A treasure in Hangzhou Botanical Garden - how Styrax dasyanthus transforms into a "pearl fairy"
In a corner of Hangzhou Botanical Garden, a “treasure tree” is quietly hidden. When a particular season arrives, it becomes covered in “pearls”
Speaking of the discovery of Styrax dasyanthus, we must go back to the late Qing Dynasty. At that time, Western botanists were keen to venture deep into China's remote mountains in search of rare flowers and unusual plants. In 1902, the German botanist Johannes PerkinsJohannes Perkins encountered this small tree with drooping white flowers in the mountains of Enshi, Hubei. Its distinctive appearance deeply attracted Perkins, and after careful study, he named it Styrax dasyanthus
Styrax dasyanthus is not merely showy. It belongs to the genus Styrax in the family Styracaceae and is a deciduous shrub or tree. Its plant form is graceful, reaching a height of 3 - 20 m. The leaves are leathery or nearly leathery, obovate, obovate-elliptic or elliptic, with slightly incurved horny fine serrations along the margins. The flowering period is from 3 - 5 months, when it produces white flowers with oblong to oblong-lanceolate petals, densely covered outside with white stellate short pubescence. Bring it close and there is a faint, delicate fragrance, barely there yet present. In the fruiting period from 9 - 12 months, ovoid or spherical fruits hang all over the branches, adding a distinctive charm.
Its growth habits are also quite interesting. Styrax dasyanthus grows wild in mixed woods on hills, mountains, slopes and beside streams at an altitude of 100 - 1700 m. It prefers warm, humid and sunny environments, though it can also grow comfortably in semi-shade. Its seeds are very individualistic: after falling to the ground, they do not sprout immediately and may wait quietly in the soil for several months or even a year, until they deem the “time is right”
Styrax dasyanthus not only adorns Hangzhou Botanical Garden and brings visitors a visual feast, but also has important value. In terms of ornamental use, it has some renown in overseas horticultural circles and is often cultivated as an ornamental tree. From a medicinal perspective, its leaves can be used as medicine, with effects of moistening the lungs, promoting fluid production and relieving cough, and it is helpful for conditions such as dry cough due to lung dryness and dry cough without phlegm.
Want to take a beautiful photo with Styrax dasyanthus? The area where Styrax dasyanthus is located in Hangzhou Botanical Garden is clearly marked, and after entering the garden you can find its specific location on the guide map available at the entrance. Let me quietly tell you that the best photo spot is on the small hillside beside the Styrax dasyanthus tree. Shooting from there looking down, you can capture the tree full of “pearls” and the well-arranged greenery behind it all in the frame. Remember to use a wide-aperture mode when taking photos to blur the background and highlight the beauty of Styrax dasyanthus. After taking photos, do not forget to share your beautiful check-in shots and see who captured the most lively moment of Styrax dasyanthus!
While going to see Styrax dasyanthus, Hangzhou Botanical Garden also has many places worth exploring. There is a dedicated science popularization area in the garden that lets you gain a deeper understanding of Styrax dasyanthus and other plants. In the science museum, staff regularly hold plant science lectures, and everyone can ask questions on site to learn more about the growth mysteries of Styrax dasyanthus. In addition, on the lawn areas of the botanical garden, you can see many visitors picnicking and enjoying a pleasant time. If you get tired from walking, why not find a shady spot to rest and feel the beauty of nature.
Dear flower lovers, if you have not yet gone to Hangzhou Botanical Garden to see Styrax dasyanthus, why not find some time to go. Trust me, the moment you see that tree full of “pearls” with your own eyes, you will surely be deeply moved.You can alsoshare your story of encountering Styrax dasyanthus. Perhaps your experience can become a check-in guide for other flower lovers!