Dragon fruit spotted growing on old trees in Jurong, Toa Payoh, and Ang Mo Kio

Dragon fruits have been spotted sprouting from the trunks of old trees in various neighbourhoods, including Jurong, Toa Payoh, and Ang Mo Kio.

Earlier this month, Shin Min Daily News reported that dragon fruits were growing from tree trunks at a heavy vehicle car park in Ang Mo Kio Street 32, catching the attention of passers-by.

The dragon fruit stems were found on two large trees that were over 10 meters in height. One had borne at least three fruits.

The trees are believed to be over 50 years old. Residents say the stems have been growing for a few years, but this is the first time they have seen fruit. Some speculated that the seeds could have come from discarded dragon fruits or bird droppings.

Mr Wang, 62, a truck driver, told Shin Min that he spotted the ripening fruits a few days ago and was so surprised that he stopped to take photos. "It was very eye-catching," he said.

Another resident, Mr Jiang, 59, who frequently parks his bus at the carpark, added: "These trees have been here for decades. I've seen the stems growing for a while, but never any fruit until now."

'I thought it was rather bizarre'

Following the Ang Mo Kio report, several readers contacted Shin Min Daily News to share similar sightings in other estates.

Mr Deng, 73, a driver who lives near Block 232 Jurong East Street 21, said he noticed a dragon fruit plant growing on a tree near a carpark last year.

"I thought it was rather bizarre. The tree is already 20 to 30 years old, and somehow dragon fruit started growing from it," he said, adding that he has seen residents using poles to pick the fruits.

Mr Lin, 77, who lives near Block 26 Lorong 6 in Toa Payoh, also observed dragon fruit stems growing on a tall tree about two to three months ago. The tree, about eight or nine storeys high, had three visible fruits, while a neighbouring tree only had stems.

Residents said they had seen the vines before, but the sudden fruiting has taken many by surprise.