Guide to Tree Varieties in Hong Kong
Hong Kong, despite its urban landscape, is home to a diverse range of trees, thanks to its subtropical climate and rich biodiversity. From native species in country parks to ornamental trees lining city streets, here’s a guide to some of the most common and significant tree varieties found in Hong Kong.
1. Native and Common Trees in Hong Kong
A. Banyan Trees (Ficus spp.)
Common species: Chinese Banyan (Ficus microcarpa)
Features: Large, sprawling canopy with aerial roots that descend from branches to form secondary trunks.
Habitat: Found in urban parks, temples, and even growing on old masonry walls.
Significance: Provides shade and habitat for birds and insects; regarded as sacred in some cultures.
B. Camphor Tree (Cinnamomum camphora)
Features: Large, evergreen tree with aromatic leaves that release a camphor scent when crushed.
Habitat: Commonly found in parks, temples, and village areas.
Significance: Valued for its medicinal properties and natural pest-repelling abilities.
C. Incense Tree (Aquilaria sinensis)
Features: Medium-sized evergreen tree with fragrant resin, used in incense and traditional medicine.
Habitat: Mainly found in forested areas and protected reserves.
Conservation Status: Endangered due to illegal harvesting for its valuable resin.
D. Machilus Trees (Machilus spp.)
Common species: Red Machilus (Machilus chekiangensis), White Machilus (Machilus thunbergii)
Features: Evergreen trees with broad leaves and dark, smooth bark.
Habitat: Found in natural woodlands and country parks.
Significance: Important for forest ecology, providing food for wildlife.
2. Flowering Trees
A. Hong Kong Orchid Tree (Bauhinia × blakeana)
Features: Produces striking purple-red flowers, similar to orchids, and has distinctive butterfly-shaped leaves.
Habitat: Widely planted as a street and garden tree.
Significance: Official floral emblem of Hong Kong; sterile hybrid that does not produce seeds.
B. Flame Tree (Delonix regia)
Features: Bright red-orange flowers in summer, with a broad, umbrella-like canopy.
Habitat: Found along roadsides and in public parks.
Significance: Popular for its vibrant floral display and shade-providing qualities.
C. Golden Penda (Xanthostemon chrysanthus)
Features: Clusters of bright yellow flowers attract bees and butterflies.
Habitat: Often seen in parks and urban landscaping.
Significance: Hardy and adaptable tree that thrives in Hong Kong’s humid climate.
3. Fruit-Bearing Trees
A. Longan (Dimocarpus longan)
Features: Produces small, sweet, translucent fruits similar to lychees.
Habitat: Common in rural areas and village gardens.
Significance: Cultivated for its fruit, which is popular in Chinese cuisine and traditional medicine.
B. Lychee (Litchi chinensis)
Features: Evergreen tree with red, textured fruit that has juicy, fragrant flesh.
Habitat: Found in rural orchards and farms.
Significance: One of the most beloved fruit trees in Hong Kong and South China.
C. Mango (Mangifera indica)
Features: Large, evergreen tree that bears sweet, tropical fruit.
Habitat: Grown in gardens, farms, and some urban areas.
Significance: Popular for both shade and fruit production.
4. Mangrove and Coastal Trees
A. Kandelia (Kandelia obovata)
Features: Mangrove tree with prop roots that stabilize shorelines and provide habitat for marine life.
Habitat: Found in intertidal zones, especially in Mai Po and coastal wetlands.
Significance: Plays a crucial role in preventing coastal erosion and supporting biodiversity.
B. Sea Hibiscus (Hibiscus tiliaceus)
Features: Heart-shaped leaves and yellow flowers that turn red as they age.
Habitat: Grows along coastal areas and near water bodies.
Significance: Used for traditional medicine and making ropes from its fibrous bark.
5. Notable Exotic Trees
A. Paperbark Tree (Melaleuca quinquenervia)
Features: Peeling, papery bark with soft leaves and white bottlebrush-like flowers.
Habitat: Found in parks and along roadsides.
Significance: Planted for erosion control and aesthetic value.
B. Rain Tree (Samanea saman)
Features: Large canopy with delicate, feathery leaves that close at night.
Habitat: Planted as a shade tree in parks and along roads.
Significance: Provides excellent shade and is resistant to drought.
Conservation and Protection
Hong Kong has several protected forested areas and tree conservation programs. The Old and Valuable Tree (OVT) Register protects historically and ecologically significant trees, while government reforestation efforts aim to restore native woodlands.
If you want to see some of these trees in their natural habitat, consider visiting:
Tai Po Kau Nature Reserve – A dense forest with diverse native species.
Lung Fu Shan – Home to many old banyan and camphor trees.
Mai Po Nature Reserve – Famous for mangroves and wetland trees.
Hong Kong’s trees are more than just part of the landscape—they provide shade, improve air quality, and support biodiversity. Whether you're strolling through a park, hiking in the countryside, or simply walking down a city street, keep an eye out for these remarkable trees that shape the city’s natural beauty.
