Asarum caudigerum (Aristolochiaceae) is recently discovered growing near an abandoned village in Hong Kong. It is a new addition to the Hong Kong vascular plant list, with an unclear origin. A. caudigerum is naturally distributed in Central and South China, and to Vietnam. However, this species is also used medicinally in the past and only one colony is found so far. Thus, Possibility of being cultivated cannot be satisfactorily ruled out. Being a naturalist, I personally wish this is from a natural origin which further enriches the local biodiversity.It should be noted that there is no petal in Asarum. The perianths shown in the photographs are indeed its sepal. Its specific name caudigerum is named based on its slender caudate sepal. It's definitely a fabulous species to see!
No comments:
Post a Comment