United in Protecting Wufengang River and the Old Powderpuff Trees

Small-leaved Barringtonia, commonly known as the powderpuff tree, is a representative wetland plant of the Taipei Basin. Before 1970, botanists frequently recorded this tree in the Taipei Basin. However, due to human development, the ecological environment has undergone significant changes, making it very rare to see this plant in the wild today. Consequently, it is listed as a rare plant in Taiwan’s Red List of Threatened Plants. Currently, it can only be seen in its original habitat along the Wufengang River in Beitou.

Although the powderpuff tree has been restored in various places, the Wufengang River is its original habitat. Such wild plants in their native habitat are not only valuable as a species but also for the entire Wufengang River watershed and the surrounding communities. These trees offer various ecological benefits, support, and regulation, as well as great cultural value. Their importance cannot be overstated.

以下為中文對照

齊心守護五分港溪 穗花棋盤腳老樹

穗花棋盤腳是台北盆地具代表性的溼地植物，1970年以前植物學家陸續在台北盆地記錄到這種樹木，但是因為人為開發，生態環境已經被大幅改造，現今野外非常難得看見，因此被台灣植物紅皮書評為稀有植物。目前只能在北投舊雙溪河岸（五分港溪）看見它原始棲地。

穗花棋盤腳雖已在多處復育，五分港溪是穗花棋盤腳的原生棲地，原棲地的野生植株珍貴性不僅在物種，更為整個五分港溪流域及周邊社區，提供生態系供給、支持、調節與文化層面的多元服務，其重要性不言而喻。