The Chinese Garden in Kowloon Park
During my walks I encountered many spe-
cies of tropical trees. Even though the climate
is considered to be subtropical, I saw many
mature tropical species including breadfruit
(Artocarpus altilis) and scarlet flame bean
(Brownea coccinea) in bloom, the latter with its
striking red flowers. With all of the buildings
and changes in grade throughout Hong Kong,
there must be many warmer microclimates that
enable these tropical trees to thrive. I was sur-
prised not to see more species of palms and
cycads, as I believe they could become attrac-
tive landscape features in some of the more
restricted growing areas.
An invasive exotic in many places in the world, paperbark
(Melaleuca quinquenervia) is a distinct part of the urban forest
in Hong Kong.
The epiphytic potential of Ficus microcarpa is apparent on man-
made walls and structures in Hong Kong.
www.urban-forestry.com 15
