CO129-538-1 Hong Kong University 31-12-1931 - 6-8-1932 — Page 78

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ARUNDINA CHINENSIS :

V. H. C. JARRETT

This brings us to the end of the protected list, and to another com- mon ground orchid, the so-called bamboo orchid of hillsides and water- courses, growing in both dry and moist situations, with pink and purple flowers that so many people gather (breaking the law thereby) from July to October. This plant flowers most profusely in August. It is hoped the knowledge that it is protected will induce indiscriminate ramblers to stay their hands this year. An illustrated description of this orchid appeared

in the first issue of the Hong Kong Naturalist," Vol. I, pp. 12, et seq. [D. and T. page 265. A. chinensis, Blume; Benth. Fl. Hongk. 355].

SUGGESTED ADDITIONS :

We now come to the matter of needed additions to the list, and anyone who is familiar with our wild flowers will feel that the protection could well be extended.

First in the list of suggested additions must come the Nun Orchid, Phaius grandifolius, which has almost been exterminated. Many residents are actually under the impression that it is protected: apparently the collec- tors, both Chinese and European, know better! Never very common, Phaius is now getting quite rare. This spring the writer has found the following depredations in a single morning's walk. At Bowen Road, five plants uprooted as soon as their buds were observed (February); at Sir Cecil's Ride, two big plants and one small one uprooted; on the forestry path at Mount Nicholson, one plant uprooted. This leaves only four plants at Bowen Road, three at Sir Cecil's Ride, and five at Mount Nicholson, all fairly well hidden, but likely to disappear as soon as their flowers give them away.

It is, in fact, the conspicuous bloom of large white flowers, with inner part of petals cinnamon brown, and purple lip, that attracts attention. Many plant hunters, nevertheless, seem to have learned to detect it by its broad leaves. Perhaps fortunately, this orchid is now easily obtained in flower gardens but one deplores the disappearance of one of Hongkong's most beautiful wild flowers from the hillsides. It is urged that protection be extended to it immediately.

There is not much space available for a reference to several other plants which might be added to the prohibited list, but one cannot leave out the magnificent Susan Orchis. This is in danger of attracting the unwelcome attentions of the collector. Its large white flowers, characteristi- cally frilled at the edges, make it too conspicuous in July to maintain its numbers in areas where the growing popularity of "hiking" (most horrible word) brings more and more people every year.

For the benefit of anyone who does not know what flowers are being referred to, Phaius grandifolius is illustrated and described in the Hong Kong Naturalist," Vol. I, p. 61, and Platanthera (Habenaria) Susannae— the Susan Orchis-in Vol. II, p. 167. The respective pages in Dunn and Tutcher are 263 and 269.

The Protection of Wild Plants in Hong Kong

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The Hong Kong iris, Iris speculatrix, Hance, (D. and T., page is another plant which certainly deserves the fullest official protection.

Mention might also be made of the necessity for protecting some of the beautiful climbers. The three species of the sweet-scented Melodinus, with white flowers growing in clusters, opening chiefly in May (D. and T. p. 167) are ravaged by Chinese who make a practice of cutting the trailing stems every February and March, whether for entirely medicinal purposes The flower is beautiful or as animal fodder it is not easy to determine. enough to merit early protection.

Finally, I have the concurrence of the Editor in inviting comments and further suggestions from readers, for inclusion in the Notes and Com- ments section.

Any such co-operation from other flower-lovers will be greatly welcomed.

PLANT RESERVES.

Before closing this article, brief reference might be made to the question of plant reserves in the Colony, where all manner of wild flowers, whether protected or not, can be grown, for the delight of present and future generations. It is pleasing to know that one area, in the vicinity of Shek O, has already been so set aside, and for this we owe a debt of gratitude to the Botanical and Forestry Department. There has been criticism of what appeared to be a discrimination against the public, when the area was Gazetted as taboo, but the writer knows that the powers-that-be did not approve the ban until the whole matter had been thoroughly examined and its necessity realised. May it develop, and may other areas, more accessible to the residential districts, be set aside in time as parks, like Whipsnade 200 in England, where the public may wander on condition that they do not touch any of the wild plants.

"

What a vision of beauty this conjures up: where Clematis, Honey- suckle, Melodinus, the various ground orchids, the bushes of coloured and white blooms (Rhododendrons of all kinds, Gardenias, Magnolias, and so forth), and the many trees and shrubs which so enchantingly change their colour to shades of red in autumn and spring, would be growing in pro- fusion under natural conditions, for all who set precious value by such things to revel in!

The Hong Kong Naturalist.

May 1933.

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