The Changi Tree, also known as The Time Tree, was a tree in Singapore that was noted for its height of 76 meters.[1] The species of the tree is unclear, but it was either Hopea sangal[2] or Sindora wallichii.[3] It has been said that Changi was named after this tree. It has been recorded that Changi was named after Neobalanocarpus heimii by the legendary botanist H.N. Ridley.[4] However, there has been no evidence that the tree had ever been in Changi.
The Changi Tree started appearing on maps at around 1888. The tree was a major landmark due to its height.[3]
In February 1942, during World War II, the tree was cut in order to prevent the Japanese from using the tree as a ranging point.[1][3] According to folklore, the fall of the tree would cause the fall of Singapore itself.[3]
In February 2001, the Singapore Tourism Board planted a new "Changi tree" at the Changi Museum.[1]