Plant collection by Maisy Poon

Plant Collection POON Yan Lam UID: 3035192943

Trees

APOCYNACEAE

Alstonia Scholaris 黑板木

This straight and firm tree really gives a sense of intelligence and smart. With the shade that it provides, it makes it as "realible" as a scholar! 09/11/2015 @Po Kong Park

TREE 1

Common name: Devil Tree, Common Alstonia Large evergreen tree; up to 40 m tall Exotic plant; from Guangxi and Yuannan; Cambodia, India, Malaysia, etc - Flowering Period: Aug-Nov - Fruiting Period: Dec-Feb - Uses: Ornamental - entre plant contains milky sap

1. 16/10/2015 @Hong Kong Wetland Park 2. 16/10/2015 @Hong Kong Wetland Park 3. 16/10/2015 @Hong Kong Wetland Park 4. 09/11/2015 @Po Kong Park

CAESALPINIACEAE

Bauhinia x blakeana 洋紫荊

13/11/2015 @ Long Ping West Rail station

I am actually not a great fan of purple. But I cannot stop myself from falling in love to this flowering Bauhinia! They look so catchy, vibrant and energetic. I still remember my first impression of this plant is the photo from my primary textbook. You can never magine how magnificiant this plant is unless you drop your textbooks and go to embrace tge nature!

TREE 1

Common name: Hong Kong Orchid Tree Evergreen tree; 8-10m tall Native plant Flowering Period: Nov-March Uses: Ornamental

1. 19/09/2015 @Long Ping 2. 22/10/2015 @HKU lily pond 3. 09/11/2015 @Long Ping 4. 05/09/2015 @1st site walk: Tai Koo 5. 13/11/2015 @ Long Ping 6. 05/12/2015 @Tsim Sha Tsui

- It is a hybrid between B. purpurea and B. variegata, so legume is not produced - It was first discovered in Hong Kong at the end of the 19th century by the fathers of the French Missioin at Pok Fu Lam and named after Sir Henry Blake, a former Governor of Hong Kong. It was selected to be the Hong Kong's emblem in 1965. With the establishment of the HKSAR on 1st July, 1997, the flower was adopted as a logo on the regional flag - rarely produces seed; it is propagated by air layering, stem cuttings or grafting.

CASUARINACEAE

Casuarina equisetifolia 木麻黃 / 牛尾松

This plant looks very depressed and desolated to me. Perhaps it is because of the pale colours of the leaves. 16/09/2015 @HKU Pok Fu Lam Road

TREE 1

Common Name: Horsetail Tree Large evergreen tree, up to 35m tall Exotic; from Australia and Pacific Islands Flowering Period: Apr-May Fruiting Period: Jul-Oct Uses: Planted as wind breaks and for soil stabilizations; suitable for coastal region - narrow crown - leaves have reduced into rings of scales surrounding the nodes of the ribbed, sslender and greenish branchelets - fruits are stiff and spherical in shape - each seed is held between a pair of bracts - tolerates strong wind, drought and saltiness

1. 10/12/2015 @Prince Edward Road 2. 16/10/2015 @Hong Kong Wetland Park 3. 13/12/2015 @Prince of Wales Hospital 4. 24/10/2015 @Bokhara Battery

LAURACEAE

Cinnamomum camphora ć¨&#x;ć¨š

28/10/2015 @HKU Lily pond

People always say there is a sort of smell from the camphora leaves. Unfortunately I cannot always smell and I still do not know how its smell is like... Camphora to me is a very tough tree, just like how its bark looks.

TREE 4

1. 09/11/2015 @Po Kong Park Common Name: Camphor Tree 2. 09/11/2015 @Po Kong Park Large evergreen tree, up to 30m tall 3. 20/09/2015 @HKU outside Main Building Native plant 4. 19/09/2015 @Kadoorie Farm 5. 05/10/2015 @HKU Flowering Period: Apr-May Fruiting Period: Aug-Nov Uses: Materials (essential oils, wood), medicinal (source of camphor), ornamental

- leaves alternate - leaves are subleathery, 6-12 x 2.5-5.5 cm - purplish black when mature - petioles slender, 2-3 cm - flowers yellowish white - bark with irregularly longitudinal cracks - cultivated in most tropical and subtropical regions - tolerates strong wind - good for shading - very common in "fung shui" woods near villages in the New Terrirotires

CAESALPINIACEAE

Delonix regia 鳳凰木

19/09/2015 @Kadoorie Farm

I love the reddish flower and the shape of the tree. It is so wide that it gives me a sense of protection.

TREE 4

1. 19/9/2015 @Long Ping Common Name: Flame Tree, Flame of the Forest 2. 19/9/2015 @Long Ping Semi-deciduous tree, up to 20m tall 3. 09/11/2015 @Diamond Hill Exotic plant; native to Madagascar 4. 09/11/2015 @Diamond Hill 5. 18/09/2015 @HKU Outside Main Building Flowering Period: Jun-Jul Fruiting Period: Aug-Oct Uses: ornamental; Feature Plant, Shade Trees, Street Trees, Tropical

- spreading branches; Bark rough, greyish brown - foliage is feathery and finely textured - Leaves 20– 60 cm; pinnae 15– 20 pairs - Leaflets 10 –25 pairs, oblong, 4 – 8 × 3 – 4 mm - Flowers 7– 10 cm in diam - drought and salt-tolerant - requires well-drained soil that is fertile, near the coast or further inland - seed are poisonous

MORACEAE

Ficus benjamina 垂葉榕

13/12/2015 @Tin Shui Wai BBQ site ( 綠田園 )

Actually it lokos reallt very similar to Ficus Microcarpa in distance. But when you find out their differences you will be amazed by this Everchanging and energetic nature! It is really fun to observe plants.

TREE 1

Common name: Weeping Fig Large Evergreen tree, up to 20 m tall Exotic plant; native to India, Asia, Australia, and Malaysia Flowering Period: Nov-March Uses: Ornamental;

1. 05/09/2015 @Tai Koo 2. 09/11/2015 @Diamond Hill 3. 05/09/2015 @Tai Koo 4. 13/12/2015 @Tin Shui Wai BBQ site ( 綠田園 ) 5. 09/11/2015 @Diamond Hill 6. 05/09/2015 @Tai Koo

- crown broad, aerial roots pendulous from large branches, reaching ground and rooting, forming new trunks with drooping branches - bark grey, glabrous - leaves thinly leathery, ovate to ovate-elliptic, 4–8 × 2–4 cm, - flowers inconspicuous; small fruit that may be orange, pink, or red - Wherever planted as a hedge or tree, weeping fig roots can invade water lines and lift pavement

MORACEAE

Ficus Microcarpa 細葉榕

2015/09/15 @Tai Koo

After I learn about this tree, I can always identify it easily. It resembles of my dearest grandparents. Though it appears ancient, it is an intelligent, love-giving tree, with its wide tree form.

TREE 1

Common name: Chinese Banyan, Small-fruited Fig Large evergreen tree, 15â&#x20AC;&#x201C;25 m tall native plant Flowering Period: May-Dec Fruiting Period: May-Dec Uses: Roadside tree

1. 20/10/2015 @Long Ping 2. 19/09/2015 @Kadoorie farm 3. 19/09/2015 @Kadoorie farm 4. 16/10/2015 @Hong Kong Wetland Park 5. 31/10/2015 @Kwai Chung 6. 16/09/2015 @HKU Pokfulam Road

- entire plant contains milky sap - even small amount of soil they can grow, even on concrete - broad crown, good for shading - numerous aerial roots - stable, tough and reliable tree - easily available and easy to transplant

SAPINDACEAE

Koelreuteria bipinnata 複羽葉欒樹

09/11/2015 @Po Kong Park

Thepink and yellow flowers really fasicinates me. I even put this as one of the plants I selecte for my studio project.

TREE 1

Common name: Golden Rain Tree Tree, to 20 m tall Exotic plant; Native to ToChina Flowering Period: Jul-Sep Fruiting Period: Aug-Oct Uses: Ornamental, medicinal (folklore)

1. 09/11/2015 @Po Kong Park 2. 09/11/2015 @Po Kong Park 3. 13/12/2015 @Yuen Long 4. 09/11/2015 @Po Kong Park

- Branches pubescent, densely lenticellate. - Leaves bipinnate, 45–70 cm including petioles; leaflets 9–17, alternate, rarely opposite - Capsules pale purplish red, brown when mature, ellipsoidal or subglobose, 3-ridged, 4–7 × 3.5 –5 cm

LYTHRACEAE

Lagerstroemia speciosa

大花紫薇 / 洋紫薇

Pink flowers are always my favourite! Though it looks a bit dull without the blossoms. You may find interesting that I have a photo taken in June (photo1), which I still haven't start taking this course! That's the evidence to show that I am really in to Lagerstroemia speciosa.

09/11/2015 @Po Kong Park

05/09/2015 @Tai Koo

TREE 1

Common name: Queen Crape Myrtle Semi-deciduous large tree; 10 – 20 m tall Exotic plant; Native to ToChina Flowering Period: May-Jul Fruiting Period: Oct-Nov Uses: Ornamental, timber, medicinal (folklore)

1. 07/06/2015 @Tung Chung 2. 19/09/2015 @Kadoorie Farm 3. 19/09/2015 @Kadoorie Farm 4. 19/09/2015 @Kadoorie Farm

- bark grey, glabrous; Branchlets terete. Leaves alternate, leathery - leaf blade oblong-elliptic or oblong-ovate, 10–25 × 6–12 cm - violet-pink or pink blossoms - Its foliage emerges with a reddish tint and unfurls into large, long green leaves with prominent veins - The mature form of this tree is broad and rounded - requires full sun in a rich, humusy soil that is moist and slightly acidic

HAMAMELIDACEAE

Liquidambar formosana ćĽ&#x201C;éŚ&#x2122;

13/12/2015 @Kadoorie Farm

I still haven't have to chacne to take a look at the reddish leaves of Liquidambar formosana. But I have already planned to go this christmas together with my family.

TREE 1

Common name: Sweet Gum Deciduous tree to 30 m tall Native plant Flowering Period: Mar-Jun Fruiting Period: Jul-Sep Uses: Materials (timber, resin), ornamental, medicinal

1. 13/12/2015 @Prince Edward Road 2. 16/10/2015 @Hong Kong Wetland Park 3. 16/10/2015 @Hong Kong Wetland Park 4. 13/12/2015 @Yuen Long

- bark grey-brown; branchlets pubescent or glabrous, slightly lenticellate - Stipules linear, red, free or adnate to petiole, 1–1.4 cm, caducous - leaf blade broadly ovate; pinnatified - it has asoft spherical spiny fruits that hang between twigs and leaves. Called “Lulutong”, the fruits are used in Chinese herbal medicine to expel wind and enhance blood circulation *remarks: this plant resembles the North American maple and often leads to confusion

EUPHORBIACEAE

Macaranga tanarius var. tomentosa čĄ&#x20AC;ćĄ?

09/11/2015 @Po Kong Park

I always remember this plant's common name "elephant's ear" because it really says about this tree! I always imagine that if I become a dwarf, I will use this leaf as my umbrella.

TREE 2

3 1.16/10/2015 @Hong Kong Wetland Park 2.16/10/2015 @Hong Kong Wetland Park 3; 16/09/2015 @Diamond Hill

Common name: Elephant's Ear, Common Macaranga Evergreen tree; 5–10 m tall Native plant Flowering Period: Apr-May Fruiting Period: Jun-Aug Uses: as structural timbers - young branches and stipules pubescent, branchlets stout, smooth and glaucous - Leaves alternate at upper part of branchlets, peltate; petioles 14–30 cm - leaf blade subrotund or ovate, 17–30 × 14–24 cm - Capsules subglobose, 0.5–1.5 × 1–1.2 cm - Seeds: seeds subglobose, ca. 5 mm in diameter

MYRTACEAE

Melaleuca cajuputi 白千層

This tree is so distinctive because of the bark. I have learnt Melaleuca since I was very young because my dad always told me when he saw it on the street. So after learning many different types of other plants, it's my turn to teach him back! 09/11/2015 @Po Kong Park

TREE 1 2

3 4

Common name: Paper-bark Tree, Cajeput-tree Tree to 18 m tall Exotic plant Flowering Period: Nov-Nov Uses: Environmental, essential oil.

1. 13/12/2015 @Tin Shui Wai BBQ site ( 綠田園 ) 2. 16/10/2015 @Hong Kong Wetland Park 3. 16/10/2015 @Hong Kong Wetland Park 4. 05/09/2015 @Tai Koo

- Bark white, thick and soft, peeling off in thin layers; Branchlets greyish white - Leaves alternate, fragrant - leaf blade leathery, narrowly elliptic to lanceolate, 5 – 10 × 1 – 2 cm

SALICACEAE

Salix babylonica 垂柳

13/12/2015 @Tin Shui Wai BBQ site ( 綠田園 )

I feel so relax when I stand next to Salix. I can feel the wind and imagine that I dance and move like how the leaves move.

TREE 1

Common name: Weeping Willow Deciduous tree, to 10 m tall Exotic plant Flowering Period: Mar-Apr Fruiting Period: Apr-May Uses: Ornamental

2 1. 16/10/2015 @Hong Kong Wetland Park 2. 13/12/2015 @Tin Shui Wai BBQ site ( 綠田園 )

- with slender pendulous branches; young shoots slightly silky, soon glabrous - Leaves alternate; petioles (3–)5–10 mm - leaf blade lanceolate to linear-lanceolate, 8–16 × 0.5–1.5 cm - In early to mid-spring they bear soft, inconspicuous yellow-green catkins - Just afterward, long slender green leaves appear. These sometimes have waved edges and their undersides are waxy pale green. In fall, they turn to pale yellow - prefers to have ample moisture nearby - grows best in full sun and organic-rich soil - short-lived but well worth growing

ARALIACEAE

Schefflera actinophylla 輻葉鵝掌柴 / 澳洲鵝掌柴 / 傘樹

09/11/2015 @Po Kong Park

13/12/2015 @Tin Shui Wai BBQ site ( 綠田園 )

TREE 1

Common name: Umbrella Tree Tree to 18 m tall Exotic plant Flowering Period: Nov-Nov Uses: Environmental, essential oil.

1. 14/09/2015 @Star Ferry Peir 2. 16/10/2015 @Hong Kong Wetland Park 3. 13/12/2015 @Tin Shui Wai BBQ site ( 綠田園 ) 4. 13/12/2015 @Tin Shui Wai BBQ site ( 綠田園 )

- Bark white, thick and soft, peeling off in thin layers; Branchlets greyish white - Leaves alternate, fragrant - leaf blade leathery, narrowly elliptic to lanceolate, 5 – 10 × 1 – 2 cm

ARALIACEAE

Schefflera heptaphylla 鵝掌柴

13/12/2015 @Kadoorie Farm

TREE 1

Common name: Ivy Tree Evergreen Tree; up to 10 m tall Native plant Flowering Period: Aug-Sep Fruiting Period: Dec-Feb

1. 13/12/2015 @Kadoorie Farm 2. 13/12/2015 @Kadoorie Farm 3. 16/10/2015 @Hong Kong Wetland Park 4. 05/10/2015 @HKU campus

- branchlets, petioles, petiolules, leaves and inflorescence tawny tomentose - leaflet leathery, elliptic or ovate-elliptic, 7–17 × 3–7.5 cm - Flowers small, fragrant; bracts triangular

Shrubs

01 item of 30

EUPHORBIACEAE

Acalypha wilkesiana 紅桑

19/09/2015 @Kadoorie Farm

The shape of how this shrub curls reminds me of potato chips... I have no idea why. Maybe because I am too hungry now.

SHRUBS 1

3 1. 19/09/2015 @Kadoorie farm 2. 19/09/2015 @Kadoorie farm 3. 05/10/2015 @Kowloon City

Common name: Copper Leaf Shrub; 1-4m tall Exotic plant Flowering Period: Jan-Dec Uses: Ornamental plant, leaves used as herbal medicine for swelling

- Leaves: 10 - 18 cm long, 6 - 12 cm wide - Leaves papery; alternate - Leaf blade broadly ovate - Spikes slender, axillary, the male 10 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 20 cm, with ovate bracts, the female 5 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 10 cm with broader and larger bracts - Flowers: Monoecious, usually anisogynal - Fruits: Capsules ca. 4 mm across, sparsely villose

2 item of 30

EUPHORBIACEAE

Acalypha wilkesiana 'Java white' é?&#x2019;ćĄ&#x2018;

13/12/2015 @Kadoorie Farm

I love the kind of green that this shrub has! And I love the pattern when the leaf has half green and half white, just like those in picture 4.

SHRUBS 1

Common name: Whitepainted Copper Leaf Evergreen shrub; grow up to 3m high Exotic plant Flowering Period: Jan-Dec Uses: Ornament - Leaves ovate, margins white - Flowers anisogynal

1. 20/10/2015 @Long Ping 2. 19/09/2015 @Kadoorie farm 3. 19/09/2015 @Kadoorie farm 4. 13/12/2015 @Kadoorie farm

4 item of 30

MELIACEAE

Aglaia odorata 米仔蘭

13/12/2015 @Tin Shui Wai BBQ site ( 綠田園 )

My very first impression of this plant is the name of it.. As "Aglaia" sounds abit similar to "uglier", I always thought this is ugly. But it is actually not. The waxy surface of the leaves brightens up the whole shurb when sunlight is casted on it. (Picture2) It is shinning and sparkling.

SHRUBS 1

Common name: Mock Lime, Chu-lan Tree Evergreen shrub or small tree; grow up to 8m high Exotic plant; from Hainan, Guangdong, Guangxi, etc. Flowering Period: May-Dec Fruiting Period: July-March Uses: Ornamental, flower used for fumigating tea

1. 23/11/2015 @HKU Graduate House 2. 16/10/2015 @Hong Kong Wetland Park 3. 16/10/2015 @Hong Kong Wetland Park 4. 23/11/2015 @HKU Graduate House

- Leaves alternate - Petioles and leaf-rachis narrowly winged - Leaflets 3â&#x20AC;&#x201C;5, opposite - Young branch tips covered with stellate rusty scales - Flowers fragrant; - Flowers inflorescence about 5-10m long, about 0.2 cm in diameter

5 item of 30

APOCYNACEAE

Allamanda cathartica 軟枝黃蟬

19/09/2015 @Kadoorie Farm

I really love the name of this plant. Allamanda makes me think a pretty lady who wears her iconic yellow dress every day. As the flower is trumpet-shaped, it is just like the upside down dress shape that the lady wears. Though I feel the leaves are in fact not matching to the flower, I love this plant.

SHRUBS 1

Common name: Allamanda Evergreen shrub; Shrubs trailing, to 4 m with white latex Exotic plant Flowering Period: Jun-Dec Uses: Ornament, as climbers due to straggling habit of young shoots (e.g. use to screens the vertical wall of the building) - large, abundant, light yellow flowers; fragrant - flower: trumpet- shaped - can tolerate salt spray, drought and pollution - requires full sun and fertile, well-drained soil for best growth - Recommended Soil Depth: 450 - 600mm 1. 19/09/2015 @Kadoorie farm 2. 19/09/2015 @Kadoorie farm

6 item of 30

APOCYNACEAE

Allamanda schottii 硬枝黃蟬

19/09/2015 @Kadoorie Farm

As compare to Allamanda cathartica, I love A.cathartica more then A. schottii.

SHRUBS 1

2 1. 19/09/2015 @Kadoorie farm 2. 19/09/2015 @Kadoorie farm

Synonym: Allamanda neriifolia Common name: Small Allamanda, Oleander Allamanda Broadleaf Evergreen shrub; Shrubs erect, to 2 m tall, with clear sap Exotic plant; Native to Brazil Flowering Period: Apr-Oct Fruiting Period: Jan-Mar Uses: Ornamental

- Bright green to yellow-green leaves - opposite leaves - The foliage and stems emit a milky sap when broken that is irritating to the skin - trumpet-shaped flowers - prefers full sun and well-drained soil that is on the acid side - somewhat drought tolerant, golden trumpet bush looks best if given regular water - easy to grow shrub

7 item of 30

MIMOSACEAE

Calliandra haematocephala

朱纓花 / 紅絨球

19/09/2015 @Kadoorie Farm

The fluffy texture of the flower is very intriguing and unique.

* remarks: Calliandra comes from the Greek words kallos meaning beauty and andros meaning stamen.

SHRUBS 1

Common name: Red/Pink Powder Puff, Calliandra Deciduous shrub, 1â&#x20AC;&#x201C;3 m tall Exotic plant; Native to Borneo Flowering Period: Aug-Sep Fruiting Period: Oct-Nov Uses: Ornamental

1. 19/09/2015 @Kadoorie Farm 2. 05/19/2015 @Tai Koo 3. 13/12/2015 @Kadoorie Farm 4. 09/11/2015 @Po Kong Park

- Leaves bipinnate - Leaflets 7 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 9 pairs - fast growing shrub that can grow tall but also spreads wide - Variations in flower color exist, with some pink and white forms being available - The red powder puff flower are attractive to butterflies and hummingbirds - the leaves close at night - cannot tolerate freeze

8 item of 30

THEACEAE

Camellia japonica 山茶花

13/12/2015 @Kadoorie Farm

I remembered I was so excited when I saw this Caemellia flowering! I know that the flower looks really nice from the internet picturem, but when I saw it in real life, it is totally another story! It stunned me. The pure white gives the whole Camellia an elegant and graceful look.

SHRUBS 4

Common name: Japanese Camellia, Camellia Evergreen shrub or small tree Exotic plant Flowering Period: Jan-Mar Fruiting Period: Sep-Oct Uses: Ornamental

5 1. 13/12/2015 @Kadoorie Farm 2. 05/10/2015 @HKU campus 3. 08/12/2015 @west kowloon nursury park 4. 05/10/2015 @HKU campus 5. 08/12/2015 @west kowloon nursury park

- Dark green and waxy leaves; leathery - Flowers rose or white - prefers partial sun to partial shade but will tolerate full sun once established - requires moist, acid and well-drained soil; soil should be rich in organic matter - slow-growing, slow to establish and shallow rooted

9 item of 30

EUPHORBIACEAE

Codiaeum variegatum 變葉木 , 灑金榕

18/09/2015 @HKU outside Main Building

To be honest, I am not a big fan of colorful and vibrant plants. Though I cannot disaggre that it really catches people's attantion or enlight the whole envrionment with its catchy colours, I would rather have other shrubs that are more subtle.

SHRUBS 1

3 1. 13/12/2015 @Yuen Long 2. 18/09/2015 @HKU outside Main Building 3. 05/09/2015 @Tai Koo

Common name: Garden Croton, Variegated Leafcroton Evergreen shrub; up to 3 m tall Exotic plant Flowering Period: Sep-Oct Fruiting Period: Oct-Dec Uses: Ornamental plant; its leaves are used as herbal medicine for extravasated blood and swelling - tolerates drought - Leaves thinly leathery, very variable in shape and size (linear, linear-lanceolate, oblong, elliptic, lanceolate, ovate, spathulate, fiddle-shaped to obovate, entire or lobed; 5–30 × 0.3–8 cm) - color ranged from green to greenish, purple-red, or variegated with yellow, purple, green, and red spots or stripes

10 item of 30

VERBENACEAE

Duranta erecta 假連翹

16/10/2015 @Hong Kong Wetland Park

I am fasinate about how the flowers actually curl together.

SHRUBS 1

1. 14/09/2015 @Star Ferry Peir 2. 16/10/2015 @Hong Kong Wetland Park 3. 05/09/2015 @Tai Koo

Synonym: Duranta repens Common name: Golden Dewdrops Evergreen shrub; 1.5â&#x20AC;&#x201C;3 m Exotic plant; native to tropical America, e.g. Southeastern United States, Latin America and the Caribbean, Central America, South America Flowering Period: May-Oct Fruiting Period: May-Oct Uses: Medicinal (folklore), ornamental (hedges) - tolerates strong wind - tubular, lilac-blue flowers - orange-yellow fruits - peforms best in well-drained average soil and full to partial sun - has high demand to fertilising and pruning - also works well as a large houseplant, tub specimen or pruned into a small standard tree.

11 item of 30

ACANTHACEAE

Eranthemum pulchellum 可愛花

13/12/2015 @Kadoorie Farm

I was really excited when I found this flowering plant for the second time I went to the Kadoorie Farm! Blue is my favourite colour and the flowers made me fall in love with it! It is as adorable as how the plant is named in Chinese (" 可愛 " actually means "cute".)

SHRUBS 1

Common name: Blue Eranthemum, blue sage Evergreen shrub, 0.7â&#x20AC;&#x201C;1.5 m talll Exotic plant; native to Himalayas Flowering Period: Oct-Feb Uses: Ornamental

1. 13/12/2015 @Kadoorie Farm 2. 13/12/2015 @Kadoorie Farm 3. 13/12/2015 @Kadoorie Farm 4. 16/10/2015 @Hong Kong Wetland Park

- leaf blades ovate to elliptic; margin entire or crenate, glabrous - 3- to 6-inch-long flower spikes - fast growth rate - requires to grow in the shade - Soil salt tolerances: poor - Soil tolerances: acidic; sand; loam; clay - Plant spacing: 24 to 36 inches

12 item of 30

EUPHORBIACEAE

Excoecaria cochinchinensis 紅背桂

19/09/2015 @Kadoorie Farm

I would say that this is a mysterious plant. With the maroon hides at the back of the leaves, this is what I call subtle and stunning. When Gavin first introduced us this plant, I totally thought it was just a typical plant, which cannot catch my attention. But after I found out the "magic" is discovered, it amazed me! And I really love how the plant is named in Chinese. It beautifies the whole plant.

SHRUBS 1

4 1. 31/10/2015 @Kwai Chung

2. 19/09/2015 @Kadoorie Farm Common name: Cochinchinese Excoecaria, Red-back 3. 13/12/2015 @Kadoorie Farm Evergreen shrubs to 1 m tall 4. 13/12/2015 @Kadoorie Farm Exotic plant; native to Southeast Asia and China Flowering Period: Jan-Dec Fruiting Period: Jan-Dec Uses: Ornament; All parts are used as medicine for measles, parotitis, tonsillitis, strain of lumbar muscles

- branches slender, glabrous - Leaves opposite, rarely alternate; narrowly elliptic or oblong, 6 - 14 cm long, 2 - 4 cm wide - margins serrulate - Flowers: Flowers dioecious in axillary or terminal racemes

13 item of 30

MORACEAE

Ficus microcarpa ‘Golden Leaf’ 黃金榕

14/09/2015 @Star Ferry Peir

This shrub is a very cute plant. I love the large variety of green in the leaves. It gives the whole shrub a brightening effect. I am also amazed by the tolerance of this plant! It is amazing that it can tolerate lots of poor conditions though it may more time to maintain

SHRUBS 1

Common name: Golden-leaved Fig Evergreen shrub; up to 25m tall Exotic plant Flowering Period: Apr-Oct Fruiting Period: Jan-Mar Uses: Ornamental; hedges

2 1. 14/09/2015 @Star Ferry Peir 2. 16/10/2015 @Hong Kong Wetland Park

- Suitable for pruning as topiary plant - Recommended Soil Depth: 450 - 600mm - high fertilising demand - can tolerate wind, salt spray, drought, pollution and shade - Plentiful young leaves grow out after each trimming, bearing a bright yellow color that sparkles under sunshine

14 item of 30

MALVACEAE

Hibiscus rosa-sinensis 朱槿 / 扶桑 / 大紅花

8/10/2015 @Long Ping

SHRUBS 1

Common name: Chinese Hibiscus Evergreen shrub, 1–4 m tall Exotic plant Flowering Period: Jan-Dec Uses: Ornamental

1. 10/12/2015 @Embankment Road 2. 19/09/2015 @Kadoorie Farm 3. 13/12/2015 @Kadoorie Farm 4. 20/09/2015 @HKU outside Hui Oi Chow Building

- Leaves papery - Leaf blade ovate, 4 –9 × 2– 5.5 cm - Flowers solitary - Flowers dropping off after anthesis, fruit not observed - Flowers are large and firm, but generally lack scent. * remarks: it is a national flower of Malaysia

15 item of 30

RUBIACEAE

Ixora coccinea

紅仙丹花 / 橙紅龍船花

19/09/2015 @Kadoorie Farm

SHRUBS 1

Common name: Dwarf Ixora, Crimson Ixora Evergreen shrub; up to 1.2m Exotic plant; native to Southern India and Sri Lanka Flowering Period: Jul-Sep Uses: Ornamental

1. 05/10/2015 @HKU campus 2. 09/11/2015 @Po Kong Park 3. 19/09/2015 @Long Ping 4. 19/09/2015 @Long Ping 5. 16/10/2015 @Hong Kong Wetland Park

- flowers: bright coloured which are composed of many small blooms massed together into dense, flat-topped flower heads - The corolla has colors in red, yellow, orange, pink or white - grow the best in fertile, acidic and well drained soils - requires at least four hours a day of direct sunlight - slow growth rate (takes up to five years for Ixora coccinea to grow to its maximum height)

16 item of 30

RUBIACEAE

Ixora x Williamsii cv 'Sunkist' 新奇士龍船花

13/12/2015 @Tin Shui Wai BBQ site ( 綠田園 )

SHRUBS 1

1. 05/10/2015 @HKU near lily pond 2. 19/09/2015 @HKU Outside Main Building 3. 05/10/2015 @HKU near lily pond

Common Name: Ixora Evergreen shrub; grow up to 1.2m Exotic plant; native to Central America, South America, Africa, Asia, Melanesia, Micronesia, Polynesia, Australia Flowering Period: Jul-Sep Uses: Container, Feature Plant, Foundation, Hedges, Mixed Border, Topiary / Bonsai / Espalier, Tropical - its top is four-lobed and near circular - Flower colour: red and orange - grow the best with Well-drained, acid, humus-rich soil and partial shade

17 item of 30

OLEACEAE

Jasminum mesnyi

雲南黃素馨 / 黃素馨 / 野迎春

05/10/2015 HKU Campus

It is unfornate that I am not able to produce a photo with its flowering since it only flowers in spring.

SHRUBS 1

2 1. 05/10/2015 HKU Campus 2. 05/10/2015 HKU Campus

Common name: Yellow Jasmine, Primrose Jasmine Evergreen shrub; scandent, 1â&#x20AC;&#x201C;3 m tall Exotic plant; Native to China Flowering Period: Jan-Mar Uses: Container, Cutflower, Feature Plant, Hedges, Rock Garden / Wall, Screening / Wind Break, Topiary / Bonsai / Espalier

- Leaves are opposite, trifoliolate - Branchlets slight, 4â&#x20AC;&#x2018;angled - The leaves are bright green, lance to oblong-shaped and held in groups of pointed leaflets - The semi-double, primrose yellow flowers are trumpet to funnel-shaped, fragrant - drought tolerant once established - grows and flowers best when irrigated occasionally during dry weather

18 item of 30

VERBENACEAE

Lantana camara 馬纓丹 / 如意草

24/10/2015 @Bokhara Battery

I really love this minute flowery Lantana. The name is pretty as well that I can imagine a young girl singing in a garden.

SHRUBS 1

Common name: Lantana Evergreen shrub; 1–2 m or taller Exotic plant; native to South America, Argentina, Brazil, Chile Flowering Period: Jan-Dec Fruiting Period: Jan-Dec Uses: Medicinal (folklore), ornamental

1. 16/10/2015 @Hong Kong Wetland Park 2. 13/12/2015 @Tin Shui Wai BBQ site ( 綠田園 ) 3. 16/10/2015 @Hong Kong Wetland Park 4. 13/12/2015 @Tin Shui Wai BBQ site ( 綠田園 )

- Leaf are blade papery, wrinkled, very rough, with short stiff hairs - leaves are dark to medium green; have a strong smell when crushed - prefers full sun and evenly moist well-drained, average soil - highly attractive to butterflies * remarks: Lantana camara has been called one of the world’s worst weeds and is highly invasive in some locations.

19 item of 30

OLEACEAE

Ligustrum sinense 山指甲

19/09/2015 @Kadoorie Farm

I just discovered that the fruits of Ligustrum is poisonous to death! It is also a pity that I cannot produce a photo of it flowering since it flowers in February. I saw from the Internet that it has white flowers along the the branches. I am looking forward to see it!

SHRUBS 4

Common name: Chinese Privet Deciduous shrub or small tree; 2–4(–7) m tall Exotic plant Flowering Period: Mar-Jun Fruiting Period: Sep-Dec Uses: Ornamental, medicinal (folklore)

5 1. 19/09/2015 @Kadoorie Farm 2. 05/10/2015 @HKU campus 3. 19/09/2015 @Kadoorie Farm 4. 05/10/2015 @HKU campus 5. 16/10/2015 @Hong Kong Wetland Park

- Often found on slopes and by the hillside - alternate leaves - leaf blade papery to thinly leathery, ovate, elliptic or suborbicular, 2–7 × 1.5–3 cm - Panicle, white flowers, fragrant, grown on the tip of branches like a funnel - Drupes are, globose, purplish black when mature. - The fruits are poisonous and can cause diarrhea, or even death.

20 item of 30

HAMAMELIDACEAE

Loropetalum chinense 紅檵木 / 紅花檵木

19/09/2015 @Kadoorie Farm

When the first time I saw this plant, I immediately fell in love with it. The reddish green colour, the shape of the lealets and the sparkling flower that looks like a festive firecracker... The whole thing is adorable and lovely!

SHRUBS 1

Common name: Red Strap Flower Deciduous or semi-evergreen shrub or small tree Native plant Flowering Period: Mar-Apr Fruiting Period: May-Jul Uses: Ornamental, medicinal (folklore)

1. 14/09/2015 @Star Ferry Peir 2. 13/12/2015 @Kadoorie Farm 3. 19/09/2015 @Kadoorie Farm 4. 05/09/2015 @Tai Koo

- leaf blade leathery, ovate, elliptic or, rarely obovate, 2–6.5 × 1–3 cm - Young leaves in particular, are bright reddish burgundy upon opening, and then turn purple bronze - capable of flowering a couple of times a year, producing blooms in clusters, each consisting of four to six slender strap shaped petals of 1-2 cm long - slow growth rate - does not require too much trimming to maintain

21 item of 30

RUTACEAE

Murraya paniculata 九里香

13/12/2015 @Kadoorie Farm

In fact I do not have much impression on this plant. Perhaps I still haven't get the chance to see it blossom. The only thing I remember is that is plant looks so similar to Aglaia odorata! This is my first impression of Murraya. But after you get know to the plant, differences can be observed graduately. It is just a matter of time and patience!

SHRUBS 1

2 1. 19/09/2015 @Kadoorie Farm 2. 13/12/2015 @Kadoorie Farm

Common name: Orange-jessamine Evergreen shrub to a small tree; can reach 7-12 m tall Exotic plant; native to Southern Asia, India, China Flowering Period: Apr-Aug Fruiting Period: Sep-Dec Uses: Medicinal (folklore), ornamental (hedge, bonsai) - Flowers are five-petals, with semi-transparent oil dots; attracting bees and butterflies especially after sunset - Leaves are glabrous and glossy, occurring as elliptic oddly pinnate leaflets - Compound leaves--made up of five to seven small, oval leaflets that are dark green - some tolerance of drought and light frost - prefer well-drained soils that are not highly alkaline

22 item of 30

BERBERIDACEAE

Nandina Domestica 南天竺

19/09/2015 @Kadoorie Farm

I discovered that I am quite a big fan of reddish green leaves. I really love how the colour changes gradualy on the leaves.

SHRUBS 1

3 1. 13/12/2015 @Kadoorie Farm 2. 13/12/2015 @Kadoorie Farm 3. 19/09/2015 @Kadoorie Farm

Common name: Sacred Bamboo Erect evergreen shrub; up to 2 m tall Exotic plant; native to China and Japan Flowering Period: May-Jun Fruiting Period: Nov-Feb Uses: Container, Feature Plant, Foundation, Groundcover, Hedges, Mixed Border, Tropical - Leaves are often bright copper-red as they emerge and a burnished red color in winter - prefers some shade but can tolerate sun - it grows best in warm-temperate to subtropical climates and thrives in fertile, evenly moist soil - a low care species - The whole plant is poisonous and can be fatal when ingested

23 item of 30

OLEACEAE

Osmanthus fragrans ćĄ&#x201A;č&#x160;ą

13/12/2015 @Kadoorie Farm

It is a pity that I actually cannot always smell... I wish I have a chance to know how fragrant this flower is.

SHRUBS 1

Common name: Kwai-fah, Sweet Olive, Sweet Osmanthus Evergreen shrub or small tree; 3 –12(–18) m tall Exotic plant; native to China, Japan and the Himalayas Flowering Period: Oct-May Fruiting Period: Mar-Mar Uses: Ornamental, material (essential oil, perfume) - Leaf blade elliptic to elliptic‑lanceolate, 4– 12 × 2–4 cm - Leaves are glossy and dark green with toothed or smooth edges - Flowers are white to pale yellow, with a four-lobed corolla 1. 05/10/2015 @HKU campus - prefer in moist, acidic to neutral, well-drained soils and 2. 13/12/2015 @Kadoorie Farm 3. 05/10/2015 @HKU campus partial shade or full sun

4. 16/10/2015 @Hong Kong Wetland Park

24 item of 30

PANDANACEAE

Pandanus tectorius 露兜樹

16/10/2015 @Hong Kong Wetland Park

Though it looks abit messy at first sight, it actually contains alot of spines on the edge of the leaves. I became alert to this plant after knowing its potential danger...

SHRUBS 1

Common name: Screw Pine, Pandanus Evergreen Shrub; 1-4m tall Native plant Flowering Period: May-Aug Fruiting Period: Jan-Oct Uses: Ornamental, material (fiber), medicinal (folklore)

3 1. 16/10/2015 @Hong Kong Wetland Park 2. 24/10/2015 @Bokhara Battery 3. 24/10/2015 @Bokhara Battery

- Stem branched, with aerial roots - Leaves aggregated on top of stem, leathery, loriform, usually over 1 m Ă&#x2014; 2â&#x20AC;&#x201C;5 cm - margin with strong and upward spines - on the leaf underside there are occasional teeth on the midrib - Once pollinated, they become a large, heavy fruit that is first green and then slowly becomes golden orange - tolerant of poor soils and drought

25 item of 30

PITTOSPORACEAE

Pittosporum tobira 海桐

16/10/2015 @Hong Kong Wetland Park

The shape of this leaves are pretty cute. It somehow looks abit like Rhododendron (the next plant!)

SHRUBS 1

2 1. 16/10/2015 @Hong Kong Wetland Park 2. 16/10/2015 @Hong Kong Wetland Park

Common name: Pittosporum Erect evergreen shrub; up to 3 m tall Exotic plant; Flowering Period: Mar-May Fruiting Period: May-Oct Uses: in unsheared hedges, foundation plantings, or as a feature plant. It also makes a good container plant for the garden or greenhouse. - Young branchlets lenticellate, brown hairy - dense branches bear whorls of glossy, leathery, oval leaves - leaf blade obovate or obovate-lanceolate, 4 – 9 × 2 – 4 cm - leaves margin is revolute - Terminal clusters of creamy-white, bell-shaped, sweetly fragrant flowers appear in spring - prefers sun or partial shade and moist, fertile, well drained soil - highly salt tolerant

26 item of 30

ERICACEAE

Rhododendron pulchrum 紫杜鵑

13/12/2015 @Kadoorie Farm

I finally can see the flower of Rhododendron! It is interesting that its colours are similar to Bauhinia Purpurea. That is why I always ask "why do you look so alike but so different?" when I meet different plants.

SHRUBS 1

4 1. 13/12/2015 @Kadoorie Farm

2. 05/10/2015 @HKU Sun Yat-sen Steps Common name: Lovely Azalea, Beautiful Azalea 3. 13/12/2015 @Kadoorie Farm Evergreen shrub; 1â&#x20AC;&#x201C;2(â&#x20AC;&#x201C;3) m tall 4. 13/12/2015 @Kadoorie Farm Exotic plant; native to Hybrid Origin, China Flowering Period: Mar-May Fruiting Period: Sep-Oct Uses: Feature Plant, Foundation, Hedges, Mixed Border, Topiary / Bonsai / Espalier; as a foundation planting or in masses across a woodland glen or forest opening

- Leaves alternate, spirally arranged, often crowded towards nodes of branches - prefer to grow in a moist, acidic soil that is rich in organic matter and has good drainage - grow ideally under partial sun to partial shade

27 item of 30

SCROPHULARIACEAE

Russelia equisetiformis 爆仗竹 / 吉祥草

05/10/2015 @HKU campus

I don't really like this plant because I think it looks very messy. But the flowers are quite cute and eye-catching.

SHRUBS 1

Common name: Coral-plant, Firecracker Plant Semi-evergreen Shrubs, 0.3â&#x20AC;&#x201C;2 m tall Exotic plant; native to Mexico Flowering Period: May-Nov Uses: Ornamental

1. 16/10/2015 @Hong Kong Wetland Park 2. 05/10/2015 @HKU campus 3. 13/12/2015 @Kadoorie Farm 4. 16/10/2015 @Hong Kong Wetland Park

- branches verticillate, slender - tough plant - sensitive to changing weather and moisture-levels and tend to drop from the plant very easily * remarks: The genus name, Russelia, honors the 18th century English physician and traveler, Alexander Russell.

28 item of 30

GOODENIACEAE

Scaevola Taccada 草海桐

16/10/2015 @Hong Kong Wetland Park

I have actually tried to taste the salt on this plant. And after the salty experience, I then always associate this shrub as a lettuce!

SHRUBS 4

Common name: Beach Naupaka Shrubs or small trees Native plant Flowering Period: Apr-Dec Fruiting Period: Jul-Dec

5 1. 24/10/2015 @Chung Hom Kok 2. 24/10/2015 @Chung Hom Kok 3. 24/10/2015 @Chung Hom Kok 4. 16/10/2015 @Hong Kong Wetland Park 5. 16/10/2015 @Hong Kong Wetland Park

- Leaves alternate, crowded towards apex of branches - leaf blade obovate‑oblong to spathulate, 10–22 × 4–8 cm - midvein raised on both surfaces, lateral veins indistinct

29 item of 30

ARALIACEAE

Schefflera arboricola 鵝掌藤

14/09/2015 @Star Ferry Peir

I can literally see Schefflera every where in Hong Kong after I know it. It is so commonly used in Hong Kong for hedging and roadside plants. Personally, the variated version ('dazzle') appeals more to me. It looks more vibrant and less dull as compared to the normal Schefflera.

SHRUBS 1

Common name: Miniature Umbrella Plant Evergreen shrubs, 3-7m tall Exotic plant; native to Taiwan Flowering Period: Jul-Oct Uses: Ornamental

1. 20/09/2015 @HKU campus 2. 11/10/2015 @Hong Kong Baptist Assembly 3. 11/10/2015 @Hong Kong Baptist Assembly 4. 05/09/2015 @Tai Koo

- best grown in bright part shade locations - can tolerate drought and shade - sometimes grows on other trees as an epiphyte in the wild - upright stems clad with glossy, slender-stalked, compound, palmate leaves - Leaf has 7-9 obovate-oblong to elliptic leaflets (to 4-6" long) arranged in a circle on leafstalks to 6" long - Tiny red flowers in compound panicles bloom in summer.

30 item of 30

MALPIGHIACEAE

Tristellateia australasiae 三星果

19/09/2015 @Kadoorie Farm

Yellowish flowers in star shapes are so eye-catching and lovely.

SHRUBS 1

3 1. 19/09/2015 @Kadoorie Farm 2. 19/09/2015 @Kadoorie Farm 3. 19/09/2015 @Kadoorie Farm 4. 19/09/2015 @Kadoorie Farm

Common Name: Maiden's Jealousy, Australian Tristellateia Evergreen shrub Exotic plant; native to tropical East Africa, Madagascar, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific Islands Flowering Period: Aug Fruiting Period: Oct Uses: - Leaves: 6 inch long ovate to lance-shaped, lush green - flowers: Cluster of tiny lemon yellow flowers - can tolerate strong wind and salt spray - high irrigation and fertilizing demand - Fruits are star-like capsule with wings. They will become a brownish capsule when mature

Groundcovers

1 item of 8

FABACEAE

Arachis duranensis 蔓花生

19/09/2015 @Kadoorie Farm

I love plants that looks simple while this plant is the one of the exmples.

GROUND COVER 1

2 1. 19/09/2015 @Kadoorie Farm 2. 19/09/2015 @Kadoorie Farm

Common name: Wild Peanut Evergreen Exotic plant; native to Argentina, Bolivia, and Paraguay Flowering Period: June Uses:Ornamental - can tolerate strong wind and pollution - Recommended Soil Depth: 100-200mm - Dense and compact foliage - compound leaves are pinnate or trifoliate

2 item of 8

APOCYNACEAE

Catharanthus roseus 長春花

12/10/2015 @Prince Edward Road

I love this simple flowery ground cover. It beautifies the environment with vivbrant colours on both the flowers and the leaves. For the photo above, I actually passed by this roadside area every time I go to take MTR. I feel amazing that I witnessed its blossoming progress.

Common name: Periwinkle, Rose Periwinkle erect or decumbent herb; 30–50(–100) cm tall Exotic plant; native to Madagascar Flowering Period: Apr-Oct Fruiting Period: Oct-Dec Uses: Ornamental

GROUND COVER

1. 08/12/2015 @West Kowloon Nursury Park 2. 09/11/2015 @Po Kong Park 3. 05/10/2015 @HKU Suen Yat Sen Steps 4. 19/09/2015 @Kadoorie Farm

- Leaves obovate or elliptic, 2.5–9 × 1–3.5 cm - The lustrous leaves have lighter central veins and smooth edges - Corolla pink or white with a purple, pink or less often yellow eye; Butterflies are attracted to the flowers - best grow under full to partial sun - very tough, can tolerate poor soils; but poorly-drained, heavy soils should be avoided

3 item of 8

ARACEAE

Epipremnum aureum 綠蘿 / 芋葉藤

13/12/2015 @Kadoorie Farm

From this plant, I can feel how "invasive" nature can be. It is easy to observe its massive growth whenever you see it!x

100

GROUND COVER

1. 13/12/2015 @Tin Shui Wai BBQ site ( 綠田園 ) 2. 05/10/2015 @HKU campus 3. 13/12/2015 @Kadoorie Farm

Common name: Ivy-arum Evergreen groundcover/climber Exotic plant; native to Southeastern Asia, Melanesia, Australia Uses: Container, Groundcover, Hanging Basket, Houseplant, Topiary / Bonsai / Espalier, Tropical, Vine - can tolerate full sun to shade, driest and sandiest soils conditions - heart-shaped leaves - aggressive and invasive when planted outdoors in frost-free locations - Aerial roots will attach themselves to anything vertical, including trees, fences, and textured walls - will grow as an epiphyte (photo3)

101

4 item of 8

VERBENACEAE

Lantana montevidensis 小葉馬纓丹 / 鋪地臭金鳳

13/12/2015 @Kadoorie Farm

I always love flowers that are minute in size. But I can only find them in a very small range of area in stead of massively planted.

102

GROUND COVER 1

3 1. 09/11/2015 @Po Kong Park 2. 09/11/2015 @Po Kong Park 3. 09/11/2015 @Po Kong Park

Common name: Trailing Lantana everblooming, evergreen tropical shrub Exotic plant; native to South America, Argentina, Brazil, Chile Uses: Container, Groundcover, Hanging Basket, Houseplant, Topiary / Bonsai / Espalier, Tropical, Vine - this plant is grown for its numerous rounded clusters of small, tubular flowers; These clusters are multicolored because their individual flowers open at different times and change color as they age - a dense branching habit - prefers a full sun location and moist, well drained, average soil - highly attractive to butterflies - can toleara pollution, drought conditions

103

5 item of 8

LILIACEAE

Liriope spicata 山麥冬 , 麥門冬

13/12/2015 @Kadoorie Farm

104

GROUND COVER 1

3 1. 09/11/2015 @Po Kong Park 2. 09/11/2015 @Po Kong Park 3. 09/11/2015 @Po Kong Park

105

6 item of 8

LILIACEAE

Ophiopogon jaburan 麥冬 ( 沿階草 )

05/10/2015 @HKU campus

When I look at this plant, the only thing that comes to my mind is my childhood drawings. Every children draw their grass just like this plant.

106

GROUND COVER 1

2 1. 05/10/2015 @HKU campus 2. 13/12/2015 @Tin Shui Wai BBQ site ( 綠田園 )

Common name: Jaburan Lily-turf, Blur Grass Evergreen; 0.6m - 0.9m Native Flowering Period: Mar-Jul Fruiting Period: Mar-Jul Uses: Groundcover, Mixed Border - arching,leathery, strap-shaped leaves - The small white bell-shaped flowers appear in loose clusters at the end of upright or arching stalks, followed by small violet-blue fruits - can tolerate drought - grows best in full sun with midday shade, or partial shade on humus-rich, well-drained soil

107

7 item of 8

LILIACEAE

Ophiopogon jaburan 'Vittatus' 花葉沿階草

13/12/2015 @Kadoorie Farm

I do love the colour of this 'vittatus' version more than the typical green. It looks so relaxed and random that makes people feel easy as well.

108

GROUND COVER 1

2 1. 05/09/2015 @Tai Koo 2. 13/12/2015 @Kadoorie Farm

Common name: Blue Snake's Beard, Variegated Blue Snake's Beard Semi-Evergreen; 0.6m - 0.9m Exotic plant; Flowering Period: Mar-Jul Fruiting Period: Mar-Jul Uses: to crowd out weeds; as a groundcover in shaded borders, or exploit its grassy look at the edges of water gardens and pools - shade-loving - tolerates drought and pollution - grows best in full sun with midday shade, or partial shade on humus-rich, well-drained soil - White panicle of fl owers - Recommended Soil Depth: 200-300 mm

109

8 item of 8

LILIACEAE

Sansevieria trifasciata var. 'Laurentii' 金邊虎尾蘭

09/11/2015 @Po Kong Park

I actually love this variegated version more than the original version. Personally, this 'Laurentii' looks more vibrant and rich because of the lime-yellow colour. It gives me a fresher feeling.

110

GROUND COVER 1

2 1. 09/11/2015 @Po Kong Park 2. 13/12/2015 @Kadoorie Farm

Common name: Goldbanded Snake Plant Exotic plant; native to Western Africa Flowering Period: Mar-Jul Fruiting Period: Mar-Jul Uses: Container, Feature Plant, Foundation, Groundcover, Houseplant, Mixed Border, Tropical - erect, silver-gray, gold-edged leaves with dark green cross-bands - the leaf surface has a thick waxy layer - fragrant flowers - grows well in loose soil cultivation, well-drained soil - shade-loving

111

Palms

1 item of 6

ARECACEAE

Archontophoenix alexandrae 假檳榔

13/12/2015 @Kadoorie Farm

114

PALMS 1

1. 13/12/2015 @Kadoorie farm Common name: King Palm, Alexandra Palm 2. 13/12/2015 Tai Po Evergreen; to 20 m tall and up to 25 cm in diameter 3. 05/09/2015 @Tai Koo Exotic plant; Native to Eastern Australia, often in wet areas Flowering Period: Apr Fruiting Period: Apr-Jul Uses: Container, Feature Plant, Street Trees, Tropical, Water Gardens

- Leaves: Pinnate to 2-3 m long, with a rachis that twists near the midpoint and linear leaflets growing in a single plane - Flowers and fruits: Inflorescence less than 1 m long with many pendulous branches - Field: Erect, solitary palm with "stair-step" rings and bulging base; slender crown shaft - Leaflets in a single plane, green above and silvery below - New leaves are sometimes bronze-colored when they emerge - difficult to transplant

115

2 item of 6

ARECACEAE

Caryota mitis 短穗魚尾葵

05/10/2015 @HKU campus

116

PALMS

5 1. 05/10/2015 @HKU campus 2. 05/10/2015 @HKU campus 3. 13/12/2015 @Kadoorie farm 4. 13/12/2015 @Kadoorie farm 5. 13/12/2015 @Kadoorie farm

Common name: Small Fishtail Palm, Lesser Fishtail Palm Evergreen; 6 - 9 m tall Exotic plant; Southeastern Asia, India Flowering Period: Apr Fruiting Period: Apr-Jul Uses: Feature Plant, Hedges, Mixed Border, Screening / Wind Break, Tropical

- Stem: Clustering, upright, to 7-10 m tall and 12-15 cm in diameter, older palms ringed with slender, widely-spaced leaf scars - Leaves: Bipinnate, induplicate, to 7 m long, with dull green, pendulous leaflets growing in one plane - The leaflets are obdeltoid and praemorse - Flowers and fruit: Inflorescences are up to 0.5 m long with many pendant branches with staminate and pistillate flowers on the same inflorescence. Fruits are up to 2.5 cm long and red-orange to black when ripe.

117

3 item of 6

ARECACEAE

Dypsis lutescens 散尾葵

05/12/2015 @Tsim Sha Tsui

118

PALMS 1

1.19/09/2015 @Kadoorie Farm Common name: Bamboo Palm 2. 05/10/2015 @HKU campus Evergreen; 3 - 8.5m tall 3. 05/09/2015 @Tai Koo Exotic plant; native to Madagascar Flowering Period: May Fruiting Period: Aug Uses: landscape specimen planting, barriers and borders where hardy

- Stems: Clustering, to 7 m tall and 12 cm in diameter, sometimes bulging at the base, green or yellow-green with conspicuous leaf scars 2-12 cm apart - Leaves: Pinnate, reduplicate, to 3 m long, with yellow petiole, linear leaflets regularly arranged and held at a 90Â° angle to the yellow or yellow-orange rachis, forming a graceful V-shape - The crown shaft is yellowish with a white waxy covering - Flowers and fruits: Inflorescences to m long, branched to three orders - The spherical fruits, 2.5 cm in diameter, are yellow to purple when ripe - prefers full sun to partial shade and very well-drained, fertile but acidic soil - drought & pollution tolerant; but looks much better with regular watering

119

4 item of 6

ARECACEAE

Livistona chinensis 蒲葵

13/12/2015 @Tin Shui Wai BBQ site ( 綠田園 )

120

PALMS

Common name: Chinese Fan-palm Evergreen tree; to 20 m tall Exotic plant; Native to China, Southern Japan Flowering Period: Mar-Apr Fruiting Period: May-Jul Uses: Ornamental; Feature Plant, Tropical; material (weaving)

1. 05/10/2015 @HKU Run Run Shaw Podium 2. 16/10/2015 @Hong Kong Wetland Park 3. 05/09/2015 @Tai Koo 4. 18/09/2015 @HKU Campus

- Stems: Solitary, erect, gray or brown, to 12 m in height and 25 cm in diameter. - Old leaves persist on the stem, leaving closely spaced rings of leaf scars when they fall - Leaves: Costapalmate, with a prominent hastula, induplicate, dull olive green, up to 2 m across - Flowers and fruit: The inflorescences are 1-1.5 m long and branched to five orders; pale yellow -The fruit is ovoid, about 2 cm across, and greenish to grayish blue when mature

121

5 item of 6

ARECACEAE

Phoenix roebelenii 江邊刺葵 / 日本葵

The bark seems really spicky! 16/10/2015 @Hong Kong Wetland Park

122

PALMS

1. 16/10/2015 @Hong Kong Wetland Park

Common name: Dwarf Date Palm 2. 09/11/2015 @Po Kong Park 3. 13/12/2015 @Kadoorie Farm Evergreen tree; 1â&#x20AC;&#x201C;3 m tall 4. 16/10/2015 @Hong Kong Wetland Park Exotic plant; Native to China, Southern Japan Flowering Period: Apr-May Fruiting Period: Jun-Sep Uses: Ornamental; Container, Feature Plant, Foundation, Houseplant, Screening / Wind Break, Tropical - Stems: Solitary, the smallest of the Phoenix palms, erect to 3 m tall and 8 cm in diameter; woody leaf bases mark the stem - Leaves: Pinnate, induplicate, 2-3 m long, with an arching rachis that ends in a single leaflet - many narrow, pendant, deep green leaflets with white scurf on the leaflets - the lowermost leaflets (along the short petiole) are modified into sharp, thin spines - Fruits are up to 1-2 cm long, ovoid, and black when ripe

123

6 item of 6

ARECACEAE

Roystonea regia 大王椰子 / 王棕

13/12/2015 @Tai Po (Roadside)

124

PALMS 1

3 1. 05/10/2015 @HKU campus 2. 09/11/2015 @ Outside Holiwood Plaza, Diamond Hill 3. 13/12/2015 @Tin Shui Wai BBQ site ( 綠田園 )

Common name: Royal Palm Evergreen; Dioecious; to 30 m tall Exotic plant; native to Florida and the Caribbean region Flowering Period: Mar-Apr Fruiting Period: Oct Uses: Ornamental; Feature Plant, Street Trees, Tropical

- Stems: Solitary, erect, grayish white, to 30 m tall and 40-60 cm in diameter; Leaf scars are regular and closely spaced - Leaves: Pinnate, reduplicate, to 3 m long, with numerous leaflets in several planes - The crown shaft is bright, glossy green, slightly swollen at the base, and up to 2 m long - Leaflets have acute tips - Flowers and fruit: Inflorescence to 1 m long and about the same width; Oblong to ovoid, 1-1.5 cm long fruits are purplish black when ripe

125

Bamboos

POACEAE

Bambusa multiplex var. riviereorum 觀音竹

16/10/2015 @@Hong Kong Wetland Park

128

BAMBOOS 1

1-.3 16/10/2015 @@Hong Kong Wetland Park

129

POACEAE

Bambusa tuldoides

青桿竹

15/12/2015 @HKU

130

POACEAE

Bambusa ventricosa

BAMBOOS

佛肚竹

19/09/2015 @Kadoorie Farm

131

Conifers

1 item of 4

ARAUCARIACEAE

Araucaria heterophylla 異葉南洋杉

Actually I am a bit afraid of Araucaria heterophylla, especially at night. I don't want to see it in the dark since it blocks my vision and creates a mysterious forest feeling... So creepy... Its leaves are like hands waving if wind blows on them... 13/12/2015 @Tin Shui Wai BBQ site ( 綠田園 )

134

5 1. 24/10/2015 @Bokhara Battery 2. 13/12/2015 @Tin Shui Wai BBQ site ( 綠田園 ) 3. 09/11/2015 @Po Kong Park 4. 13/12/2015 @Tin Shui Wai BBQ site ( 綠田園 ) 5. 23/11/2015 @HKU campus

Common name: Norfolk Island Pine Evergreen; 30 m (up to 70 m in original habitats) Exotic plant; Native to Australia Uses: Container, Feature Plant, Houseplant, Screening / Wind Break, Shade Trees, Street Trees, Tropical - bark dark grey, flaking - crown tower-shaped; branchlets spreading horizontally or drooping; lateral branchlets usually pinnately arranged, drooping - Leaves dimorphic: those of young trees and lateral branchlets loosely arranged, spreading openly, bright green, glaucous abaxially, subulate, usually laterally depressed, upcurved, 6–12 mm, 3- or 4- ridged; those of mature trees and cone-bearing branchlets densely arranged, slightly openly spreading, broadly ovate or triangularovate, 5 –9 mm

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CONIFERS

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CUPRESSACEAE

Juniperus chinensis 圓柏

I generally does not have a great enthusiasm towards conifers. But Juniperus chinensis should be the one I like the most as compared to the others. I always see it with different shapes which makes me feel interested. The plant is flexible and useful as well. 13/12/2015 @Tin Shui Wai BBQ site ( 綠田園 )

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4 1. 13/12/2015 @Tin Shui Wai BBQ site ( 綠田園 ) 2. 05/09/2015 @Tai Koo 3. 13/12/2015 @Prince of Wales Hospital 4. 09/11/2015 @Po Kong Park

Common name: Chinese Juniper Evergreen tree; to 25 m Exotic plant; China, Japan Uses: Ornamental; for screening, windbreaks and hedging

- bark greyish brown, fissured - branches spreading; branchlets straight or slightly curved - Seed cones mature in 2nd year, brown when ripe, usually glaucous, subglobose, 6–8 mm in diam - prefers full sun and well-drained soil - tolerates drought and salt

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CONIFERS

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PODOCARPACEAE

Podocarpus macrophyllus 羅漢松

A n o t h e r t re e t h a t I w i l l s ay i t intelligent, a "grandparent tree". It looks strong, old but knowledgable. 13/12/2015 @Tin Shui Wai BBQ site ( 綠田園 )

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CONIFERS

1. 05/10/2015 @HKU Campus

Common name: Buddhist Pine, Kusamaki 2. 13/09/2015 @HKU Campus 3. 13/09/2015 @HKU Campus Everygreen tree to 15 m tall 4. 19/09/2015 @Kadoorie Farm Native plant Flowering Period: Apr-May Fruiting Period: Aug-Sep Uses: Ornamental; Foundation, Hedges, Screening / Wind Break, Shade Trees, Street Trees, Topiary / Bonsai / Espalier - bark grey or greyish brown, irregularly fissured; branches dense, spreading, pale brown - Leaves spirally arranged on upper half of branchlets, sessile; blade linearlanceolate, oblanceolate, or oblong-oblanceolate, 7–12 cm × 7–10 mm - tolerate Pollution, Drought, Salt, Soil Compaction

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TAXODIACEAE

Taxodium distichum 落羽杉

This is tree is lovely! In fact the movements of the leaves feel like the leaves of Salix babylonica. 16/10/2015 @Hong Kong Wetland Park

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2 1. 09/11/2015 @Po Kong Park

Common name: Bald Cypress 2. 09/11/2015 @Po Kong Park Deciduous; to 50 m tall Exotic plant Flowering Period: Mar-Apr Fruiting Period: Jul-Oct Uses: Container, Feature Plant, Street Trees, Tropical, Water Gardens - trunk swollen and buttressed at base, strongly tapered upward; bark brown, peeling off in long strips - Leaves linear, flat, base twisted, 2-ranked on annual branchlets, 1â&#x20AC;&#x201C;1.5 cm Ă&#x2014; 1 mm; yellowish green or greyish green - Seed cones brownish yellow or white powdery, globose, oblong-globose, or ovoid, ca. 2.5 cm in diam - grows best in sunny spots and can tolerate all but the driest, most alkaline soils - needs plenty of space for its roots to roam - tolerates Wet Site, Pollution, Soil Compaction

141

CONIFERS

Climbers

1 item of 3

NYCTAGINACEAE

Bougainvillea spectabilis 勒杜鵑

13/12/2015 @Tin Shui Wai BBQ site ( 綠田園 )

It is a very common climbers in the city. But the colours of the flowers never fail to amaze me!

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6 1. 05/09/2015 @Tai Koo 2. 13/12/2015 @Tin Shui Wai BBQ site ( 綠田園 ) 3. 13/12/2015 @Tin Shui Wai BBQ site ( 綠田園 ) 4. 13/12/2015 @Kadoorie Farm 5. 05/10/2015 @HKU campus 6. 09/11/2015 @Po Kong Park

Common name: Brazil Bougainvillea Semi-Evergreen shrub; 7-12m tall Exotic plant; native to Brazil Flowering Period: almost all the year round Uses: Ornamental; Container, Feature Plant, Hanging Basket, Rock Garden / Wall, Topiary / Bonsai / Espalier, Tropical, Vine

- branches often with spines - Leaves papery; leaf blade ovate to ovate-lanceolate or elliptic, 4 –9 × 2– 4.5 cm - Flowers in cluster of 3, subtended by 3 large bracts and forming large, terminal panicles; pink or purple bracts - requires pruning

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CLIMBERS

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MORACEAE

Ficus pumila čž&#x;č?&#x201D;

19/09/2015 @Kadoorie Farm

I am always amazed by the power of nature. It is unbelievable that a plant can climb on concrete surfaces and still manage to grow a fruit! How strong that climber is.

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Common name: Creeping Fig Evergreen tree; 1-15 m Native plant Flowering Period: Apr-Dec Fruiting Period: Apr-Dec Uses: Ornamental; Edible, medicinal (folklore)

1. 19/09/2015 @Kadoorie Farm 2. 19/09/2015 @Kadoorie Farm 3. 23/11/2015 @HKU campus 4. 23/11/2015 @HKU campus CLIMBERS

- Leaves on fertile branches leathery, ovate-elliptic, 5–10 × 2–3.5 cm - dense all-enveloping foliage - fast growth rate; invasive if hardy - Adult growths are thick-stemmed and shrubby with leathery elliptical leaves that are several times larger than juvenile leaves - Flowers are inconspicuous - prefers well-drained soil and partial to full shade

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3 item of 3

VITACEAE

Parthenocissus dalzielii 三葉爬牆虎

16/10/2015 @Hong Kong Wetland Park

I love the shape of the leaf, which looks a bit like the Liquidambar formosana. And it is interesting that the two of them are also deciduous, producting reddish leaves in autumn. But perhaps Hong Kong weather is still very hot, I still do not have a chance to see the red leaves from the Parthenocissus..

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- Self-clinging woody vine that attaches itself to surfaces by tendrils tipped with small disk-like adhesive pads called holdfasts; sometimes invasive - Branchlets terete, glabrous throughout - Leaves dimorphic, thickly papery, deep green adaxially, pale green or glaucous abaxially; petioles 5–20 cm; simple leaves oval, 2.5–7 × 2–5 cm - Flowers: small, pale green - tolerates many soil types when they are well-drained

149

CLIMBERS

1. 05/10/2015 @HKU Sun Yat Sen Steps

Common name: Diverse-leaved Creeper 2. 16/10/2015 @Hong Kong Wetland Park 3. 19/09/2015 @Kadoorie Farm Deciduous; 15.2 - 24.4m 4. 19/09/2015 @Kadoorie Farm Exotic plant; native to China, Japan, Korea Flowering Period: May-Jul Fruiting Period: Jul-Nov Uses: Vine; help to keep buildings cooler during hot summers

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Herbaceous

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ASPLENIACEAE

Asplenium nidus 皺葉雀巢蕨

19/09/2015 @Kadoorie Farm

I feel disgusting when I look closely to the spores. They grow too densly that give me a lot of goosebumps.

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- The long linear simple leaves are glossy-green with dark midribs and pointed, often furled tips - The spores are borne in rib-like rows on the underside of the leaf - it is usually epiphytic, growing in trees - grow in humid moist environments - prefers shady locations - requires soil that is well drained and rich in organic matter - easily damaged fronds

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HERBACEOUS

1. 19/09/2015 @Kadoorie Farm Common name: Bird-nest Fern 2. 19/09/2015 @Kadoorie Farm 0.3 - 1.8m tall 3. 19/09/2015 @Kadoorie Farm 4. 19/09/2015 @Kadoorie Farm Native plant Uses: Container, Feature Plant, Hanging Basket, Houseplant, Rock Garden / Wall, Tropical

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AGAVACEAE

Cordyline fruticosa 朱蕉 / 鐵樹

19/09/2015 @Kadoorie Farm

I am really a great fan of reddish plants! They make my day dazzling and delightful with their festive colours. I prefer the leaves do not curl. It gives a cleaner look.

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4 1. 19/09/2015 @Kadoorie Farm 2. 13/12/2015 @Tin Shui Wai BBQ site ( 綠田園 ) 3. 13/12/2015 @Kadoorie Farm 4. 13/12/2015 @Kadoorie Farm

- Stems simple or sometimes branched; support strap-like leaves which can be dark green, red, yellow, pink or variegated - Leaves petiolate; petiole 10–30 cm - More intense colors are produced in full sun - Flower & Fruits: White to purple flowers and red berries; several-seeded - grow well in a moist well-draining rich soil in partial sun to partial shade - Lack of water or too much direct sunlight will cause leaves to brown or curl

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HERBACEOUS

Common name: Iron Plant, Tree of King Broadleaf evergreen shrub; 1–3 m Exotic plant Uses: Ornamental; in floral arrangements and for making leis

3 item of 4

STRELITZIACEAE

Strelitzia reginae 鶴望蘭 / 天堂鳥蕉

09/11/2015 @Po Kong Park

The colours combination of this bird paradise is adorable. The contrasting orange and blue really startles me.

156

3 1. 05/09/2015 @Tai Koo 2. 16/10/2015 @Hong Kong Wetland Park 3. 05/09/2015 @Tai Koo

- trunkless - Leaves distichous, blade oblong-lanceolate, 25–45 × 10 cm - The flower comprises a protruding, pointed, green spathe that gives rise to orange and indigo crests, which resemble exotic bird wings - grow well in full sun to partial shade, in average to well-drained soil - perform its best with an organic-rich soil and frequent liquid feedings

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HERBACEOUS

Common name: Bird-of-paradise Evergreen; Perennial herb, 1–1.5 m tall Exotic plant; native to South Africa Flowering Period: Dec-Feb Uses: Ornamental; Container, Cutflower, Feature Plant, Foundation, Houseplant, Mixed Border, Tropicall

4 item of 4

COMMELINACEAE

Tradescantia zebrina 吊竹梅 / 水竹草

13/12/2015 @Kadoorie Farm

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4 1. 13/12/2015 @Kadoorie Farm

- Leaves alternate, sessile - leaves are oval to lance-shaped and clasp the stems, which have swollen joints at the base of each leaf - Leaves have silvery purple on tops lined with two distinct silver stripes and vibrant violetpurple undersides - flowers: small lavender-pink flowers that are marginally showy - grow well in bright, indirect light and moist

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HERBACEOUS

Common name: Wandering Jew Zebrina, Wandering Jew 2. 19/09/2015 @Kadoorie Farm 3. 13/12/2015 @Kadoorie Farm Perennial herb 4. 13/12/2015 @Kadoorie Farm Exotic plant; native to Mexico Flowering Period: Jun-Aug Uses: Ornamental; a perennial ground cover in frost-free areas, or as a houseplant, bedding plant or container plant in colder areas.

Bibliography http://herbarium.gov.hk/home.aspx http://www.greening.gov.hk/en/new_trend/Tree_Palm_Conifer.html http://www.learn2grow.com/ http://www.hkflora.com/v2/leaf/euphor_show_plant.php?plantid=-1#1007 http://resources.edb.gov.hk/trees/main_page2_eng.html https://www.rareflora.com/ http://hort.ifas.ufl.edu/database/ http://www.macaubiodiversity.org/ http://www2.cuhk.edu.hk/GreenEducation/tabid/65/Default.aspx http://www.plantsrescue.com/ http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/ http://www2.cuhk.edu.hk/GreenEducation/portals/0/content/plantslist.pdf

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