THE BOTANIC GARDENS
(SECOND SERIES)
Photographs by Staff Photographer.
Looking north from the inside of the Gardens towards the main entrance.
We continue our discussion of trees, shrubs and plants which flourish in Hong Kong and which can be used in setting out gardens in landscaping work on a small or large scale. By illustrating a further series of views of the Botanic Garden the descriptions given in this and our previous article should prove a valuable guide to the most suitable plants to be used under the varying conditions found in the Colony, as well as, being in itself an interesting description of the only park area that Hong Kong can boast. We are indebted to Mr. R. E. Dean, Superintendent of the Gardens Department, for the very comprehensive descriptive matter embodied in these two articles. From a number of favourable comments we have received we feel sure that there is a wide appreciation of the work of his department.
1.
Delonix regia-Flame of the Forest or Flamboyante,
A medium sized spreading tree, sometimes umbrella shaped, with a trunk often buttressed. It is quite bare during the dry winter months, when its large flat woody seed pods are very conspicuous. With the early rains, it bursts into masses of brilliant red flowers, and feathery leaves. Whilst in flower about 2 months, it is one of the most gorgeous trees of the tropics. It is a native of Madagascar and is easily raised from seed, and grows rapidly in Hong Kong. There is a
moderate range in colour of flower, from brilliant scarlet to bright orange. The latter colour form is not seen in the Colony and would be a decided acquisition.
2.
Archontophoenix Alexandrae,
A lofty palm native of Eastern Australia up to 60 feet high with a trunk 6 to 8 inches in diameter. The leaves are six to eight feet long, green above and grey-green beneath.
3.
Aleurites moluccana—Candle Nut Tree.
A large evergreen tree of the Malayan region, commonly cultivated as road-side trees. The seeds yield a drying oil, but it is not as valuable as that obtained from the Tung Oil trees.
4.
Crataeva religiosa-Spider Tree.
A most handsome ornamental deciduous flowering tree which have been planted extensively over the Island and the New Territories. It flowers freely in May of a creamy-white colour.
5.
Cassia spectabilis Calceolaria Cassia.
A very quick growing tree from the West Indies, attaining a height of 60 feet. The flowers are bright yellow, and produced in October. Of recent introduction to Hong Kong.
An interesting grouping of trees and shrubs round the bench stand.
1. Mangifera indica-Mango Tree.
2.
Cleistocalyx operculatus.
3.
Cycas revoluta-False Sago Palm.
An Interesting group of plants which in remote ages formed an important part of the flora of the world, but are
now comparatively rare and restricted to the tropics and sub- tropics. They are the most primitive living flowering plants. In appearance they somewhat resemble tree ferns; the stem in most is short with a terminal crown of leathery leaves. The male flowers are cones, the female sometimes cones, and at other times special type of leaves bearing the seeds on their margins. The species shown in the photograph is a native of Java. The leaves are commonly used for funeral and Remem- brance Day wreaths.
4.
Thevetia peruviana-Lucky Nut.
A small tree. native to the West Indies and Central America, with a poisonous milky juice. The leaves are narrow and long with slightly upturned margins. It bears throughout the year tubular flowers of brilliant yellow. The seeds "lucky nuts" are carried by natives in their purses, worn as watch charms or given to represent good luck. They are also put into the hands of babies at birth for the same reason. The tree being evergreen, and of very rapid growth, is useful where a screen or light shade is required quickly. There is a less common variety with apricot coloured flowers.
5. Phoenix Roebelina-Dwarf Date Palm.
6. Podocarpus macrophylla-Buddhist Pine.
7. Cinnamomum Camphora-Camphor Tree.
8. Casuarina equisetifolia-Horsetail Tree.
A fast growing medium size tree, native to Australia. Grown principally as road-side trees. It thrives in dry situa- tions and is especially attractive when grown in hedge form.
27
-
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.