Early spring in March, the temperature warms, bringing strings of fog and rain. As the humidity rises, nature begins to be reborn itself. After the cold winter, flowers boost their hidden energy by spreading their scent. In return, it invites insects within the environment and the life of plantations extends. It is ideal to visit the mountain and absorb the dynamic energy during these pandemic times in such a lively season. Artificially cultivated flowers in flower shows are not comparable with the flowers blooming in the wild. The latter interact with nature and are more charming. As we appreciate their beauty, we can also understand more about their habitat. This time we will flip through books and follow our forebears’ footsteps to search for plantations that have taken root in Hong Kong.
Geoffrey A. C. Herklots' Hong Kong Countryside Throughout the Seasons:
A Hundred Years Tradition The Rhododendron of Ma On Shan
A hundred years ago, Geoffrey A. C. Herklots, who arrived in Hong Kong in the 20s, wrote about the month of March in his book “Hong Kong Countryside Throughout the Seasons”. He first used scientific terminology to explain why flowers bloom in spring, then he details his experience in flower appreciation.
“If you live on the Peak and walk around Mount Kellet in the middle of the month you will see these flowers out. The scentless, white or pale mauve Viola diffusa will be there in their hundreds on the grassy bank near the roadside.” This petit flower is common in Hong Kong, usually scattered within grasslands or concrete cracks. They are not very big and have to be observed and searched with care.
Herklots not only recorded his founding on these small flowers, but also recorded a large amount of the rhododendron blossom. “Five species of Rhododendron grow wild on the Hunchbacks Ma On Shan (Saddle mountain).Usually the best period to visit district is the last fortnight in March and the first week in April.The Weather can be fickle at this time of the year, and cloud usually descends on the peak in the afternoons,so start early in the morning……In the valleys, as well as high up on the mountain,Rhododen Sims is very abundant; the flowers are scarlet.” Those who pass by Ma On Shan will have the memory of seeing the eye-catching redness. This field of red reflected on the mountains is also called azalea (another name for rhododendron).
Gloria Barretto's The Wild Orchids of Hong Kong:
Insect maze and orchids hid within Tai Po Kau
傳In traditional Chinese literature, 'orchids' is used as a metaphor to characterize classy gentlemen, as it reflects their generosity. If the relationship between two people is strong and loyal, they will be described as 'sworn brothers' or 'sworn sisters of the Golden Orchid'. On the biological level, orchids have a complicated structure, which brings trouble to pollinating insects. It is as if the insects entered an ancient tomb filled with traps and can hardly escape.
（Tai Po Kau Nature Reserve）
In Hong Kong, there are more than 120 kinds of wild orchids, and 8 of them are uniquely found in Hong Kong. In 2011, the authoritative book on orchids “The Wild Orchids of Hong Kong” was published. This world-class international illustration handbook is mostly researched and recorded by Portuguese-Hong Kong citizen Gloria Barretto. She was born in 1916 and lived in Hong Kong most of her life. Differentiating from Herklots, who lived on Hong Kong Island, Barretto lives in seclusion in Tai Po Kau. She lived within the conserved area until her passing in 2007. During the 70s, there were only 63 species of orchids recorded. Through the extensive effort of Barretto and her friends, there were 126 variations published in the book.
From Barretto’s experiences in her latter years of life, the countryside is still full of rich ecological life waiting for those with a keen eye to discover. Not only can we follow the footsteps of forebears, but we can also pick up our cameras, have a curious mind during the coming of spring, and head out to the countryside to discover the many unknowns of Hong Kong.
Read more:
1. 彭玉文：〈愛蘭者說〉(Chinese only)
2.香港電台 大自然 生態人 2：路邊的野花不要採 (Chinese only)
3. Gloria Barretto in 8 Keywords
4.Wild Orchids of Hong Kong 2020
5.蘭花之野放與保育 (Chinese only)
6.Jason Wordie: Colourful Gloria a witness to Hong Kong's history