Campus Greenery – Heteropanax fragrans (幌傘楓)

Heteropanax fragrans, also called Hainan Elaeocarpus, is a rare ornamental tree species in Hong Kong. Flowers appear from October to December and fruits are produced from February to March. It can be pruned to become pots of Bonsai and is used as decoration in solemn and formal occasions.

It grows well in a wet-lit sunny environment and can grow to a height of 30 meters. However, if they grow in a dimmer environment, the trees will tend to be taller but slimmer, in order to compete for more sunlight as soon as possible. However, its elongated shape increases the chance of tree collapse.