
Native Species
Nyatoh Putih
White Gutta
(nyatoh putih; palaquium obovatum)
c. early 19th century
The balam tree, or white gutta, is native to Singapore, Peninsular Malaysia and the Philippines, and was treasured for its sticky white latex – otherwise known in its processed form as gutta percha, a valuable commodity in the 19th to early 20th century, including for the insulation of submarine cables. Singapore also acted as a key entrepot for the gutta percha trade, as the world’s supply originated from the surrounding region.