Hong Kong, though small in size, is diverse in its flora. About 2,000 species of vascular plants native to Hong Kong has been recorded. More significantly, a large number of species new to science have first been discovered in |Hong Kong. This is attributed to the continued efforts of plant enthusiasts in botanical exploration and their perseverance in conserving the local flora.

The Hong Kong Herbarium, since its foundation in 1878, is responsible for the collection, identification and systematic maintenance of plant specimens of Hong Kong flora. Here, we have chosen 12 notable plant species, all of which were first discovered in Hong Kong, to illustrate the elegance and beauty of our flora.