Dr Lau (right) guides secondary school students as they transplant rare Incense Tree saplings in the local countryside
Endangered plant conservation: CUHK showcases its research, art and education initiatives at Shiu-ying Hu Day
15 June 2026
The Shiu-ying Hu Herbarium of CUHK’s School of Life Sciences held the 14th Shiu-ying Hu Day on 23 May, under the theme “Rare and Precious Plant”. The event showcased how CUHK is advancing plant conservation through scientific research, school-based education and arts initiatives, while raising public awareness of ecological conservation. More than 100 members of the public attended.
The Shiu-ying Hu Herbarium, formerly the herbarium of the School of Life Sciences, was established in the 1970s and renamed in 2013 in honour of the world-renowned botanist, the late Professor Shiu-ying Hu. It has long been dedicated to specimen preservation, botanical research and science education. At a public lecture held during the event, the Herbarium’s Curator, Dr David Lau Tai-wai, presented the team’s latest findings on the pollen microstructures of two rare native species – Hong Kong Azalea and Hong Kong Asarum. The research not only contributes to the development of a local pollen database but also provides invaluable scientific data for scholars worldwide studying endangered plant species. Visitors could access the e-learning materials to examine plant specimens and 3D models, gaining a deeper understanding of their floral structures and botanical characteristics.
The Herbarium has also played an active role in local plant conservation. Since the Incense Tree (Aquilaria sinensis), a valuable species native to Hong Kong and southern China, has long faced threats from illegal logging, the Herbarium launched the “Ex-situ Conservation and School-based Education Programme for Incense Tree” in 2019 through a tripartite collaboration among the HKSAR Government, the University and primary and secondary schools.
At the project sharing session, the team noted that around 20 schools have participated to date, with students cultivating Incense Tree saplings on campus. Some of the trees have since matured and produced a new generation of seedlings, the first batch of about 20 trees have already been replanted into natural habitats. The programme has made steady progress towards its ex-situ conservation goals and supports the recovery of wild populations. The initiative demonstrates the collaborative efforts of CUHK and the HKSAR Government in advancing nature conservation.
The occasion also marked the award presentation ceremony of the 7th Botanical Art Competition. This year’s competition focused on rare and endangered plant species and introduced an international open division for the first time, attracting entries from more than 10 countries and regions, including 16 submissions in the new division. Several overseas winners travelled to CUHK in person to receive their awards. Through delicate brushwork and close observation of the natural world, the artworks reflected both local and international appreciation of nature and plant conservation.
