PALMS 2026

08:00am - 03:00pm

Workshop 1: Palm Collecting: From field to herbarium

04:30pm

Registration Opens

05:00pm - 08:00pm

Mixer Dinner

08:00am

Registration

08:30am - 09:00am

Opening Address

9:00am - 09:30am

Breakfast

09:30am - 11:30am

Session 1: Systematics, phylogenetics, and evolution

11:30am - 01:00pm

Lunch

01:00pm - 01:30pm

Keynote 1

1:30pm – 3:10pm

Session 2: Systematics, phylogenetics, and evolution

3:10pm – 3:40pm

Coffee / tea break

3:40pm – 5:00pm

Session 3: Conservation and Use

08:00am

Registration

08:30am - 09:00am

Keynote 2

9:00am - 09:30am

Breakfast

09:30am - 11:30am

Session 4: Conservation and Use

11:30am - 01:00pm

Lunch

01:00pm - 01:30pm

Keynote 3

1:30pm – 2:50pm

Short Sharing by the IPS
Session 5: Palms in the human landscape

2:50pm – 3:30pm

Coffee / tea break

03:30pm - 04:30pm

Workshop 2: Establishing a Global Conservation Consortium for Palms

08:00am - 12:00pm

Field trip 1: Singapore Botanic Garden

08:00am - 12:00pm

Field trip 2: Gardens by the Bay

Lunch (not provided)

02:00pm - 04:00pm

Field trip 3: Pasir Panjang Nursery

08:30am - 09:00am

Keynote 4

9:00am - 09:30am

Breakfast

09:30am - 11:30am

Mini-symposia 1: Evolution and ecology of understorey palms

11:30am - 01:00pm

Lunch

01:00pm - 01:30pm

Keynote 5: Julissa

01:30pm – 3:10pm

Mini-symposia 2: Palms’ dynamics in long–term studies

3:10pm – 3:40pm

Coffee / tea break

03:40pm – 05:00pm

Session 6: Systematics, phylogenetics, and evolution

06:00pm - 09:00pm

Conference Dinner

08:30am - 09:00am

Keynote 6

9:00am - 09:30am

Breakfast

09:30am - 11:10am

Session 7: Biogeography, macroecology and macroevolution

11:10am - 11:30am

Closing Remarks

Lunch (not provided)

02:00pm - 05:00pm

Field Trip 4: TreeTop Walk (at MacRitchie Reservoir)

08:00am - 10:30am

Field Trip 5: Bukit Timah Nature Reserve

09:00am - 10:30am

Workshop 3: Palm Propagation Workshop: From Seed to Seedling (Pasir Panjang Nursery)

* Lunch not covered by conference, though individual arrangements made be made. Transport may be provided back to campus / hotels / Buona Vista MRT (To be confirmed).
* Programme will be subject to change closer to date.

Field Trips

Image source: Garden City Fund

TreeTop Walk (at MacRitchie Reservoir)

Friday, 17 July 2026, 2:00pm - 5:00pm

Experience the lush canopy of Singapore’s rainforest on the TreeTop Walk at MacRitchie Reservoir. This 250-meter-long suspension bridge offers a rare, elevated view of the forest and its diverse flora, including several native palm species thriving in their natural habitat. As you walk among the treetops, you'll gain a unique perspective on tropical forest ecology and the role of palms in this vibrant ecosystem. It's an unforgettable opportunity to observe palms in the wild while enjoying panoramic views and rich biodiversity.

Image source: tendergardener.com

Pasir Panjang Nursery

Wednesday, 15 July 2026, 2:00pm - 4:00pm

Visit Pasir Panjang Nursery, Singapore's sole national nursery, for an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the cultivation of over 3,000 plant species, including a diverse collection of palms. Spanning 12 hectares, this facility is integral to the nation's urban greening efforts, supplying nearly 200,000 plants annually to parks and roads. Attendees will explore various cultivation zones, from propagation areas to specialized sections for palms, groundcovers, and native trees. This excursion offers a unique opportunity to observe the meticulous processes involved in plant propagation and gain insights into Singapore's commitment to biodiversity conservation. It's a must-see for palm enthusiasts and those interested in sustainable horticulture practices. Palms are a significant component of the nursery's plant collection, where they have cultivated a wide range, from rare native species to exotic varieties. These palms contribute to the aesthetic and ecological diversity of Singapore's green spaces. Singapore's resident palm savant and NParks horticulturist will be your guide on this tour!

Image source: NParks

Bukit Timah Nature Reserve

Saturday, 18 July 2026, 8:00am - 10:30pm

Embark on a captivating journey through Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, Singapore's premier destination for observing native palms in their natural rainforest habitat. As the only hill dipterocarp forest in the country, the reserve boasts a rich tapestry of biodiversity, including notable palm species such as the fan palm (Licuala ferruginea) and the thorny rattan (Calamus spp.). These palms thrive amidst towering dipterocarp giants like the Seraya (Shorea curtisii), some of which are centuries old. Guided trails offer attendees an immersive experience, highlighting the ecological significance of palms in tropical forest ecosystems. This excursion provides a unique opportunity to study palms in situ, focusing on palm biodiversity and conservation.

Image source: NParks

Singapore Botanic Gardens

Wednesday, 15 July 2026, 8:00am - 12:00pm

Explore the rich diversity of palms at the Singapore Botanic Gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located near the Nassim Gate, Palm Valley showcases over 220 palm species across 115 genera, representing all six palm subfamilies. The palms are thoughtfully arranged in a herringbone pattern, with distinct islands dedicated to each subfamily. Notable specimens include the striking Sealing Wax Palm (Cyrtostachys renda), the towering Double Coconut (Lodoicea maldivica), and the graceful Fan Palm (Licuala ferruginea). This curated collection offers attendees a unique opportunity to study palms in a beautifully landscaped setting, enhancing their understanding of palm diversity and conservation. Adjacent to Palm Valley, Symphony Lake and the Shaw Foundation Symphony Stage provide a serene backdrop for relaxation and reflection. This excursion promises an enriching experience for palm enthusiasts and researchers alike.

Image source: Gardens by the Bay

Gardens by the Bay

Wednesday, 15 July 2026, 8:00am - 12:00pm

Discover the stunning diversity of palms from around the world at Gardens by the Bay, one of Singapore’s premier horticultural attractions. Stroll through the lush outdoor gardens and explore the iconic cooled conservatories, where an impressive collection of palm species is thoughtfully curated in immersive, climate-controlled environments. From towering tropical specimens to rare and ornamental varieties, this visit offers a unique opportunity to study palms in beautifully designed landscapes that blend science, sustainability, and spectacle.

Field Trips

TreeTop Walk (at MacRitchie Reservoir)

Pasir Panjang Nursery

Bukit Timah Nature Reserve

Singapore Botanic Gardens

Gardens by the Bay

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