ENG-1980 — Page 312

NATURAL HISTORY

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On muddy sea shores, an interesting type of vegetation known as the Dwarf Mangrove Association is occasionally found; there are also 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. The orchid species are described and illustrated in Hong Kong Orchids by G. Barretto and J. L. Young Saye (Urban Council series), published during the year,

Many villagers have a good working knowledge of the usefulness of some local plants. Aquilaria 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. For example, two plant species previously unrecorded in Hong Kong, and which are now represented in the herbarium collection, are Haloragis micrantha and Scutellaria barbata.

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 paths, pavilions, flower beds and a central fountain. The fountain terrace, which is located on the roof of a 21,000 cubic-metre service reservoir, is surrounded by symmetrical flower beds containing roses, medicinal plants and annual bedding plants. In two nearby green- houses, tropical shade-loving plants are cultivated. The gardens contain a wide range of plants from various climates, but it is planned to concentrate more on native species in future.

Zoological exhibits in the gardens comprise both animals and birds. They include Jaguars, Tree Kangaroos, Orang-utans, Caracal Lynx, Crested Porcupines, Common Squirrel Monkeys, Tree Squirrels, Siamangs, Golden Agoutis, Celebes Black Apes, White-cheeked Crested Gibbons, Common Marmosets and Red Mantle Saddleback Marmosets. Some of these animals have bred offspring in the gardens.

The bird collection, which is among the best in Asia, concentrates on rare or protected species. Altogether, more than 700 specimens representing about 300 species are housed. An excellent breeding record for birds in captivity has been achieved in recent years, in- cluding success with the White-naped Crane and the Count Raggi's Bird of Paradise, the latter being only the fifth instance on record in the world.

The success of the bird collection is encouraging the creation of aviaries in the Urban Council's public parks. As a first step, a new display aviary has been built in an attractively landscaped setting in Kowloon Park.