(Source: Yangmingshan National Park Headquarters)

The Kaleidscopic World of Plants

Over 1,200 species of vascular plants grow in the area. Due to the volcanic geology, northeasterly winter winds, and cold and damp winter weather, a number of alpine plants normally found at an elevation of over 2,000 meters, such as Gentiana and Trochodendron aralioides, are found in the park. This phenomenon is known as "north falling." The three main kinds of vegetation consist of aquatic plants, pasture plants, and forest plants. Yangmingshan's aquatic plants are found mostly in marshes and lakes located in volcanic craters. Commonly seen aquatic plants include Schoenoplectus mucronatus, Eleocharis japonica, Eleocharis dulcis, and Juncus effusus. Yangmingshan is home to the Taiwan Isoetes (Isoetes Taiwanensis), a species of fern unique to Taiwan. Preferring areas at an altitude above 600 meters, Usawa cane and Silvergrass (Miscanthus floridules) predominate in grassy pasture areas. Such members of the Lauracea family as the Common Red Nanmu and the Large-Leafed Nanmu figure prominently in forested areas, and Mori cleyera, Trochodendron aralioides, and dark spotted cherry are also widespread. The many seasonal changes of the plants on Yangmingshan make the park a fascinating and beautiful place throughout the year.