2019/01/17
Skip to content

Press Releases

Hong Kong Wetland Park showcases miracles of fruits and seeds
Wednesday, April 1, 2015

A thematic exhibition entitled "The Miracles of Fruits and Seeds", featuring the important roles of fruits and seeds in continuing the life cycles of plants, is open to public at the Hong Kong Wetland Park from today (April 1) until November.

Flowers blossom vibrantly in spring every year. The survival and reproduction of plants rely much on the tailored structures and ways of dispersal of fruits and seeds that help avoid excessive competition for precious resources like water, nutrients, light and space among plants.

Bruguiera gymnorhiza and Kandelia obovata, two common mangroves in Hong Kong, for example reproduce in a distinctive way by vivipary, in which the seed starts to germinate and eventually becomes a pen-like propagule when the fruit is still attached to the parent plant. The mature propagule will then detach from the parent plant and be carried by tidal currents to another suitable place before settling. The early start of growth enables the propagule to overcome the oxygen-depleted, salty and unstable intertidal environment and to grow up to become a young tree once it settles.

Visitors can learn more about the unique features of different fruits and seeds through a range of activities organised by the Wetland Park, including thematic guided tours, a summer drama, public lectures, DIY workshops and playgroups. In the Wetland Reserve, visitors can also get close to various wetland plants and learn about their interesting facts and value.

In addition, the Wetland Park will collaborate with the Playright Children's Play Association for the first time to organise the festive event Easter Family Fun Days from April 3 to 7. Visitors can enjoy with their families games and activities that can inspire children to be innovative.

For details of the thematic exhibition "The Miracles of Fruits and Seeds" and the festive event Easter Family Fun Days, please visit the website of the Wetland Park (www.wetlandpark.gov.hk).

Ends

Picture shows Bruguiera gymnorhiza. It reproduces in a distinctive way by vivipary, in which the seed starts to germinate and eventually becomes a pen-like propagule when the fruit is still attached to the parent plant. The mature propagule will then detach from the parent plant and be carried by tidal currents to another suitable place before settling. Picture shows Kandelia obovata. It reproduces in a distinctive way by vivipary, in which the seed starts to germinate and eventually becomes a pen-like propagule when the fruit is still attached to the parent plant. The mature propagule will then detach from the parent plant and be carried by tidal currents to another suitable place before settling. Visitors can learn more about the unique features of different fruits and seeds through the thematic guided tours organised by the Wetland Park.