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News from Crûg Farm Plants
seed collecting trip autumn 2003.
Is it all plastic in Taiwan?
Taiwan, is not the most obvious destination to start search for garden plants, “Surely there can be nothing that is hardy
from such a country, straddling the Tropic of Cancer as it does’’, we were told. Tropical or not, on investigating firstly
the Flora of Taiwan we were encouraged to delve deeper as so many garden plants that have become familiar to us were there.
Starting with the first letter of the alphabet :- Aconitum, Actinidia, Adenophora, Akebia, Ampelopsis, Anemone, Arisaema,
Aristolochia, Artemisia and Asarum, all it seemed that remained was for us to seek them out. This we embarked on near the
end of October in 1992, the first of many trips to this botanical oasis. Despite the country’s present day notoriety for
wall to wall industry, it is of little surprise to us that the island was for many years known by its Latin name of Formosa,
which translates to beautiful.
Encouraged by our initial visit and building on the connections we had made, we returned in 1993 after a month in the
relatively close country of South Korea. This opened up more opportunities for us to collect more adventurously looking at
some of the plants from a lower altitude. Such as Tetrapanax papyrifer which we gathered seed of in the Central Valley close
to the incongruously named Wuling Farm. A commune or co-operative farm established to house some of the ‘retired soldiers’.
The seed gathered from this collection in time made its way to Powis Castle under the name of Aralia decaisneana, a
distinctly different plant, where it gained the reputation for its hardiness and a cultivar name of ‘Rex’.
By 1996 we have built up a good working relationship with many academic institutes and conservation agencies on the
island, which bore fruit on both sides of the association. Hence by mid summer of that year, when our call to the wild
became irresistible, we decided to postpone our itinerary from collecting in Korea/Japan. As we felt that we were lacking
plants of some of our previous collections from Taiwan, particularly in those genera which had become more important to the
development of our nursery. Hence on the morning of September the 18th the two of us found ourselves jet-lagged, bleary eyed
and weary in the middle of a Taiwanese jungle. Having organised our nursery to be tucked away for the winter during the
twelve weeks of our absence, by our very capable team of helpers, affectionately known as 'The Staff'.
The first sight was chosen as we had found an all sterile flowered form of Hydrangea aspera kawakamii back in December
1993. Drawn to small tree-like proportions in the forests, here on the edge they make a more manageable garden-sized large
shrub. The sturdy cymes of bright-purple fertile flowers are surrounded by pale sepaled sterile flowers of butterfly-like
elegance. This late summer flowering shrub is still rare in the British gardens, soon to be rectified by some of the forms
we are now introducing. In an attempt to dispel the inaccuracy relating to the lateness of flowering of this species we have
named one form as ‘August Abundance', a feature we have also noticed in Bodnant Gardens with some of Wilson’s original
collections. The fealty, smooth haired leaves on some of these are colossal, of dinner-plate proportions, with comparative
inflorescences to 60cm across. It was our main quest on that trip, to trace the many differing species and forms as
described in the book ‘The Hydrangeas’ by the British guru of hydrangeas, Michael Haworth-Booth. Which were by that time
lumped into just a few all encompassing species.
The disappointment of there being no sterile sports on the bush was soon forgotten with each new collection. The area
near Chilan in northern Taiwan, is easily the richest and most diverse in Taiwan, which meant that it comes close to being
the richest source of temperate plants remaining in the world. There are still new plants being discovered in this area,
Arisaema ilanensis was the most recent to have been described. This is yet another superlative plant quite different to any
Arisaema we have encountered in cultivation. With an almost horizontally protruding spadix out of a glaucous deep-purple
spathe, below the dark green waxy digitate leaves.
The bright red fruit of Schisandra arisanensis were to be found here in abundance dangling in long racemes from the
overhanging trees and shrubs, which hosted this woody climber. A valuable semi-evergreen twinning climber which retains its
unusual metallic-green foliage in the milder coastal areas such as with our friend Dan Hinkley in the Pacific North West of
the USA. Where the orange-red male flowers and yellow-orange female flowers are borne in clusters from the leaf axils
April-June, contrasting with the thick-textured glossy dark green heart-shaped leaves.
Akebia longeracemosa was to be found here clothing some of the taller trees. This species has elegant digitate five
leafleted long, narrow round-ended evergreen leaves. Accompanied by pendant racemes of purple flowers, to 15cm long in
Spring. The few larger female flowers occupy the upper region of these racemes, while the plentiful males below make up the
mass of the inflorescence. When pollinated the female flowers produce a large purple sausage shaped edible fruit, that have
rarely been seen on this Taiwanese species according to our botanical colleagues, whom had never seen any. But this time we
were in luck, we had managed to find a few ripe fruit before the monkeys of those forests had swept through.
Stauntonia purpurea |
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It was in this same area that we found Stauntonia purpurea, of a smaller habit seldom seen to
twine above 5 meters after scrambling off the forest floor. A close relative to Akebia, with its leathery parchment-like evergreen undulating digitate leaves. Complimented by short
racemes of fragrant pendant pixie hat-like bright purple (in the form we have) flowers in spring. Followed by a small but
plump sausage like edible fruit in the autumn as do many of the members of the under-utilised Lardizabalaceae family. Again
our early arrival had paid off and we had beaten the rivalling monkeys to this rarely found fruit. |
The forest floor also had its rewards, amongst the plants that we are now more familiar with, such as Tricyrtis
formosana, Rohdea watanabei, Podophyllum pleianthum, Arisaema taiwanensis, Disporopsis arisanensis etc. We were able to find
Asarum taipingshanianum, Phytolacca japonica, Paris bockiana and the almost extinct Polygonatum alte-lobatum. A small
species which we found growing as an epiphyte on a fallen tree, which is painfully slow to grow. All useful additions to our
gardens, as may Arisaema thunbergii var. autumnalis be one day. Although we had found this species back in 1993 (photo The
Garden May 1994 p209) we were unaware of its identity until 1995 when it was described to science. A peculiar Arisaema in
that it is induced into flower by the cooling of the autumn. A little earlier than the more familiar A. ringens, who's
inflorescence erupts from the ground in early December, where we find it growing at a much lower altitude near the eastern
coast. Surprisingly this plant adapts readily to our European gardens by emerging in the spring. The most dramatic of our
Arisaema introductions to date must be A. taiwanensis. Usually standing erect to about a meter tall, one is immediately
drawn even in its early stages of growth, by the strong decoratively mottled stems. Unfurling its single leaf as is dose,
like an umbrella of broad radiating leaflets. These in turn support long dangling thread-like tips, initially nearly
reaching the ground. The familiar shaped sinister looking purple spathe (housing the inflorescence) also supports a long
filiform tip at its extremity. Which in turn overhangs the spongy apex of the spadix.
A. fukutomei
(syn A. bartlettii) |
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It is also in this area that an unusual monkshood grew on the forest edge, our first encounter
with this variety, Aconitum fukutomei v. formosanum. Was a considerably different plant from the normal A. fukutomei (syn
A. bartlettii) that we had encountered on the high slopes of the Central Mountains. There the plants were short and bright
blue flowered. Here the flowers were almost purple in colour, while the stems were anything but short, twinning loosely into
the hosting shrubs up to a couple of meters tall. |
The Paris bockiana we found here can only be found at the higher altitudes in the central and eastern parts of the
island. Growing in light forest conditions to 30cm tall, with four to seven narrow undulating leaflets held in a single
whirl slightly below the 'green' flower. Which has evolved to possessing only narrow petals, yellowish in this species. With
broader green sepals supporting the central reproductive parts. As with the rest of the Daiswa section of Paris, the centre
of the flower matures to a large green ribbed fruit. This in turn splits open when ripe to reveal the bright red fleshy
seed.
Overshadowing these were Viburnum luzonicum v oblongum and V. taiwanianum both weighted down by their abundant red fruit
at this time of the year. V. arboricolum also stands out at that time with large panicles of red fruit on softly hairy tan
stems. Unknown in gardens before we introduced our collections, but still causing some confusion with those that are adamant
that it should be named as the similar but tender tropical species of V. odoratissimum. Which we were given seed of by the
Museum of Taiwan Natural Science in Taichung in 2003, if not just to prove the difference between the two species. Tender is
something V. arboricolum is not, certainly not in the UK, where it has been grown in cold areas without protection from an
early age maturing to a large free flowering specimen. Also feeling the strain of an abundant crop of fruit was the late
winter flowering Stachyurus sigeyosii laden with exceptionally long racemes of small nut-like fruit. Described in the
Taiwanese flora as S. himalaicus which only bears much shorter sometimes pink fewer flowered racemes. Our collections made
in the north of Taiwan are proving to be useful additions to our early spring garden bearing some of the longest known
yellow racemes yet seen in cultivation.
Hydrangea paniculata is also to be found in Northern Taiwan where we found some outstanding forms, which we hope to
secure in cultivation. Many of the shrubs were weighted down with their heavy crops of blooms, others reached a lofty height
of some five meters jostling for space amongst Daphniphyllum glaucescens ssp. oldhamii a splendid glaucous subspecies of
this aristocratic genus. Staying with our quest in the hydrangea family we also secured material of Pileostegia viburnoides
from the Taipingshan area, a seldom seen evergreen aerial rooting climber. The forms from this area looked quite different
from that which we are used to seeing in cultivation, with narrower dark green leaves and creamy cymes of all fertile
flowers. It will be interesting to monitor their progress as we introduce these collections into cultivation.
An unusual member of the Campanulaceae family is also found here, growing at the forest edges, as we also find on fairly
open mountainsides. Codonopsis kawakamii with its dangling yellowish waisted bells, twining on anything that is within reach
to 1.5 meters. Close to here we went in search of another newly described plant Dianthus palinensis, bearing the largest
flowers of the genus in Taiwan. We were under strict instructions from our propagator of that time, David Chandler, to
collect every Dianthus or Silene we could lay our hands on, so with the threat of mass destruction looming over our plants
back home off we went to the village of Pa-lin. If we were in desperate need to find a plant for ourselves it would have
taken for ever to find it, if we could have found it at all. It took us just half an hour, if that to locate it, with ripe
capsules brimming with seed. Perched on sunny ledges on a roadside cliff, is it not the way of the World?
We were however rewarded en route by a demure member of the Lily family. Heloniopsis umbellata could be found growing on
vertical walls of deep moist (or is it always raining when we find it?) moss. This small evergreen rosette forming perennial
is invaluable for colonising the woodland garden, forming tiny plantlets where the leaf tips are in contact with the ground.
A central winter resting bud stretches out in spring to a single sided scape of white flowers, these flared scented flowers
ageing to a pale pink. Followed by green capsules which disgorge their thread-like seed to be disbursed by the slightest
breeze.
At this time of the year the star turn in the forest was reserved for the Clematis, there were several, one in particular
presented a heady scent. Of a modest size mostly only to 5 meters, but covered by outward facing pure white wide-open
flowers crammed with long white stamens. The name for this charming species is C. parviloba subsp bartlettii. Here we also
found a solitary plant of a rich yellow pendant flowering Clematis, scrambling its way through the undergrowth. On later
presenting this specimen to Dr Aleck Yang at the Museum in Taichung for identification, we were immediately informed that it
was a new species to Taiwan, later to be confirmed as being new to science. He has since named this Clematis
szuyuanensis.
He was also able to identify for us Clematis that we had previously collected in Taiwan and had only been able to
distribute under our collection numbers. C. tashiroi we were told was what we had collected as BSWJ1423. Initially this was
thought to be the up until then familiar deep purple form with a large boss of contrasting white stamen, coming into flower
in August. Until our plant flowered yellow, which we thought may have been a response to lower temperatures. On further
investigation by the Taiwanese botanists it has been established that the yellow flowering form is widespread in the central
areas of the island. Probably only suitable for outdoor cultivation in the milder areas of our country being evergreen,
despite having shrugged off -11C with us. C. henryi var. morii was the identification given to BSWJ1668, a white scented,
pendant winter flowering evergreen trifoliate species we had collected in 1993. Our third evergreen collection of that same
year was C. uncinata BSWJ1893, white flowering with long narrow ridged leaves.
Our next destination was the dramatic Taroko Gorge with its spectacular scenery. The solid marble sides at the bottom
section are sheer to almost 2,000 meters in places. Hardly surprising that the Chinese regard it as one of the natural
wonders of the World. Here is where we find, Hydrangea longifolia at a higher altitude, a closely related species to the
better known H. involucrata which we had encountered previously in neighbouring Japan. Hydrangea longifolia differs mainly
in its much narrower and longer foliage and larger sterile sepals on broader cymes of deeper coloured fertile flowers.
In the upper parts of this area we had already collected H. integrifolia, back in 1992, an evergreen aerial rooting
climber which now scrambles up our ysgubor wall at home. Rewarding us with a display of white lace-cap cymes in summer, from
seemingly never-opening golf ball-like tight buds, which we always fear may explode until we see the tell tale signs of the
buds opening. The name has often been confused with H. integerrima an old name/synonym for the South American H.
serratifolia which is perversely the only evergreen species currently in cultivation without serrated leaves. H.
integrifolia incidentally was thought to be the only evergreen climbing Hydrangea to be found in the ‘Old World’ according
to Elizabeth McClintock’s revision of this genus, until that is we collected H. glandulosa later in 1996. Also from here, we
have secured material of Hydrangea angustipetala. We had been impressed by the size of both the sepals and of the terminal
cymes of yellow ageing flowers, we had encountered in the various herbariums in Taiwan. We also managed to track down
several vastly differing forms of Hydrangea chinensis, on this trip with its more leathery leaves. Which is closely related
to the preceding spices, these we encountered tucked away in the forests in all four corners of the island.
Before we become too blinkered with the hydrangea family we should give time to looking at yet another abundant family,
that of our common ivy, Araliaceae. The first member that really excites us is the endemic Fatsia polycarpa. A forest plant
that has grown so well for us adapting to our coastal conditions, forming a lofty shrub where sheltered behind a wall.
Affording a more sub-tropical appearance distinct from its neighbour in Japan in bearing larger deeper lobed leaves with a
more matt non-glossy surface, thrusting long upright inflorescences in the depth of winter. Not forgetting its most stately
relative Schefflera taiwaniana, a shrub that has surprised so many with its tropical elegance and yet taken all that our
British climate can throw at it. Not surprising for those of us who have been fortunate enough to see it first hand growing
in such diverse habitats as an open exposed ridge when we collected the seed with Dick Hayward in 2003, accompanied as we
were by a film crew recording the event. Destined to be one of the most popular evergreen foliage shrubs of all time as it
is just as happy to be growing in sun as in shade, moist or dry conditions, a plant with a will to live.
Taroko is where we also came upon one of the most stately of all the Solomon Seals, Polygonatum cyrtonema (Hua), reaching
a lofty 2 meters when grown with some moisture.
Polygonatum cyrtonema |
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The stems of alternating bold leaves arching over with the weight of its generous
display of impressive flowers, which in turn are followed by the characteristic bloomy dark fruit. |
Again there has been some confusion with the name of this plant as the name had previously been misapplied to Disporopsis
pernyi an evergreen Chinese close relative of a much smaller stature. Disporopsis and Polygonatum are very easy to tell
apart when in flower, as Disporopsis has a corolla (a crown on the interior of the flower) to the flower something that is
lacking in Polygonatum. Whereas in Taiwan we find D. arisanensis a name which is disputed by the compilers of the current
RHS Plant Finder, where they give the name of D. fusco-picta, an easily recognisable and vastly differing species only found
in China. That is distinct from this species and the other species found in Taiwan of D. taiwanensis, in forming bead-like
(moniliform) rhizomes. One often despairs at some of the botanical inaccuracies originating from this land, but can only
conclude there is an element of political interference as the origin of this confusion comes from the ‘Mainland’.
Returning to the family of Hydrangeaceae, in 1992 we had collected material of Schizophragma integrifolium v. fauriei
from the Central Mountains. Where we found it scrambling along the forest floors, before finding a small tree or cliff to
climb and celebrates on finding the sun. By exploding into a generous display of 25cm. wide terminal corymbs margined by
sterile bracts. Distinct from the standard form of this aerial rooting climbing species by its hairy foliage, a perfect foil
for the single sided 5cm. showy ovate creamy bracts. Again we have a plant on our outbuildings, which has shot up to cover
the walls within a few growing seasons despite two cold winters, even holding its juvenile foliage at -11C throughout that
winter. Maturing after only four seasons, rewarding us every year since with a spectacular display of creamy cymes almost
hiding the foliage from July through August. It is a little appreciated feature of the aerial rooting climbing members of
this family (and indeed all aerial rooting climbers of any family) that they climb much faster if allowed to scramble along
the ground before starting to climb vertically. Our personal experience has proved that they make much faster progress as I
have outlined in this discussion, if allowed to do so.
Before leaving this area of Taiwan, just east of the centre where the winters at this lofty altitude can be equated to
our home in Wales. There are a couple of other shrubs worthy of mention. There are two species of Pittosporum, both thriving
in open conditions in our garden. P. daphniphylloides forms a small tree, which may also be trained into a multi-stemmed
large shrub. With relatively large for wind tolerant, leaves which are dark green and ovate impressed conspicuously with
fine venation, giving a leather-like appearance. Conspicuous when we collect the seed as the plump seed capsules split open
to reveal the contrasting orange-red arils which protect the encased seed. A feature we have come used to seeing in the
forests of Asia, but only associated with Australasia in the minds of most gardeners. P. illicioides is the second species
encountered in this area, a pleasing small to medium sized evergreen shrub with an open habit, bearing much smaller ovate
leathery leaves clustered at the ends of the slender branches. Surprising all and sundry with a fine display of small
urn-shaped yellow flowers on long slender arching stalks, which just ooze a heady scent detectable from some distance. In
the finest form that we have encountered, P. illicioides v. angustifolium has long narrow leaves rarely exceeds 2cm in
width, while attaining 20cm in length. A feature that we suspect is attained more so in sheltered shady conditions.
The sixth species of Hydrangea to be found in Taiwan is H. anomala, more commonly encountered in gardens as H. anomala
ssp. petiolaris. We collected this at a tropical latitude, but at high elevation, again scrambling on the forest floor
looking for a host to climb. Strange to find it isolated geographically from the rest of H. anomala, but that is Taiwan a
rich isolated diversity of nature, a jewel set in the ocean. Not only is this form isolated, but distinct from all other
forms that we grow from elsewhere in Asia. Hence we have delved deeper into the archives for a suitable species status of H.
anomala ssp. glabra. Which as our collection is so distinct in bearing coral pink flowers will inevitably be given a
cultivar name in time.
This is the area we had previously collected Cimicifuga simplex, a first we believe, of finding a Cimicifuga in the
Tropics. The material we collected has since been studied by Dr James Compton of Reading University, whom has since
re-classified it as a new spices, Cimicifuga taiwanensis. This before he amalgamates the whole genus of Cimicifuga into
Actaea (which will I am certain, pleases many a gardener). Mixed with this we also found a couple of favourites amongst our
customers, firstly Smilacina formosana (also re-christened as Maianthemum formosanum). Which is now contented enough in our
garden to reward us by self-seeding. In the same vein as the Polygonatum cyrtonema, it is a stately plant with its
reddish-brown robust arching stems of bold alternating leaves. Crowned in spring with a large panicle of heavily scented
Lily of the Valley-like white flowers. Followed through the summer by a generous crop of red fruit. The second of these was
Arisaema. formosana forma stenophyllum, distinct in this form, with its leaves consisting of seven to fifteen very narrow
(from less than a centimetre wide) radiating leaflets on sometimes tall stems.
Often found literally at their feet is a diminutive member of the bramble clan. Rubus pectinellus var. trilobus an
evergreen for sheltered shade, with the most unusual foliage, patterned with silver and black enhancing this nodal rooting
prostrate grower.
Chloranthus oldhamii |
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A welcomed alternative to
Ivy as ground covering in shade, rewarding us with the occasional white
flower and red fruit. |
Common also in this central area is Chloranthus oldhamii from a barley cultivated genus in the West, but long appreciated
by the subtler Japanese horticulturist. With us this perennial remains evergreen, holding its shallowly toothed leaves in
two opposite pairs on stems to 50cm. The flowers are highly scented while not being particularly showy, this is more than
made up for by the extraordinary length of time that they are held.
The final member of the Hydrangeaceae family to elude our grasp was, Cardiandra formosana, an herbaceous plant. After
many a fruitless search, we had finally tracked this down to Hsitou Experimental Forestry Reserve. A clammy moist area,
where the Cardiandra was to be found growing in light to deep shade on steep banks and walls. Appearing like moths
fluttering in the gloomy shade. This compliments the late summer garden, where some moisture can be provided in the growing
season, rewarding us with purple lace-cap cymes of fertile flowers accompanied by their moth-like sterile sepals held to
even as late as Christmas in our new woodland garden. Finding this plant initially had been particularly difficult for us
demanding all the energy we could muster at the end of a long and demanding trip back in 1993. On our final attempt of our
last morning in the field a last ditch effort was rewarded by success a high note to finish on. Since that first finding we
have built up a raptor with the University that administers this forest and have been allowed to return on several
occasions. Of which there is both good and bad news to report, the bad being that this only currently known population has
become severely threatened, by natural disasters. Firstly on our 1996 visit we were saddened by the devastation caused by
mud slides as the result of a cloud burst dropping 1m of rain on this area overnight. A terrifying experience for those
involved. Secondly the area was close to the epicentre of the 1999 earthquake, again the whole mountainside suffered as
large boulders larger than the average house rolled through these steep forests. There was very little evidence of this
plant’s survival on our return late that year.
Cardiandra was not the only prize to be found here, Asarum hypogynum endemic to within this small area could also be
found growing cheek by jowl in this steep forest. A formidable species of a genus which is gaining popularity every year,
distinct amongst the Taiwanese species by its much larger leaf and flower. Some leaves we see are almost 30cm long,
patterned with a pewtery-white overlay in the best forms. They are closely related to Aristolochia the climbing Dutchman's
Pipe.
Geranium was a familiar name near the top of our ‘shopping list’ for Taiwan. Most as elsewhere in the world are quite
weedy, but there were two that were worthy of seeking out. G. suzukii is a pleasant low creeping species found in the shade
of the higher elevated forest. Reminiscent of G. procurrens in its habit of rooting at the leaf nodes, but much more
restrained by its compactness. Unfortunately incorrectly described in literature on the genus, as being tender, which it
most certainly is not. As the descriptions have been compiled by authors who have cultivated this demure species in too dry
a condition, they fail to appreciate the plant’s fondness for cool moist condition, where it remains as hardy as most other
species. The small dark green rounded leaves of this spices colour-up nicely when exposed to some sunlight, setting-off the
pure white flowers even more effectively.
G. hayatanum |
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A second species, G. hayatanum that we found on the mountain tops has proved to be
very hardy and garden worthy. Emerging in some forms, with yellowish mottled foliage in spring, before producing a
continuous supply of good sized pink white-centred flowers into the autumn when the foliage turns a bright red. |
Found growing mostly intertwined with dwarf bamboos and Coriaria intermedia, the former covering the high mountains like
grass. This plant remains fairly compact at 40 cm. in the garden when given good light and is now amongst our most popular
geraniums. The Coriaria also attracts much favourable comments in our garden, with its dangling tassels of tiny red flowers
in spring followed by arching branches of fern-like foliage, later complemented with an abundance of red fruit. Like most
other Coriaria they thrive in exposed well drained conditions in good light, some species are reputed to be pioneering
plants on recently formed volcanic islands.
The choice of plants as mentioned is awesome, we have by now made several thousands of collections from Taiwan, most of
which have not previously been tried in our gardens. We advise you to keep a sharp look-out in the future for more garden
worthy Taiwanese plants on the horticultural trail and to remember that not everything that emerges from Taiwan is made of
plastic.
Bleddyn Wynn-Jones
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