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(72) 紅花荷
Rhodoleia championii Hook. f.
金縷梅科 (Hamamelidaceae)
英文名 (English name): Rhodoleia
Status in China: Vulnerable (VU)
Description: Evergreen small trees. Leaves thickly leathery, ovate, 7-13 cm long, 4.5-6.5 cm wide, apex obtuse or slightly acute, base broadly cunneate, base tri-nerved, upper surface green, glossy, lower surface glaucous, glabrous; petiole 3-5.5 cm long; Inflorescences pseudanthial heads, axillary, 3-4 cm long, usually pendulous; flowers bisexual, bracts ovate, unequal, brown pilose; calyx-tube short, apex truncate; petals spoon-shaped, red, 2.5-3.5 cm long, 6-8 mm wide. Infrutescence about 3 cm wide, 5-capsuled; capsule 1.2 cm long.
Distribution: Aberdeen and Shing Mun Country Parks. Also in Guangdong.
Habitat and ecology: In forest. Flowering: Mar.-Apr.
This species was first discovered in a woodland behind the Little Hong Kong (now Aberdeen) in 1849 in Hong Kong. The bell-like pseudanthial heads compose of red flowers make this species as a very attractive ornamental. All the localities of its occurrence are within Country Parks under protection. The species has also been listed as protected species under the Forestry Regulations (Cap. 96 sub. leg.). AFCD has been actively propagating this plant and reintroducing it into the wild. Ex-situ conservation has also been carried out and living specimens are planted in the Shing Mun Arboretum and Country parks.
References:
張宏達， 1987：廣東植物誌 1：155，圖 171。 廣東科技出版社，廣州。
Herklots, G.A.C., 1953: Food and Flowers 3: 1-29.
Thrower, S.L., 1988: Hong Kong Trees, Omnibus Volume. 365. Urban Council, Hong Kong.
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