ENG-1979 — Page 288

NATURAL HISTORY

Flora

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The Hong Kong Herbarium is more than 100 years old. This government institution con- tains a collection of about 33,300 plant specimens, and is responsible for collecting, classifying and maintaining authoritative preserved plant specimens representative of Hong Kong flora. It also disseminates knowledge and information about the flora of Hong Kong and maintains an index of scientific, Chinese and English common names for the plants of Hong Kong. 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.

For so small an area, Hong Kong has a large and diverse flora. The territory is situated near the northern limit of the distribution of tropical Asian flora. It is estimated that there are about 2,500 species of vascular plants, native and introduced. These are listed in the new Check List of Hong Kong Plants (Agriculture and Fisheries Department). New publi- cations on flora include Hong Kong Freshwater Plants by I. J. Hodgkiss (Hong Kong Government Printer).

Before conservation, countless hillsides had been left bare of trees through centuries of cutting, burning and exposure to the elements. Their only cover was coarse grass or scrub. 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 growing numbers of people who spend their leisure time in the countryside.

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Remnants of bygone forests - either as scrub forest or as well-developed woodland – can occasionally be found 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 grow. 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 Mangrove 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 blossoms. They attract butterflies and insects, while other plants bear fruit and seeds that serve as important sources of food for birds' and animals.

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Many villagers have a good working knowledge of the usefulness of some 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.

Botanical explorations carried out by the Hong Kong Herbarium, the territory's two universities and amateur botanists have been productive. Plant species previously unre- corded in Hong Kong have been found and are now represented in the herbarium collection. A new herb, Impatiens Hongkongensis, was named after Hong Kong by C. Grey-Wilson, of the Kew Herbarium.

Zoological and Botanical Gardens

The Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens, under the management of the Urban Council, was established as the Botanic Gardens in 1871 when the total area was about seven hectares. The layout of the present 5.35-hectare garden is strictly formal with wide