101. Mossy Forest

Above: Ginger plant
After seeing Mt. Brinchang, we walked a short way down the hill and entered the mossy forest on the left which is approx. 2,000 metres above sea level. This little ginger plant

Above: Nick, our guide
Nick was very good at showing us leaves and plants and explaining what their use was. Alas, I misremember the name of many, including this one, other than it is some sort of palm.

Above: Pitcher plant (Nepenthes alba)
One of the many pitcher plants. These plants live off insects in the forest attracting them in with a sweet nectar.

Above: Pitcher plant (Tolong Jangan Sentuh)
Once the insect is trapped then it's Kbang! - the lid (trap) closes shut and its prey is caught. More information about these plants can be found here.

Above: Fatimah's plant - (Labisia Pumila)
In Malaysia, Labisia pumila is popularly known locally as Selusuh Fatimah

Labisia pumila (Myrsinaceae), popularly known as "Kacip Fatimah", has been used by many generation of the Malay women to induce and facilitate childbirth as well as a post-partum medicine


Kacip Fatimah has been traditionally used by the Malay women for many generations in childbirth in inducing and eases delivery, as a post partum medication to help contract the birth channel, to regain body strength, regulate menstrual cycle and avoid painful or difficult menstration, and to alleviate menopausal symptoms. The plant is traditionally boiled and the water extraction is taken as a drink. Other traditional uses include treating dysentery, rheumatism, and gennoehoea. It is also used as antiflatulence by helping to drive away and prevent the formation of gas. The plant will also help to firm and tone the abdominal muscles. Scientific studies have established that the medicinal properties and biological activities of Kacip Fatimah are due to the presence of phyto-estrogen (plant estrogen) that is naturally found in the plant.

Above: Boundary marker Pahang/Perak
It was fun to stand here with a foot on both sides of the border.

Above: Gazebo?
This charming little gazebo was down the hill a bit after we exited the forest.