Flame Tree

Scientific name: Delonix Regia Native habitat: Madagascar Introduction: "Look! There is a red-orange flower. Let's take it home with us!" "No! the flowers, fruits and seeds of the Flame Tree are poisonous. It would be terrible if you got poisoned." "But how do we take it home with us?" "You can take a photo, or go to the library to look up some information on the Flame Tree. You can also ask teacher Zuyun Wu for details. Remember, never take plants or flowers home!"

Looking-Glass Mangrove

Scientific name: Heritiera Littoralis Native habitat: Pacific Islands, South Asia, Northern and Southern Coast of Taiwan Introduction: "Wow, there's chocalate everywhere!" "No! That isn't chocalate, that's the fruit of the Looking-Glass Mangrove." "Why is called Silver Leaf Tree in Chinese?" "Because the lower surface of the leaf is silver. It reflects the sunlight." "Amazing!"

African Myrobalan

Botanical name: Terminalia Boivinii Tul Native habitat: Tropical Africa Introduction: The African Myrobalan is a beautiful tree shaped like a large umbrella standing on the ground. When a breeze blows through its branches and leaves they swing gently in the wind, while seeds fall to the ground and start their new journey.

Taiwan Flamegold

Botanical name: Koelreuteria Elegans Native habitat: Taiwan Introduction: "Wow, there are so many rubies!" "Ha ha ... that is the Taiwan Flamegold!" "Taiwan Flamegold?" "Yes. The Taiwan Flamegold has many other common names in Chinese. In English, it is also called Chinese Rain Tree. It is indigenous to Taiwan and therefore it is very precious. Unlike the other trees that bloom mostly during summer, the Taiwan Flamegold blooms from September to October. Its flowers are small and yellow, they are followed by large clusters of pinkish lantern-shaped fuits. Matured fruits turn purple-brown in color. Look! There are two red cotton bugs on the tree mating. In Pinuyumayan culture, the pinkish-red color of the fruits is used as a metaphor for female puberty."

Rain Tree

Botanical name: Samanea Saman (Jacq.) Merr Native habitat: Tropical America, West India Introduction: I was just about to hide in the shade under a tree shade when I suddenly heard a voice say: "Hello!" I was startled when I realized it was the Rain Tree talking to me. "It's going to rain. You should go home now," it said. "How do you know it's going to rain soon?" I asked. The Rain Tree explained to me that its leaves would close up and droop in warning of rain. This is very interesting!

Bishop Wood

Botanical name: Bisxhofia Javanica Blume Introduction: Bishop Wood has a wide spreading crown like a beach umbrella. It produces a cool shade, which is a very good place to hide from the sun during hot summer days. Its flowers are small and abundant like stars. It has a big trunk that indicates its age.

Q and A

1. Which part of the Flame Tree is not poisonous? (A) flower (B) leaves (C) fruit
Answer: B

2. Why is the lower surface of a Looking-Glass Mangrove's leaf silver? (A) for aesthetics purpose (B) to reflect sunlight (C) to attract insects
Answer: B

3. In which climate zone does the African Myrobalan grow? (A) boreal (B) temperate (C) tropical
Answer: C

4. Which of the following is NOT a common name of Taiwan Flamegold in Chinese? (A) Gold Bitter Duke (B) Fire Gold Aunt (C) Chinaberry Duke
Answer: B

5. What is the color of the flowers of the Flame Tree? (A) green (B) orange-red (C) black
Answer: B

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