Selected plant (Most common plants in Lingnan Garden)  

 

Podocarpus macrophyllus (羅漢松) 

Podocarpus macrophyllus (Luohan song) is one of the most common plants in the Lingnan gardens which is the aiphyllium (常綠喬木) or shrub (灌木). It mainly grows in the tropics region, subtropics region and the Southern Hemisphere. The height of it could be up to 18 meters but it is usually pruned to keep it low. The shape of leaves are spiral and they alternate in early summer. The name "Luohan Song'' was given to a bald-headed monk, who wore a red monk's robe. 

 

Lohan song (羅漢松) is a neutral-negative tree that can grow in both sunny and shade conditions. But it is weak against cold because it is comparative conformance growing in warm and humid climates. Also, the branches are more flexible and resistant to the wind. So, it is mainly used for bonsai and windbreak. Lohan's song is also one of the finest timber for architecture and sculpture. 

 

In traditional Chinese culture, the Luohan song (羅漢松) symbolizes longevity, wealth and good fortune. So, the ancient Chinese officials always planted it in their own gardens because they thought it would help keep them in their careers. 

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精選植物（嶺南庭園內最常見的植物）

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羅漢松 

羅漢松是嶺南庭園內最常見的植物之一，為常綠喬木或灌木，主要生長在熱帶、亞熱帶和南半球的溫帶地區，最高可達18公尺，但通常會被修剪使保持低矮；葉子為互生並以螺旋形狀排列，初夏開花。因其種托成熟呈紅色，加上綠色的種子，像一位光頭的和尚穿著紅色僧袍，故名羅漢松。 

 

羅漢松屬於中性偏陰性樹種，能同時在較強日照或是較為蔭陰的環境生長。羅漢松喜歡溫暖濕潤的氣候，故其耐寒性較弱。因為樹枝較為柔韌，能作抗風用途，故此羅漢松主要為不同形態的盆景及防風之用樹。此外，羅漢松亦是建築和雕刻用的優良木材之一。 

 

在中國傳統文化中，羅漢松有象徵長壽、守財，吉祥的寓意。中國古代的官員亦會在自己的庭院種植羅漢松，皆因他們都視羅漢松能幫助守住自己的官位。 

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Murraya exotica (九里香) 

Murraya exotica is also one of the most common plants in Lingnan Gardens. It mainly grows in the Southern part of China and Taiwan. It can be commonly seen in flat, gently sloping, and the bush on the low-lying shrubbery. The flower season is from April to August. It is a positive type of tree whose conformation grows in warm climates, so it is not resistant to cold. Its optimum temperature for growth is 20 to 32 degrees. It must be kept in a sunny and airy place to make its leaves bloom and smell fresh. 

In the southern part of the country, most of the Murraya exotica is used as a hedge or as a garden bonsai. 

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九里香 

九里香亦為嶺南庭園內十分常見的植物之一，為常綠灌木，主要生長在中國南部及台灣。常見於離海岸不遠的平地、緩坡、小丘的灌木叢中。花期為四月至八月，也有。九里香為陽性樹種，喜歡温暖的氣候，故此並不耐寒。其最適宜生長的温度為二十至三十二度。九里香需要置於陽光充足、空氣流通的地方才能令其葉茂花繁，並散發清香。 

 

在南部地區，九里香大部份都被用作圍籬的材料，或作庭園內之盆景植物。