ENG-1952 — Page 254

HONG KONG TREES AND FAUNA

Water Banyan (Cleistocalyx operculatus)

a

A large, spreading, evergreen tree, common near watercourses on the island and the mainland. A few specimens are to be found in the Botanic Gardens. They are identified and distinguished from the Banyan, to which they are not related, by their large, oppositely arranged leaves. Since the leaves frequently turn red, this tree has a distinct place in landscape work, whereas in Hong Kong comparatively few trees have foliage colour other than green. The flowers are borne on short stems, developed from buds under the bark of the twigs and branches. After the flowers mature and the fruit ripens, these twigs fall off, leaving scars in the form of holes or pits in the bark. The small, white flowers, with numerous stamens, appear in May and the edible fruits ripen in September. Besides adding to the attractiveness of the countryside, this tree is highly valued for medicinal purposes. In early summer, when the flowering branchlets protrude through the bark, they are picked by the villagers and dried in the sun and later made into a drink, which is said to have a cooling effect. The wood is good, though of little commercial value.

Lung-aan Tree (Euphoria longana)

A native tree of China which grows to about 30 feet and is cultivated for ornamental purposes and for its fruit. It is a beautiful tree with a round or oval crown which casts a pleasant shade. It looks much like the laichee tree, but can be distinguished by its larger leaves and rougher and more corky bark. The leaves are compound, with two to five pairs of leaflets which are two to six inches long, dark green above and usually whitish beneath. In spring, small, yellow flowers

205