Do you know how many plant species are found in Hong Kong? With its small area and history of intense past and modern disturbance, one may be tempted to think that the territory may host only a limited number of plants. You may then be surprised to learn that nearly 3,300 species of plants🌴 have been recorded here, and even more so then, that new species to science are still being discovered in recent years.
𝘛𝘩𝘪𝘴𝘮𝘪𝘢 𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘨𝘬𝘰𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘴 is such a recent discovery! This species was discovered in Tai Po Kau Nature Reserve by Mar Shek Shing and together with Prof. Richard Saunders, described in 2015. But if you imagine a large green tree with some large flowers hidden deep in some unexplored forest, you may be surprised. In fact, if you want to find 𝘛. 𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘨𝘬𝘰𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘴 you better look at your feet, and carefully. This plant is small, very small …measuring just a few centimetres in height and with a creamy to brownish colour. In short, a very discrete plant hiding within the leaf litter🍂 and other dead branches on the ground floor. Even its leaves🌿 are just 5.5 mm long and of a whitish colour.
This small plant produces its delicate claw-like flowers from May to December well camouflaged by their reddish-brown petals. No profusion here, as each individual produces a maximum of three flowers, with each of them open for pollination for a 3 weeks period. What animal can then pollinate such a delicate flower? As for most plants, insects are put to contribute, but do not imagine a bee🐝, but rather some small flies (Diptera) such as the fungus gnat (Sciaridae) or scuttle flies (Phoridae), with those species usually attracted by the smell of decaying organic matter. Once pollinated, fruits will develop, being urn-shaped and found from June to October. The seeds which are yellow-brown are fully exposed on the top of the fruit. Such position and exposition will allow the falling raindrops💧 to splash the seeds out of the cup. A brilliant dispersal strategy!
You understood it, 𝘛. 𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘨𝘬𝘰𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘴 is not your typical plant, but this goes further. It is known as a mycoheterotrophic species, meaning that it doesn't do photosynthesis☀️ to obtain nutrients. It lacks chlorophyll to do it anyway, the famous pigment found in most plants and which gives them their green colour.🌳 You may thus wonder, how can it survive without doing photosynthesis? Well, 𝘛. 𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘨𝘬𝘰𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘴 has a trick, or rather a sidekick The plant maintains a symbiotic relationship with a fungus with which it forms mycorrhiza (symbiotic association) providing food for its “limited” growth. It thus relies on the fungal symbionts to acquire nourishment from decaying organic matter.
Finding such a species is rare. At the time of its discovery, a small population of just about 10 individuals scattered on less than 5m2 was known. Additionally, individuals of 𝘛. 𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘨𝘬𝘰𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘴 remain underground throughout most of the year, only appearing for the production of ephemeral flowers and fruits. You will thus need some good eyes👀 and a bit of luck to find one of the most discrete plants in Hong Kong. If you do, please leave those undisturbed so they can continue their peaceful life.
Next time you do a hike, why not slow down your pace👣 a little and explore around? Maybe you will be the next one to discover a new species of hidden plants in Hong Kong!
Text: Edmond Lee
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