Chinese Hemlock - Taiwan

Taiwan, formerly known as Formosa, a name derived from the term “Ilha Formosa,” Portuguese for “Beautiful Island,” was sighted by Portugal in 1544, but they made no attempt to settle. The Dutch East India Company was the first to establish a trading settlement in 1624. The Dutch were expelled by the Ming Dynasty in 1662.

- - - - -

Tsuga formosana - The Chinese hemlock is found in the mixed broadleaf and conifer forests of the southern and central mountains of Taiwan. It grows to heights of 50 meters and is supported by a trunk with a diameter of 2 meters. The seeds develop “wings,” a design feature to allow the seed to be dispersed further away from the parent tree. The bark of the Chinese hemlock has a high concentration of tannin, an ingredient used for the manufacturing of natural dyes. The timber is used in the construction and furniture industry.

Taiwan Magpie - Taiwan

Urocissa caerulea - The Taiwan blue magpie is a member of the crow family and is endemic to the higher elevations of Taiwan. It grows to about 60 centimeters and has a long tail for an added 40 centimeters of length. Male and female are similar in size and plumage. Both parents share in nest building duties and caring for the chicks, but the incubating is left solely to the female. The blue magpie defends its nest vigorously against any intruders, a trait common to magpies and crows.

- - - - -

Taiwan was part of the Asian mainland during the late Pleistocene epoch. Sea levels began to rise approximately 10,000 years ago and Taiwan became an island. The Austronesians began settling Taiwan about 8,000 years ago and remained in relative isolation. In 1624, the Dutch East India Company established a trading settlement on the Taiwanese main island at Anping. The Spanish also had concessions in Northern Taiwan, but it was the Chinese who eventually dominated the island.