Opinion | Hong Kong needs smarter biodiversity management, from trees to wetlands

The Bauhinia x blakeana orchid tree, whose flower is Hong Kong’s emblem, is found all over the city. It is also among the trees most affected by Hong Kong’s extreme weather. Since 2019, it is among the top tree species suffering from weather damage and has lost at least 485 trees this year, the biggest toll, the government revealed last month.

In second place with at least 421 damaged trees is the Acacia confusa, introduced to the city around 1939 as part of a forestation plan. The acacia has excellent fire resistance but its decomposing leaves also leak chemicals into the soil that inhibit the growth of other plants, hindering biodiversity. In contrast, the Bauhinia blakeana orchid tree is a sterile plant, and must be artificially propagated to reproduce.

With extreme weather becoming more common in Hong Kong, how does this affect the government’s planting strategies?

In response to tree management questions in the Legislative Council last month, Acting Secretary for Development David Lam said “the tree species selected for planting should suit the environment while being able to deliver the designed functions and grow healthily in a sustainable manner” – making it difficult to know the exact details of the plan.