• Specie: Camphor tree
• OVT Registrar: LCSD CW/68
• Location: Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens (on the path leading from the Eastern entrance to the park off Albany Road)

I have written about this particular Camphor tree before because of its distinct facade resembling a mythical monster but imagine my surprise to find, that, underneath, or more accurately on the surface of the grand, Old and Valuable tree, are… flowers.

Specifically, growing on the multi-limb torso of the Camphor is a type of orchid, called ‘dendrobium loddigesii’. I am not sure whether it was a single orchid plant or a colony, but it covered a large area on the host tree.

The flowers are quite uncharacteristic for the typically stoic Camphor and adds a dainty beauty to what is already a remarkable individual.

Obviously, orchids are known to flourish on host trees without any harm to the tree itself. However, this is certainly the first time I have come across a Camphor with such an exotic passenger.

Categories:Camphor tree, Old and valuable trees of Hong Kong, parks and gardens, Spring blooms, treelover, urbantrees, Urbantrees of Hong KongTags: Camphor tree, central and western, Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens, Old and Valuable tree of Hong Kong, treelover, Urban tree of Hong Kong