Hong Kong Can Also Grow Cherry Blossoms - Bell-flowered Cherry
Cherry blossoms bloom in delicate hues of peach, elegant tones of soft pink, or tasteful shades of pale white, forming a captivating tapestry as they burst forth from branches in charming clusters! At the mention of cherry blossoms, many immediately think of Japan, where the culture of viewing cherry blossoms is world-renowned. While many cherry blossom varieties are cold-resistant, there is an exception - Bell-flowered Cherry (Prunus campanulata), making it possible for subtropical Hong Kong to produce beautiful cherry blossoms!
About 10 years ago, there were already voices in Hong Kong expressing hope that the authorities could take inspiration from Japan and cultivate cherry blossom trees here, not only to beautify the city but also to boost the tourism industry. However, there are numerous cherry blossom species in Japan, chief among them being 'Kawazu-zakura' (Prunus lannesiana cv. Kawazu-zakura) and 'Somei-yoshino' (Prunus × yedoensis). Both of these species are cold and drought-resistant, and the weather in Hong Kong is too hot and humid for them. Bell-flowered Cherry, on the other hand, is a cherry blossom that can adapt to tropical climates or can potentially "take root" in Hong Kong. In fact, there have been successful cases of cultivating Bell-flowered Cherry locally.
Bell-flowered Cherry is a deciduous tree that can reach up to a height of 3 to 10 metres. It usually grows below an altitude of 1,000 meters, thriving in places with ample sunlight or partial shade. It can quickly grow into a large tree within a short period, and its soil requirements are not demanding, making it suitable for planting in various types of soil. For this reason, it is well-suited for cultivation as an ornamental tree in gardens.
Enchanting little flowers
The most striking feature of Bell-flowered Cherry is, of course, its flowers - petite and charming, in a fresh, delicate shade of peach-pink and shaped like a bell with drooping petals, earning it the name "Bell-flowered Cherry". Blooming from January to March each year, these small, delicate pink flowers adorn branches in clusters and form quite the spectacle, making them perfect for cherry blossom viewing!
While it is no surprise that people are drawn to the blossoms of Bell-flowered Cherry, it turns out that even birds cannot resist their charm! Whenever in bloom, they attract sunbirds, white-eyes, leafbirds, and other visitors who come to feed on the nectar.
In addition to the flowers, birds also love to feast on the fruits of Bell-flowered Cherry. Spherical in form and about 1 centimetre in diameter, they turn red when ripe. Juicy and plump, they taste somewhat sour, making them unsuitable for human consumption, but a delicacy to many birds!
Summoning ant protectors
The leaves of Bell-flowered Cherry also conceal a mystery. Upon closer inspection, you will notice two glandular spots near the leaf stalk. These glandular spots contain nectar, specifically designed to attract ants. When ants come to feed, they inadvertently drive away other insects. This is an example of mutualism among different species in nature - Bell-flowered Cherry provides food for the ants, and in return, the ants protect their leaves from being eaten by other insects.
Bell-flowered Cherry is native to the southeastern part of China, Hainan, and Taiwan, and is the floral emblem of Taichung City. In Hong Kong, popular cherry blossom viewing spots, such as in Cheung Chau and the Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden, feature none other than Bell-flowered Cherry, so residents of Hong Kong are no strangers to this beautiful species. The flowers have seen an increase in cultivation in recent years, and can now be enjoyed in locations like the Hong Kong Velodrome Park, Lion Rock Park, Yuen Long Park, and the Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens. If they are mass-cultivated in a designated location in the future, Hong Kong’s cherry blossoms may prove to be a tourist-attracting feature with time!