NATURAL HISTORY
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Before conservation, countless hillsides had been left bare of all trees through cen- turies of cutting, burning and exposure to the elements. Their only cover was grass- land or scrubland with patches of coarse grass. But now many slopes, particularly those in the water catchment areas, have been replanted with trees of both local and exotic species. These woodlands, and other areas of countryside, are protected and are being developed for the ever-increasing numbers of people who spend their leisure time in the country.
Remnants of bygone forests - either as scrub forest or as well-developed woodland - occasionally persist in steep ravines. These have survived the destructive influences of man and fire by their precipitous topography and their moist winter microclimate. It is in such places that many of the more interesting plants occur. There also are small areas of well-grown woodlands near the older villages and temples. These fung shui, or sacred, groves owe their existence to the protection afforded by generations of villagers in accordance with ancient tradition.
On muddy sea shores, an interesting type of vegetation known as the Dwarf Man- grove Association occasionally occurs. There also are patches of vegetation peculiar to sandy beaches. These two vegetation types are particularly well adapted to their environment, providing a useful educational example.
Many species of plants in Hong Kong are noteworthy for the beauty or fragrance of their blossom. They also attract butterflies and other insects, while other plants bear fruits and seeds that serve as important sources of food for birds and animals.
Many villagers have a good working knowledge of the usefulness of a number of local plants. Aquilari sinensis is used in the manufacture of scented joss sticks. Among those used in traditional Chinese herbal medicines are Psychotria rubra, Ardisia crispa and Strophanthus divaricatus, which are considered good for bruises and certain injuries.
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Botanical explorations carried out by the Hong Kong Herbarium, the two univer- sities and amateur botanists have been productive. New species of plant previously unrecorded in Hong Kong have recently been found and are now represented in the herbarium collection. A new orchid species discovered by Dr S. Y. Hu in 1969 was named Cymbidium maclehoseae in honour of Lady MacLehose, a keen naturalist.
The Hong Kong Herbarium, established in 1878, contains a collection of about 33,000 plant specimens. This government institution is responsible for collecting, classifying and maintaining authoritative preserved plant specimens representative of Hong Kong flora. It disseminates knowledge and information about the plants, and maintains an index of Latin, Chinese and common names. The herbarium, situated at the headquarters of the Agriculture and Fisheries Department in the Canton Road Government Offices in Kowloon, is open to the public.
The Zoological and Botanical Gardens, under the management of the Urban Council, were established as the Botanic Gardens in about 1871. The layout of the seven-hectare gardens is strictly formal, with wide paths, pavilions, flower beds and a central fountain. Near the main entrance is a plant house where tropical, shade- loving plants are cultivated, and on the lawns and grass slopes many trees and flower- ing shrubs are planted.
Zoological exhibits in the gardens comprise both mammals and birds. The mammals include White-cheeked Crested Gibbons, Celebes Black Apes, Squirrel Monkeys,