TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — After years of research, the Taiwan Forestry Research Institute (TFRI) has recommended six tree species for municipal green spaces, citing their resilience and ecological benefits.
The selected trees—Taiwan cherry, Reevesia formosana, woodland elaeocarpus, Taiwanese cheesewood, flamegold rain tree, and Schefflera heptaphylla—are well-suited to Taiwan’s climate, resistant to pests and disease, and offer aesthetic and ecological value, per CNA.
TFRI Director Tseng Yen-hsueh (曾彥學) said these trees not only provide visual appeal with their leaves, flowers, and fruit but also serve as key nectar sources for insects. Additionally, they are easy to cultivate and thrive in hot, humid urban environments.
Six Recommended Trees
- Taiwan cherry (December–March): Produces nectar for insects and birds. Commonly planted in low to mid-altitude areas and suitable for urban settings.
- Reevesia formosana (March–May): Emits a light fragrance that attracts bees and butterflies. Its white flowers bloom during the Qingming Festival.
- Woodland elaeocarpus (May–August): Features red-tinted leaves and provides nectar for insects. Its fruit serves as a food source for wildlife in winter.
- Taiwanese cheesewood (June–September): One of the top species for attracting insects, with glossy dark green leaves, fragrant flowers, and vibrant orange-red fruit clusters.
- Flamegold rain tree (August–October): Known as the "four-color tree" due to its seasonal changes in emerald green, bright yellow, pink, purple, red, and brown.
- Schefflera heptaphylla (November–January): Recognized for its unique leaf shape, straight trunk, and layered branches, making it a popular ornamental choice.
TFRI Deputy Director Wu Meng-ling (吳孟玲) said the institute provides regional tree recommendations through an online database. It also suggests optimal tree species for roadsides, coastal areas, and mountain regions.
