SINGAPORE - Media company Singapore Press Holdings (SPH) will have a heritage tree dedicated to it by the National Parks Board (NParks), in appreciation of its contributions to promote Singapore as a garden city.

The 35m tall Purple Millettia tree is located behind the Swan Lake in the Singapore Botanic Gardens. Planted in 1889, this particular tree has a dense, dome-like crown with dark glossy leaves. It also has reddish-purple flowers.

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong will be presenting the Heritage Tree Dedication Awards to SPH and two other companies on Nov 8, at the launch of the Clean and Green Singapore 2015 campaign.

Mr Alan Chan, chief executive of SPH, said: "SPH is pleased to accept the dedication of the heritage tree, which signifies our close and continuous partnership with NParks in conserving floral and preserving nature."

This is the third time that heritage trees - trees given conservation status for their historical and ecological significance - have been dedicated to organisations or individuals in recognition of their significant donations of at least $500,000 each to the Garden City Fund.

A Heritage Tree Dedication Award is a prestigious mark of recognition for any organisation or individual who has contributed to the greening of Singapore.

SPH's heritage tree will be located close to SPH Walk of Giants, an upcoming "learning forest" which will help promote botanical research, appreciation and conservation.

Since 2006, the SPH Foundation has also been sponsoring NParks' Special Projects to Understand Nature (SUN) Club programme, a series of nature appreciation tours for special needs children to understand and admire nature.