Press Releases

New flora species discovered in Hong Kong
Sunday, February 22, 2004

Botanists are celebrating the discovery of a new species of flora, Balanophora hongkongensis, in Hong Kong.

The mushroom-like species is a herbaceous flowering plant and is red or yellow-brown in colour when it is flowering, said Mr Patrick Lai Chuen-chi, Senior Conservation Officer of the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD).

"This is another new species found in Hong Kong after the discovery of Asarum hongkongensis in 1988. Its discovery is a boost to the rich variety of native flora.

"The species was first discovered in the woodland of Castle Peak by Dr Lau Kai-man, Dr Li Ning-hon and Professor Hu Shiu-ying in December 1992. A few more specimens were collected subsequently for further studies.

"After repeated field observations, a review of the literature and comparisons of specimens in herbaria worldwide, the species was confirmed new to science in 2003. It was named after Hong Kong, the only place where the species has been found so far," he said.

The finger-shaped Balanophora emerges from soil during its flowering period from late November to December. The slender lower-part is the stem with tiny leaves. The swollen top-part of the stem is a collection of flowers.

The parasitic herb grows on the roots of its host plant. Nutrients are taken directly from the host rather than from the ground or produced from photosynthesis.

"As they can only be seen when they are flowering, this may explain why the new species has not been discovered until recently," said Mr Lai.

The specimen that was used for the designation of the new species is now kept in the AFCD's Hong Kong Herbarium, Cheung Sha Wan Government Offices. The herbarium houses a collection of some 38,000 plant specimens and reference books for public viewing and reference by researchers.

The herbarium, in collaboration with botanists in Hong Kong and South China, is now preparing a new botanical reference, "Flora of Hong Kong", which will systematically describe all plant species in Hong Kong, including the new species Balaonophora hongkongensis.

The project was launched last year to commemorate the 125th anniversary of the Hong Kong Herbarium.