Some Hong Kong trees are behaving strangely and botanists want to know why

Experts call for citywide study lasting up to decade to determine whether climate change is behind late leaf-shedding and early flowering

A citywide study should be launched to examine how global warming is affecting plants in Hong Kong and the knock-on effect on the rest of the ecosystem, botanists have urged after witnessing clear changes in leaf-shedding and flowering patterns.

Some species, such as the red kapok tree and the flame tree, which should shed all leaves during winter, had shown signs of incomplete leaf drop by spring or early flowering in recent years, the experts said, stressing the importance of looking into plant phenology.

Plant phenology examines the growth, blossoming and withering of plants to better understand climate change and its impact on ecosystems.

“Tree species like the kapok tree and the flame tree … some of their leaves and flowers appear simultaneously,” said Professor Jim Chi-yung, research chair of geography and environmental science at the Education University of Hong Kong.

He explained that phenological research was important because it told people how far-reaching the impacts of climate change were on nature and human lives.

“As we continue to build this knowledge base and our understanding grows, we will be better equipped to handle these challenges and seek effective solutions,” Jim said.