Salix kusanoi
The Kusano willow is a deciduous tree and a rare plant endemic to Taiwan. It is primarily distributed in low-altitude wetlands and ponds in Nantou, Yilan, and Pingtung. It was first collected by Japanese botanist Shunsuke Kusano in the Shuishe tribal village of Sun Moon Lake, hence the Chinese name derived from the lake's former name, “Shuishe Sea”. However, due to habitat degradation and human development, the wild population has dwindled significantly, facing severe survival challenges.
Fortunately, the Kusano willow is highly valued and loved by people for its unique ornamental value. Through the efforts of the academic and horticultural communities, artificial propagation and cultivation have made it possible for people to admire its beautiful form in many parks, green spaces, and campuses today.
The Kusano willow is a dioecious plant, with male and female flowers differing in form. Particularly striking is the sight of the male plant in bloom. During the flowering season, the branches of the male plants are covered with golden male inflorescences, resembling a tree adorned with golden ribbons, dazzling and highly ornamental. When gently swayed by the breeze, they create a graceful and captivating sight, often drawing crowds to stop and admire them. In contrast, the flowers of the female plants are less conspicuous, appearing green in color. After pollination, they develop into fruits, whose seeds are adorned with white, hair-like appendages, enabling them to be dispersed by wind.
The Kusano willow prefers to grow in moist environments and has a well-developed root system that helps to stabilize the soil. Its beautiful shape and unique golden yellow male inflorescences make it a highly promising landscape tree species. As long as it is provided with sufficient water and sunlight, the Kusano willow can be artificially propagated by stem cutting and grows well.