest plants like this fig face a constant battleto remain dry and stop fungi and bacteria fromgrowing on them.

List two ways these leaves are able to get rid ofwater.

and

2 . These plants can start their life at the top ofrainforests.

(a) What is the advantage of this?

(b) How could the seeds get to the top of therainforest?

TEA C H E R T I P S

36

1 . C Y C A D S

TEA C H E R T I P S

Cycas revoluta

Traditional use

1. What must have been done to make the food safe to eat?Poisons have to be leached from the seed before eating.

2. How could people have developed this knowledge?Knowledge of how to handle plant poisons has probablycome through close observation and ‘trial and error’. Theknowledge has then been passed down over time.

Challenge

Read the fascinating story ‘Food to die for’ on pages 50©(from The Weekend Australian , January 17-18, 1998).Find answers to the following questions.

1. Why do many plants and animals have deadly poisonsin their bodies?Living things often have toxins for defence. For example,many plants have toxins to deter animals from eatingthem. Some animals use poisons to immobilise their prey.When the seeds are immature, fruit can have toxins todeter animals from eating it. Ripening and removal oftoxins then encourages the dispersal of the mature seed.

2. How have people learnt to overcome poisons in cycadsand fugi fish?See one response to question 2 in Traditional use sectionabove.

3. What foods available to you can be dangerous to eat?Examples might include fungi, unripe fruit. Considerallergic reactions for some individuals.

Use your senses

1 . Look closely at different cycads in this area. Recordsome general observations. Leaves tough Spines yes, if you look closely, be careful Cones large, compared to say pine cones

2 . Can you find cycads with flowers? Cycads do not have flowers, seeds are borne in cones.Cycads are related to cone bearing plants like pine trees,not flowering plants.

Environment

1 . Look for different shaped cones on different plants withthe name, Cycas revoluta. How do you explain this difference? Long thin cones are male plants. More rounded cones with seeds are female plants.

2 . How do the leaves of some cycads help defend the plantfrom being eaten? Cycad leaves often possess defensive spines or tips.

3 . Cycads look very similar to: roses palms bambooCycads are often mistaken for palms. The two groupsof plants are not related to each other.

Place in space

1 . Cycas revoluta is native to... (hint: use the plant label) Country of origin: Japan

2 . Shade this country on the ‘Map of Asia’ on page 53.Students shade Japan on their ‘Map of Asia’ page.

You and me

1. What symbols in Australia do we use to show status?Many responses are possible here. Status may be interms of community respect, wealth, power, knowledge,fame, kindness. Discuss.

2. Cycads have changed very little over millions of years.

(a) How have you changed through the years? (b) What hasn’t changed about you? These are open response questions for individual or smallgroup discussion. Responses to the questions will vary.

37

2 . C A M P H O R L AU R E L

TEA C H E R TIP S

Cinnamomum camphora

Traditional use

1. People put camphor wood shavings or wood-balls in theirclothes cupboards. Why?Camphor balls are used to repel insects and prevent them from damaging clothes.

2. Camphor was used to make celluloid. Why did moviestars like Marilyn Monroe and Humphrey Bogart owe theirfame to celluloid?Celluloid was used to make movie film. It is no longer usedin modern film production.

3. Incense has been used in spiritual ritual by manycultures. What uses have you seen? Incense is still used today in ceremonies and on religiousoccasions. People use incense at home for the pleasantsmell. Students might have their own special occasionswhen they burn incense.

Use your senses

1 . Pick up a fallen leaf from the ground. Crush it. Use threedifferent words to describe the smell. The leaves have a strong camphor smell. Some studentsmay confuse the smell with eucalyptus.

2 . At eye level, look closely at the trunk. I guess thecircumference is about? 8 m 1 6 m 20 m A reasonable estimate of the circumference of the trunkat eye level is about 8 metres.

3 . How many branches make up the trunk base?There are eight branches making up the trunk base.

You and me

1. Quiz a friend on how different smells affect them.Many possibilities here. Encourage students to discussresponses with the whole class. Talk about the close linkbetween memory and smell. Other possible discussionlinks include food and smell, why we use perfumes anddeodorants or differences between men and women andtheir sense of smell.

2. (a) Circle your favourite and cross out your leastfavourite smells from the list below. mint fish dew running shoesincense coffee roses eucalyptusthe sea compost rain burnt toast

(b) Explain your choice to the group. Many possibilities here. This exercise is goodfor encouraging quieter students to contribute.

Environment

1 . How could the smell of the leaf protect the tree?The strong odour of camphor may deter insects fromeating the leaf.

2 . Why do you think this tree was first brought to Australia?This plant was first brought to Australia because it is anattractive tree for planting in streets and gardens.

3 . Camphor laurel is starting to go ‘feral’ in parts ofAustralia. How does the tree’s shape help it grow fasterthan nearby plants? The broad, umbrella-like canopy reduces the sunlightavailable to nearby plants.

4 . What Australian tree has an insect repellent smellsimilar to camphor? The smell of camphor is similar to eucalyptus oil.

Challenge

1. Use the recipe on page 47 to make your own incense.Students can make their own incense back at schoolusing information at the back of the booklet.

2. Find out how essential oils are used in aromatherapy.Present your information to the class. Research project on Aromatherapy.

Place in space

1 . Apart from China and Japan, camphor laurel is native toTaiwan

2 . Shade this country on the ‘Map of Asia’ on page 53.Students shade Taiwan on their ‘Map of Asia’ page.

38

3 . CLUSTE R F I G

TEA C H E R TIP S

Ficas racemosa

You and me

1. In the Bali/Hindu naming system, a person is given aname according to where they fit in the family, ie firstborn, second born and so on. This system is thenrepeated after the fourth born. It goes like this: Wayan – 1st and 5th Made – 2nd and 6thNyoman – 3rd and ? Ketut – 4th and ? Nyoman – 3rd and 7th. Ketut – 4th and 8th.

2. In Bali, you would be called ...Students work out their Balinese name.

3. If you could change your name what would you changeit to? Ask a friend to tell you why it suits or does not suityou.Discussion on what name we would like to be called andwhy. This can be extended to a discussion on how namessuit people, or, how the popularity of children’s nameschanges over time.

Environment

1 . Where are the figs growing on this tree? The figs are growing directly on the trunk. This is knownas cauliflory.

2 . Why is this an unusual place to grow? This is unusual because fruit normally grows amongstleaves on the branches.

3 . How could location of the fruit help the plant to spread itsseeds? In the rainforest, flowers and fruits growing on the trunkmake it easier for pollination and seed dispersal by insectsand other animals.

Traditional use

1. Look on the tree or the ground for a cluster of fig fruit.Does the fig look like it would be good to eat? Why?Answers will vary depending on personal taste and thedegree of ripeness of the fruit. When fully ripe in summerthe figs can smell and taste like strawberries.

2. Why would you have to be careful in coffee plantationswhen sitting underneath this tree for shade. The figs drop in very large numbers close to the baseof the tree. Sitting on squashed fruit may not be themost pleasant of experiences!

Use your senses

1 . Find another tree near the cluster fig that starts with thename Ficus. It’s complete name is ... The nearby fig tree is Ficus obliqua or the small leaf fig.

2 . List similarities and differences between the two figtrees. Similarities Differences glossy, deep green leaves location of figsfig fruit shape of figslarge tree size of leavesleaf shape

3 . Is the plant name ficus closest to our own family name orgiven name? Ficus is closest to our family name because it representsa group of closely related plants, ie the fig group. Inclassification this name is called the GENUS name.

Challenge

1. Find out why you never see a fig flower by just lookingat the fig tree.Figs have their flowers on the inside of the fruit. A tinywasp enters the fruit through a small hole to pollinate theflowers.

2. Find out how the giving of scientific names (like Ficusracemosa) to plants and animals works. The scientific naming of living things can be done as apart of the science program.

3. Explain the advantages of using the Latin languagefor scientific names.Latin is used because it does not change over time(a dead language). Latin is used world wide to ensureaccurate communication between scientists from differentcountries.

Place in space

1 . Ficas racemosa is native to countries that includeB __ __ __ A Native to India, Sri Lanka, Burma, Malaysia and Australia.

2 . Shade this country on the ‘Map of Asia’ on page 53.Students shade Burma on their ‘Map of Asia’ page.

39

4 . W E E PING W I L L O W

TEA C H E R TIP S

Salix Babylonica

You and me

A willow, growing near water, is sometimes a feature of largeJapanese gardens. The willow is chosen for its beauty,privacy and serene filtered light.

1. Describe your favourite place. Students describe a favourite place. There are many possible responses.

2. What makes this place special for you? Discussion on what makes a place special to individuals.

3. With another student, talk about how your special placemakes you feel.Students discuss a special place with a friend.They could report back to the whole group.

4. Does your friend feel the same way about their specialplace? Why?Discussion as to why different people have differentspecial places. This helps to define the uniquenessof us all.

Environment

1 . Introduced willows were planted in Australia near riversto control erosion. If left unchecked, they can quicklytake over. What problems arise when only willow treesgrow along river banks? One dominant single plant type can mean less foodresources and living places for different types ofanimals. It reduces the biodiversity of a habitat.

2 . (a) Weeping willows are deciduous. What evidence for this can you see at the moment?Evidence for deciduous nature may include:colour of leaves, dropping of leaves, swollenbuds, bare branches.

(b) What problem might this cause Australian streamsand rivers? The dropping of large quantities of leaves at onetime can cause problems with water quality, egsudden deoxygenation of water due to bacterialleaf decay.

3 . Unscramble the letters to discover the name of a SouthAustralian river where willows have become a problem.River Murray

Traditional use

1. Sketch the shape of this tree made famous by willowpattern crockeryStudents draw the overall shape of the willow. Detailcan be important in science and art when recordingthe natural world.

2. What feature do willow sticks have that makes them goodfor woven fences, basketry and cricket bats?Willow sticks can bend without breaking or splitting.This makes them an ideal material for making wovenfences, basketry and springy cricket bats.

Use your senses

1 . Why do you think this tree is referred to as weeping?The arching, pendulous branches give the appearanceof a person, head bowed in a weeping posture.

2 . Look closely at the location of this tree. Weeping willows like to grow near ... The trees grow well near creeks, streams or rivers.

3 . Feel the smaller branches of the willow. Circle the words to describe them. brittle soft springy roughflexible smooth firm Words to describe the small branches should include‘springy’ and ‘flexible’.

Challenge

A plant storyA person ordered 24 weeping willows from a nursery. Onreceiving only 12 willows she complained to the nursery. Thewoman at the nursery replied ‘Break the 12 willow sticks inhalf. Plant them in the ground and your order will be filled.’Explain why she was telling the truth. Willows grow very easily from cuttings. Fresh willow stickscan be placed in the ground, kept moist and they will take rootvery quickly. By breaking the 12 original sticks in half, youhave 24 willow sticks to plant. The nursery woman wastelling the truth in an indirect way.

Place in space

1 . Salix Babylonica is a native to ... A native to China

2 . Shade this country on the ‘Map of Asia’ on page 53.Students shade China on their ‘Map of Asia’ page.

40

5 . S A C RED L O TUS

TEA C H E R T I P S

Nelumbo nucifera

You and me

The lotus flower symbolises beauty and peace. Little wonderthe ‘lotus position’ in Yoga is designed for relaxation and tohelp overcome stress.1. When do you need to relax?

Look for common themes among the various studentresponses to the question of when they need to relax.Some may relate to school situations, this could befollowed up back in the classroom. The importanceof relaxing and self-reward is worth discussing.

2. What do you do to relax?Students will relax in different ways. This is a chanceto again highlight our uniqueness as individuals.

3. Where would you choose to relax in this garden? Encourage students to describe places in the garden theyfeel would be good to relax in. Get them to give reasonsfor their choice.

Environment

1 . Why does the sacred lotus die back in Adelaide fromMay to October but grows throughout the year in tropicalAsia?The plants die back because of the cold, wet winterin Adelaide. During this period, the lotus remains aliveas swollen roots (rhizomes) buried in the mud.

2 . Which of the Asian countries below could growsacred lotus all year round? Thailand Indonesia China JapanVietnam Malaysia Tibet

Lotus can grow all year in tropical countries likeThailand, Indonesia, Vietnam and Malaysia. In colderclimate countries like Tibet, Japan and parts of China,lotus grows in the warmer months.

3 . The seed head of the lotus is very light. How does thishelp the seed to spread? The seed head is very light. This allows it to floatand disperse the seed far from the parent plant.

Traditional use

1. All parts of the lotus are eaten. Make some predictions.The small green seeds would taste like ..., the stemswould taste like ...The seeds taste like garden peas. The stems taste likecelery.

2. Gently feel the stem. What must it be like on the insideif it is used as a drinking straw during Japanese lotusfestivals.The stems can be used as straws because they arehollow on the inside.

Use your senses

1 . Drop water onto the leaves. What happens?Water beads very quickly on the leaf. The water-repelling nature of the leaf will quickly grab the attentionof students. The scientific difference between adhesionand cohesion of water molecules could be discussed.

2 . (a) Do the lotus flowers appear to be following the sun?(b) How do you know?

Lotus flowers turn towards the sun. They track the sun’s path throughout the day.

Challenge

Hot plantsThe University of Adelaide has shown from experiments in theBotanic Gardens that the lotus flower stays warm at night.Find out more about this fascinating flower by reading thelotus newspaper article on page 52, then: 1. (a) Explain how the lotus flower stays warm at night.

(b) How might this help the plant? This newspaper article on scientific research intothe heat generated by the lotus flower makes for an interesting discussion about research and science.The focus of discussion could be on the way the experiments were designed and the possible reasonsfor the plants to have ‘warm’ flowers.

Place in space

1 . Lotus is an important buddhist symbol in many Asiancountries includingThailand

2 . Shade this country on the ‘Map of Asia’ on page 53.Students shade Thailand on their ‘Map of Asia’ page.

41

6 . C A S U A R I N A F O R E S T

TEA C H E R TIP S

Casuarina or Sheoak

You and me

Here is a Balinese love poem.Lebih baik lari / mengejar kemajoean / daripada berdiam diri/ jadi tontonan...Much better to / pursue advancement / than be a / silentdisplay (Anonymous author, 1927)

1. What is the message in the poem? Do you agree with it?Students to explain their thoughts on the poem.

2. Add another verse, in the same writing style. Check to see if student verses match the structureof the original Balinese poem. Encourage discussionof the meaning of their verses.

Environment

1 . What features identify the original parent plants in theforest? The furrowed bark and large trunks identify theoriginal parent casuarina trees in this forest area.

2 . What evidence is there that the casuarina forest isclaiming land from the creek? Silting around the roots and the encroachment of the bankinto the creek are evidence of the soil-binding ability ofthe roots.

3 . Why would people want to reclaim land in low-lying areasof Asia? Drained low-lying land provides space for people to liveand farm. Such areas often have rich, fertile soils.

Traditional use

New casuarina saplings can grow from suckers that sproutfrom the roots of the parent tree. Why does this method ofreproduction make the casuarina good for: 1. (a) binding sand

The dense interlocking root system created bymany close-growing suckers helps to hold sandparticles together.

(b) producing firewood

Numerous thin suckers are easy to regularlyharvest compared to the larger trunks of bigtrees.

(c) timber carving

Saplings provide manageable sized pieces ofwood for carving objects and artefacts.

Use your senses

Before you walk into the casuarina forest, note things like thesurrounding sounds, light, shade wind, view, smells, groundsurface.1 . What changes when you enter the forest?

Many things change in the forest, eg sunlight, shade,noise, colour, patterns, smell, ground cover. Use thistask to develop students’ observation skills.

2 . Where do you prefer being, in or out of the forest? Why?Students to explain if they prefer the closed surroundingsof the forest or the more open landscape they have justcome from.

Challenge

1. Introduced plants that compete vigorously with nativeplants can be a problem for some environments. Findout why Casuarina equisetifolia, which originates inMalaysia, southern Asia and Australia, has become aproblem in the Everglades of America. Casuarina equisetifolia was taken from Australiato the Everglades in Florida where its rampant, un-checked growth has made it a major environmentalweed. The suggested internet sites will provide studentswith more information on this problem. Introduced plantsare a major environmental problem throughout the world.

Place in space

1 . Casuarinas are used in: Vietnam to reclaim land near river deltas and the coast.

2 . Shade this country on the ‘Map of Asia’ on page 53.Students shade Vietnam on their ‘Map of Asia’ page.

42

7 . BAMB O O

TEA C H E R TIP S

Bambusa

You and me

The Tinikling dance from the Philippines gets faster andfaster as the dance progresses. The fitter the dancer, thebetter they cope with the challenge of leaping out of the pathof colliding bamboo rhythm poles.

1. (a) Are you fit at the moment?Students respond about their fitness level.

(b) What makes it difficult or easy for you to keep fit?Discuss how easy or hard it is to stay fit.

2. How do you keep fit?

Students explain how they keep fit.

3. ‘Fitter people cope better when life gets hectic or difficult.’ Do you agree? Give reasons.

Discussion of how physical fitrness can help people copebetter with other aspects of life. Research shows thatacademic achievement can be improved with regularphysical fitness sessions at the beginning of each day.

Environment

The giant panda’s diet consists almost exclusively ofbamboo. 1 . Pandas eat bamboo

leaves stems shoots

Pandas eat all three parts of bamboo.

Why do they need strong jaws? They need strong jaws to crush the very fibrous parts ofthe bamboo.

2 . The amount of bamboo they eat per day is about:14 kg 25 kg 50 kgA full-grown panda consumes up to 14 kg of nutrient-poor bamboo daily.

3 . Bamboos of a given type can flower together then all dieat the same time. What problems does this causepandas? The localised death of bamboo forests may mean the lossof food and subsequent starvation for the giant panda.

4 . What could be done to overcome this problem?Large conservation areas with different types of bamboowould help to overcome the problem.

Traditional use

Bamboo has many uses in Asia.

1. Circle item(s) bamboo is probably not used for in Asia.houses furniture paper water pipesdye musical instruments food blinds

Bamboo is not used for dyeing.

2. Bamboo is grown in Asia as a living fence.Look at the bamboo grove. List three features that make it an excellent ‘living fence’. Advantages of using bamboo as a living fence include:height, density, fast growth rate and the other uses towhich the bamboo material can be put to use.

3. What is something you could make from bamboo?Students suggest own use for bamboo.

Use your senses

1 . Describe the feel of the stem of the giant bamboo.Bamboo stems feel smooth and slippery.

2 . How many different types of bamboo are along thisavenue? Students will need to observe different types of bambooand different labels which identify different species.

3 . How many strengthening rings does a tall bamboo have?This will vary depending on age and type of bamboo.

4 . (a) Find a young shoot. Why might it be the best partof bamboo to eat? Shoots are tender.

(b) What Asian foods have you eaten recently?Students name different foods that may be usedin Asian cooking, eg bean shoots, Chinesecabbage, noodles, chilli sauce, baby corn, stirfry vegetables, coconut, mango.

Challenge

1. Bamboo can be used to carry water. Find out how muchwater they hold (and more) by completing the mathsBamboozler on page 48.Students complete Bamboozler maths activity. Discussioncould centre around traditional technology and thecomparative use of resources like water in Australia andparts of Asia.

2. Find out more about what different Asian musicalinstruments are made from bamboo. Report yourfindings back to the class.Students to report back on different Asian musicalinstruments made from bamboo. The Indonesian Angklungorchestra is a good example of bamboo instruments.

Place in space

1 . Tinikling is the national dance of the Philippines.

2 . Shade this country on the ‘Map of Asia’ on page 53.Students shade the Philippines on their ‘Map of Asia’ page.

43

8 . F L O W E RING CHER RIE S

TEA C H E R TIP S

Prunus

You and me

Cherry blossom blooms for a very short time. Like youth, it is with us only briefly, or is it? 1. People are old when they reach ...

Different perceptions of ‘age’ will come out here.Teachers be warned, this section may make youfeel positively ancient.

2. (a) How are younger people different from olderpeople you know?This is a chance to explore generationalperceptions of age.

(b) How are they the same? Here is a chance for generational reconciliation.

3. (a) Can you imagine yourself at forty years of age?What do you think you will be doing? Do young people see themselves as becoming likethe older people of today or do they think theywill be different from today’s 40 year olds?

(b) How do you think you might have changed?This topic provides the chance for some lessserious, humorous discussion.

Environment

1 . Cherry blossom trees drop their leaves in winter.What is the advantage of being deciduous in areaswith freezing cold winters? Freezing cold winters lock up water as ice in the soil.Strangely this means trees can die of thirst surroundedby water. The dropping of leaves reduces water lossand allows trees to survive until the ground water meltsand becomes available in spring.

2 . In Japan, cherry blossom trees were popular in largeprivate gardens. Today, however, there has been a steepdecline in the number of trees grown. Why is this thecase? In Japan, increasing population in a relatively smallgeographic area has meant modern highrise cities withfewer large gardens in which to grow cherry blossomtrees.

Traditional use

1. Find a plant in this area that is a traditional gift to thestate of South Australia. From what part of Japan wasit a gift?

This plant was gift from the city of Okayama.

2. Much poetry surrounds the flowering cherry. Long ago, just before his death, a Buddhist monk wrote:kono yo ni wa In this world, mata mo mirumaji unlikely I will see them againume no hana blossom of the mume:chiri-jiri naran how sad it is that soonkoto zo kanashiki they will scatter and fall.

Read the Japanese version of the poem to one of thetrees. What aspect of life is the poem about?

Settle the students down and encourage them to makethis a quiet, reflective moment. In the poem, the Mumeblossom is a mirror for the poet’s own life which isnearing its end. Like the blossom, life is short and comesto an end all too quickly.

Challenge

Traditional Japanese Haiku poetry originated from anancient word game. It includes flashes of wisdom mixedwith reference to nature and the seasons. Find out more about this fascinating way of making poetry.Run a class Haiku poetry competition. A chance to research and present traditional Haiku poetry.

Place in space

1 . Japanese Mume was brought from China to Japan.What countries are located between China and Japan.North and South Korea are located between China andJapan.

2 . Shade these countries on the ‘Map of Asia’ on page 53.Students shade North and South Korea on their ‘Map ofAsia’ page.

Flowers Leaves Buds Fruits

Summer

Autumn

Spring

Winter

Use your senses

1 . Choose a cherry blossom tree. Tick the features youcan see in the table and work out the pattern of life thetree has with the seasons. Students nominate the current season, then relate theplant features with a particular time of year.

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9. HIB I S CUS

TEA C H E R T I P S

Hibiscus rosa-sinesis

You and me

1. When do you use flowers as part of a ceremony, celebration or special occasion? Talk about the role of the flower in giving and gettingoccasions in our society, eg Mother’s Day, Valentine’sDay, get-well gift.

2. (a) Who gives the flowers?

(b) Who gets the flowers?

(c) Why are flowers chosen?

(d) Are flowers associated more with one gender?Why?Responses reflect the use of flowers in our society. Females generally receive flowers asa gift more often than males. Talk about flowersin other cultures, eg Ikebana.

3. Men in Bali may wear a flower behind their ear as adecoration. What does this say about Balinese culture?Students have a chance to compare attitudes in differentcultures towards gender-based dress and body decoration styles.

Environment

1 . In the box below, draw an accurate diagram of the centrepart of the hibiscus flower. Students draw an accurate diagram of the central part ofthe flower.

2 . What is a design feature of the flower that helps insectsto pollinate it? The column with the reproductive parts of the flowerextends out from the centre of the petals. This attractspollinating insects and provides good accessibility.

3 . Look closely. What pollinates the flowers here in thegarden?Sometimes pollinating beetles and other insects can beseen in the flowers.

Traditional use

1. Hibiscus is a light wood used in wood carvings fortourists.What is the advantage for tourists in buying this type ofwood carving?Hibiscus wood is light in weight, making it easy totransport.

2. Gently feel the stem. What features make it good forstring?

These plants have strong, flexible stems.

3. Why do you think the hibiscus flower is chosen forofferings to gods?The large, bright, boldly coloured flowers make thema worthy choice of flower for Hindu offerings.

Challenge

1. Find out more about traditional forms of clothing andbody decoration in a country of Asia.

2. Discuss how clothing and decoration have been influenced by religion, climate, history and availabilityof materials.

3. Make a display poster and share your findings with theclass.Encourage students to investigate the diversity of Asiandress and body decoration. Bring out the different stylesof dress based on gender, environment, history, cultureand religion. Get students to present and discuss postersto the rest of the class.

Place in space

1 . Hibiscus is found in

M A L A Y S I A

2 . Shade this country on the ‘Map of Asia’ on page 53.Students shade Malaysia on their ‘Map of Asia’ page.

Use your senses

1 . How many different coloured hibiscus flowers can youfind in this area?Students should find a number of different colouredhibiscus flowers in this area.

2 . How many different colours can you find in just onehibiscus flower?Answers may vary, at least two colours can be found insome of the flowers.

3 . Do hibiscus flowers have a scent? No scent to hibiscus flowers.

4 . Count the petals. Hibiscus flower parts are in multiplesof ... Flowers are in multiples of five. This includes petals andmale stamens.

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1 0 . C O F F E E

TEA C H E R T I P S

Coffea arabica

You and me

In Indonesia, the Aroma company, stores coffee beans forseven years before roasting them. Most coffee companiesroast their beans almost immediately. The Aroma coffee issaid to be distinctive, delicious and well worth the longstorage time.1. Think of an example when you had to wait a long time to

get something you wanted?

Examples will vary depending on student responses.

2. Why did you have to wait so long? Reasons will vary.

3. Was the wait worth it? Why? A chance to ask if we are living in a ‘now’ generation,one in which we are no longer willing to wait for things.Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of instantlyrealising dreams through schemes like credit cards,lotteries, chain letters and pyramid selling.

Environment

1 . Note the conditions of the glasshouse. Conditions in the glasshouse are generally warm andhumid, similar to a tropical environment.

2 . Over 60 different types of Coffea are found in the wild.Only 10 of these are grown for the production of coffee.

Why is it important to protect these wild types of coffeeplant? Wild populations of related coffee species are importantbecause of the genetic diversity they contain. Thisdiversity can provide disease resistance and otherfavourable characteristics for plantation growncoffee plants.

Traditional use

In Indonesia coffee beans are ground very fine. The coffeedrink is made within the cup. The preferred taste is sweetand hot.1. What styles of coffee drinking are you familiar with?

Students may be able to describe coffee drinking stylesthat include terms like cappuccino, latte, short black, longblack or expresso.

2. Why do people drink coffee when they get older but notso much when they are young? Palate and taste change with age, this may be thereason coffee is enjoyed more by older people.

3. Ripe and unripe coffee cherries grow next to each other.Why does this mean coffee plants are harvested bypeople and not machines.Coffee harvesting is a labour intensive industry becausemachines are unable to detect differences betweenadjacent ripe and unripe cherries.

Challenge

Read the story, ‘Bandung’s beans are the best’ on page 49.Explain why you think the small, family-run Aroma coffeecompany is able to successfully compete with larger,international coffee companies. The article provides an insight into a small family-run business.Traditions maintained over a long period of time have servedthe family well and provided coffee lovers with a uniqueproduct. In this case, tradition, a good product and a close-knit family have been the keys to success.

Place in space

1 . Coffee is grown on the main islands of ...

Indonesia.

2 . Shade this country on the ‘Map of Asia’ on page 53.Much of the information in this section relates toIndonesia. Encourage students to find the main islandsof Indonesia on the ‘Map of Asia’ page.

Use your senses

1 . Where do the coffee fruits or ‘cherries’ grow on theplant? The coffee fruit is often called a ‘cherry’. They growattached directly to the branches.

2 . What word best describes the way the leaves are joinedto the branches. The leaves are joined in an opposite pattern.

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11. PEE P U L

TEA C H E R T I P S

Ficus religiosa

You and me

Different people have different beliefs about who they are andwhere they come from.1. What religious backgrounds are there in your class?

Students will come from a variety of different religiousand non-religious backgrounds.

2. Buddhism uses meditation to clear the mind. Try it fora few minutes on the nearby lawn. Relax. Block outsurrounding distractions. Focus on slow calm breathing.Let your thoughts flow without judgement or control.How did you feel after your meditation? The garden is an ideal space to practise meditation withthe students. Encourage them to move away from eachother and spend some quiet time with their own mind.

3. What form does Christian meditation take? Prayer is one form of Christian meditation.

Environment

1 . Rainforest plants like this fig face a constant battle toremain dry and stop fungi and bacteria from growing onthem. Drip tips and waxy waterproofing help the leaves to shedwater.

2 . These plants can start their life at the top of rainforests.(a) What is the advantage of this?

By starting life at the top of the rainforest,strangler figs are able to absorb more sunlightfor growth.

(b) How could the seeds get to the top of rainforest?Birds, bats and other animals that eat figs couldtransport seed to the top of the forest.

Traditional use

1. Stand back and look at the canopy of the tree. Guess why the Buddha chose this tree to meditate under?

The large canopy of this tree may have provided shade.

2. Give some other example of plants that have cultural,historical or religious significance. Examples of symbolism and plants include: olive branch—peace, Old Gum Tree—our state’s European proclamation,pine trees—Christmas tree, golden wattle—Australianfloral emblem.

Challenge

Tai Chi is a series of exercises designed to promote healthfuland harmonious body movements. It is said the slower themovements the greater the benefits. It is a sort of meditationfor body and mind through motion.1. Find out more about Tai Chi. Try it. 2. Share your findings with the class.

This research assignment can be followed up with apossible guest speaker on the topic. Why not practiseTai Chi in the school yard.

Place in space

1 . The Peepul leaf is on the national flag of S R I L A N K A

2 . Shade this country on the ‘Map of Asia’ on page 53.Students shade Sri Lanka on their ‘Map of Asia’ page.

Use your senses

1 . Sketch the unusual shape of the leaf. Drawing of unusual shaped leaf.

2 . Leaf shine Top glossy / dull Underside glossy / dull Top of leaf is a glossy green. Underside of leaf is dull.

CHALL ENG E A C TIV I TIE S

49

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Incense is made from a combination of aromatic plant materialsincluding fragrant herbs, resins and spices.

The smoke from the burning of mixtures of these substances hasbeen used for thousands of years by many different groups ofpeople. Uses for incense include: religious ceremony, insecticide,pest fumigation and medicine.

Ingredients

Combustible base—charcoal Charcoal makes a good quality base for burning. The heat fromthe burning charcoal causes the essential oils and resins tosmoke. Pure charcoal can be obtained from most chemists.Charcoal should be in the ratio of 14 parts charcoal to 6 partsother ingredients for best burning.

Fragrant ingredients Fragrances can be divided into 4 parts:

1 . resins

2 . essential oils

3 . fragrant barks, woods, spices

4 . fixatives.

RecipeMany books have recipes fordifferent types of incense.

Frankincense cones charcoal (30 parts)

frankincense (2 parts)

benzoin (2 parts)

saltpetre (1part)

sandalwood oil (3 parts)

a few drops of the oil of musk

mucilage of gum arabic*

Grind the dry ingredients togetheruntil they are a fine dusty powder.

Add oils and enough mucilage tomake a pliable paste. Knead for ashort while and shape into conesabout 25 mm high and 8 mmacross the base.

Dry them in a dark, well-aired place.Do not pack away until thoroughlydry or they will turn mouldy.

* Mucilage of gum arabicAdd 2 parts boiling water to 1 partpowdered gum arabic. Place in abottle and shake until all lumpsare dissolved.

‘Taken from Perfumery with Herbsby Ivan Day, published and copyright1979 by Darton, Longman and ToddLimited, and used by permission ofthe publishers.’

Try these Web sites: http://www.makeincense.com/ http://www.wicca.com/celtic/catalog/catalog.htmhttp://www.jungle.gen.nz/gallery/vietnam/Incense/Inc_ndx.htmlhttp://www.xenon.net/~kris/wicca/wway/sylvan/sylvan5.html

The making of incense is bestdone in the classroom underthe supervision of a teacher.

50

The mathematics of Bamboo water pipesNot all people in Asia have water deliveredto their door. One traditional way of carrying water uses a bamboo pipe. B

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1 . Explain how one might be made. (See answer below)

2 . How much water does a bamboo pipe hold?I guess the capacity is ______ litres.

3 . Now check out your guess. (a) Find a length of giant bamboo stem. (b) Measure the length of pipe between four rings = ______ cm(c) Measure the outside diameter of the bamboo = ______ cmFollow the directions below to calculate the water held.

Calculation

• Outside diameter of stem = _____ cm

• Subtract 2 cm from diameter to allow for the inside thickness ofbamboo stem = _____ cm

• Divide by 2, this gives you the radius of the inside of stem = _____cm• Multiply this number by itself = _____ cm2

• Now multiply by 3 = ______ cm 2

• Now multiply by the measured length of bamboo = _____ cm3

• To get the capacity in litres divide by 1000 = _______ litres

You are using the formula capacity = px r2 x lwhere p@ 3, r = inside radius, l = length of tube

How does this answer compare with your guess at the beginning?

4 . Water in Australia

The average Australian uses about 300 litres per day.

(a) Using a bamboo water carrier, how many trips would you have tomake to get your daily water requirements met?

(hint: divide 300 by the capacity of your water container)

(b) How would you change your use of water if you had to carrywater to your home in a bamboo pipe?

How to make a bamboo water carrier

Cut giant bamboo into four ring lengths.Using a hard stick or steel rod,hammer holes through the first threerings. The bottom ring remains thesolid end stop. Fill up with water.

51

B A N D U N G’ S B E A N S A R E T H E B E S TZurich, Amsterdam, New York … they all lay claimto being “the home of the best coffee in the world”.Johnathon Agranoff reckons there is another eligiblecontestant for this title that has been passed by.

Hidden away among the volcanoes of West Java is the town of Bandung. There, on a busy street corner surroun- ded by food hawkers, sits a modest little coffee factory. For 65 years, the family- run Aroma company has been producing world-class Indonesian coffee. Little has changed here since the business was set up in 1930 by the father of the present manager, Mr Widyarpratama. Like his late father, he too has dedicated his life to processing coffee by a technique that improves the coffee with time. His personal touch and devotion to this business has produced a world- class product that has customers queuing for their morning buzz. Aroma coffee is now the oldest in Java and processes the beans by a technique that few other coffee factories would ever invest the time to try. As a result, Aroma produces a coffee with a distinctive personal touch and a very good taste. So what makes this Indonesian coffee different from other coffees? “Ah, it is the seven years I store my beans before roasting”, replies MrWidya excitedly, keen to share hissecret. “No-one else wants to wait so long for coffee to mature properly. People nowadays want a fast through- put and quick sales, but the coffee is never good without storing it first for many years.” A stroll through the coffee factory gives one the impression of one of those “working museums” created for visitors to see how food was made at the turn of the century. The factory is the oldestin Java to be run by the same family, and uses techniques unchanged since the process began. The processing of coffee from raw beans to a beverage requires several post-harvest processing stages: drying, blending, roasting and milling. There are many variations to this and some processors even add flavours like hazelnut or chocolate to the beans prior to milling. At

every stage of the process, certainquality criteria must be fulfilled to ensurethe finest product.The beans must be picked only whenred, not green and unripe; the dryingshould ideally be done slowly, and MrWidya himself ensures that all his beansare sun dried in the field and notmechanically air dried, which canchange the flavour. He then has thempacked in jute bags, not modern plasticsacks. The latter do not allow the beansto “breathe”, and condensation can leadto fungus growth. Most coffee factorieswould then roast and mill the beansstraight away. However, Aroma’sprocessing involves an exceptionallylong storage period. In the darkwarehouse next to the shop, Arabicabeans are piled high in sacks for sevenyears, Robusta for five. When thebeans are ready, they are placed into alarge steel bowl while the wood isburned slowly underneath. It is handoperated by a big rotating wheel andthe wood burned in a case below. Allcontrols of this old roaster are manualand the company that built it – still aleading food equipment manufacturer –would be proud to see its early model insuch good working order.Finally, the coffee is ready for blendingand grinding. Blending the beans beforemilling is a way by which complementaryvarieties of beans are mixed to improvethe overall flavour, such as Arabicavarieties grown in different areas,or where a particularly strong varietywith a good flavour can be moderatedby another.This is more the “designer” coffeefor the connoisseur, although Mr Widyais pleased to blend whatever beansa customer wants. The coffee is thenmilled, again using the original Germangrinder. He has tried several times tobuy locally made coffee mills withoutsuccess. “I just get my old Germanwheels sharpened every few yearsand they still grind the finest!”

Now that the first generation of MrWidya’s family has left the business inhis hands, the next generation of coffeemillers has taken over the familybusiness. His wife helps out serving thecustomers in the shop, while his aunthas a seat in the background efficientlypackaging 1kg bags of fresh groundcoffee while the customers eagerlywatch from the old shopfront. His littledaughter helps out too, when she’s notat school, and enjoys weighing thearomatic fresh coffee to deadlyaccuracy on the big balance, standingon her toes to check the dial.The story of Aroma coffee is that ofone family dedicated to their work anddevoted to one commodity. In the faceof massive change in Indonesia sinceindependence, a giant consumereconomy and a giant retail sector, MrWidya has changed little in his ways andthis is probably why the factory hasmaintained its quality. With so muchcoffee on sale one is surprised thatthere is no place to buy a cup of it onthe premises, since the potential for anon-site shop seems great. But, as MrWidya says, “I’ve been milling coffee formost of my life and selling it to thosewho want to drink it. There just isn’t thetime or the staff to go into catering aswell.”He offers me a cup of his best Arabica,describing the fine dark brown foam onthe top, which he says is the hallmarkof good coffee made from well-maturedcoffee beans. It tasted fantastic and,together with some freshly-fried slicesof hot spicy tempe from the vendoroutside, made me a Bandung breakfast Iwould not forget. While shiny new fastcars glided past the shop, inside it theold coffee mills that had lived throughcolonial times continued to grind away.

Dr Johnathon Agranoff is a UK doctor,nutritionist and writer who visitsIndonesia for research.

Garuda Magazine , January, 1997

52

First there’s a tingling sensation around the mouth. Nextthe lips become numb. Then breathing becomes constricted.Death can be quick. That is, if you haven’t got the dosageright. “Perhaps the main reason for dining at afugu restau-rant,” writes Richard Hosking in his excellent Dictionary ofJapanese Food , “is the uncertainty and excitement that thisknowledge arouses in anticipation”.

Fugu is a member of the blowfishfamily. The Japanese, thrill-seekersthat they are, deliberately set out toeat this potentially lethal fish for theheck of it. (Several die each year.) Itsinternal organs are toxic, particularlyits ovaries and liver, according toSydney chef Tetsuya Wakuda. Butthat’s what you get the buzz from.Small amounts of the toxin, notsufficient to kill you, apparently givea “frission”, around the lips,producing a delicious numbingsensation. In Japan, there arefugu restaurants which servenothing else. Winter in Japan is thetime to eat it.Hosking, who has survived eatingits liver – “the tastiest but mostpoisonous part” – points out that itspreparation in restaurants is highlycontrolled, “but domesticpreparation leads to death fromtime to time”. However, a few yearsago a kabuki actor, one of Japan’sliving treasures, carked it right therein the restaurant after he overdid it.

While it’s surprising that peoplewould ingest something knowingit might mean curtains, how did theJapanese establish what waspleasurable rather than a lethaldose? By trial and error, no doubt. Afair few have bitten the dust downthe centuries, having misjudged it.But would you knowingly putsomething in your mouth that mightkill you? Or worse, could yourbereaved family sue a journalistwho advocated you do so? In another newspaper last year,a supposedly reputable foodwriter reported – with jaw droppingirresponsibility – on a womanwho forages for wild mushroomsin Victoria. To test if a mushroomwas poisonous, she ate “a bit of it”.If she got a “tingly feeling on thetongue and a bit of dizziness”, shespat it out and rushed to the sink torinse her mouth. However, Amanita phalloides – theDeath Cap, the deadliest ofmushrooms – almost certainlywouldn’t tingle on the tongue.They’re (apparently) delicious to eat,so delicious in fact that the wife ofEmperor Claudius murdered himwith a plateful – while he thought hewas eating the rare (and alsodelicious) Caesar’s mushroom.Certainly, the unfortunate death ofa man in Victoria who had harvestedsome Amanita phalloides froma suburban nature strip emphasises the dangers of pickingand eating any wild fungi (mushrooms), unless you are withan expert who can accurately identifythem.

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Although with the Death Cap the results are obvious (there’s a high strike rate – albeit three days later), how did humans work out how to detoxify certain foods? Take the Aborigines and cycad nuts. These fruit of cycad palms are toxic raw, and require elaborate processing. The toxin produces vomiting and intense diarrhoea, suffered by many an early explorer tempted to eat them. Methods of removing the toxin usually involve soaking the roasted, crushed flesh of the nuts in a stream for several days to allow the toxin to leach out. In places such as Yirrkala, the flesh is then pounded into a paste, wrapped in pandanus leaves and paperbark and baked in the embers of a fire. But how on earth did Aborigines establish that soaking it in running water for days removed the toxins? Such wisdoms about what is poisonous become etched in the cultural memory. The French were initially distrustful of potatoes because their leaves and flowers resembled those of deadly nightshade. Although introduced to Europe in 1534, it took three centuries for them to become a staple in France. The tubers turned out not to be poisonous, but there was a cultural resistance.

However, we often inadvertently,pleasurably, ingest toxins. Lastyear, a series on ABC television’sscience program Quantum arguedboth coffee and alcohol are“poisons”. Historically, many of ushave blithely eaten a toxin inpotatoes: solanine, a glycoalkaloid.It’s a low-grade poison and you’dneed to eat a lot before falling ill. Itforms in potatoes – in tandem withchlorophyll – in reaction to UV light(and to damage). Most occurs justunder the skin, or around the eyes,so if you deep-peel potatoes, youget rid of most of it, but that’s ashame as most of the vitamins arejust under the skin.These days new varieties havebeen bred to produce low levels ofsolanine and potatoes are checkedfor it before they’re released.Nevertheless, it’s wise to avoidgreen potatoes and to store them inthe dark.Then there’s parsley. Apparently ithas the highest arsenic content ofany vegetable. Although arsenic isa cumulative poison, you would diefrom overeating parsley before youdied from arsenic poisoning.Arsenic also helps you keep ayouthful appearance; apparentlyin the time of Queen Anne (whoreigned from 1702Ì) theyused to take arsenic for thatpurpose. Sure, they toppled off theperch at an early age, but theyhad good looking corpses.Almonds contain cyanide, albeitin negligible amounts. It’s foundin greater quantities in peach andapricot kernels. But you’d have toeat an awful lot of them beforesuffering any ill effects.Tetsuya Wakuda (who’s closinghis restaurant, Tetsuya’s, for threeweeks next month while he goes toNew York to cook at the prestigiousJames Beard Foundation)recommends a delicious non-toxic

local alternative to fugu: the humbleleatherjacket. “It’s flesh,” saysWakuda, “is the closest in textureand flavour to fugu usuzukuri [finelysliced sashimi]. In the rest of theworld, especially in Japan, theleatherjacket is considered a luxuryfish. It has one of the nicest livers –the foie gras [goose liver] of the sea.”All the pleasure without the deaththreat.“When I go to Japan in winter I havefugu,” says Wakuda, “but I can livewithout it: I’d rather have foie gras.It’s not something to die for.”

A Dictionary of Japanese Food, byRichard Hosking

Article by Cherry Ripe, The WeekendAustralian, January 17•, 1998

54

Plants in Adelaide’s Botanic Gardens arebehaving like animals – moving, breathingand regulating their body temperatures.

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One member of the two-memberteam, Associate Professor RogerSeymour, said the plants might heattheir flowers to provide a “warmboudoir for copulating beetles”.

Pollen-carrying beetles climb intothe flower and are trappedovernight. “They copulate before

Scientists from the University ofAdelaide have discovered sacredlotus flowers warm their bloomsand maintain them at a steadytemperature for several days.

The researchers took temperaturereadings from 19 lotus flowers,which bloom for up to four days.

The flowers maintained atemperature of 30• degrees,despite air temperature varying from10• degrees.

This was achieved by burning starchand the plants’ leaves movingaccording to the position of the sun.

Dr Seymour said this was onlyspeculation.

The plants have many human-liketraits, including an ability to breatheby pumping gases into the air.

“It (the sacred lotus) does a lotof animal-type things but I wouldn’tgo as far as to say that it feels,”Dr Seymour said.

Paul Starick (The Advertiser,Thursday, January 23, 1997 )

leaving the next day, having spreadthe pollen with their amorousactivities,” Dr Seymour said.

Heating and temperature controlhave been discovered in plantsbefore but not in dicots (broadleafedplants such as trees and the sacredlotus).

The discovery might have someapplications in controlling humanfever, by improving knowledge ofhow chemicals regulate heat, but

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N O R T H K O R E A

PHILL I PINES

S R I L A N K A

BUR M A

T H A I L A N D

C H I N A

MALAYSIA

V I E TNAM

TAI WAN

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SOU T H K O R E A

JAP A N

INDO N E SIA