Flora of Taiwan

The flora of Taiwan (Chinese: 臺灣植物誌; pinyin: Táiwān Zhíwù Zhì) is rich and varied due to the island's diverse geography and climate zones.

There are mountains in the east, running north and south on two-thirds of the island, with many peaks over 10,000 feet in elevation, and lower, flatter, and more fertile land to the west.

The tropical climate, plentiful rainfall, and wide altitudinal range make for abundant and varied vegetation.

Species of flora within this region include: Isoetes taiwanensis, Fagus hayatae, Maackia taiwaneses, Acer buergerianum var.

brevipetiolata, Lindera aggregata, Podocarpus nakaii, Ormosia formosana, Quercus (Cyclobalanopsis) globosa, Castanopsis fargesii, Lithocarpus nantoensis.

Agriculture has become as much a part of the naturally existing flora of Taiwan, and human influence on the land has greatly contributed to the vegetation of the country.

Fruits commonly grown in Taiwan are tropical and plentiful including lychees, ponkan tangerines, xuegan tangerines, oranges, bananas, grapes, betel nuts, kaochie pear, plum, peach, starfruit, persimmon, guava, papaya, mango, lemon, Indian dates, pineapples, coconuts, apricots, and loquat.

The vegetables grown in these areas consist of kale, mustard, Chinese cabbage, wengtsai, celery, cucumber, yucca, winter melon, pumpkin, eggplant, red bean, peas, tomatoes, radishes, ginger, taro, onion, leek, and garlic.

The major agricultural exports from Taiwan include paddy rice, sugarcane, cloud apples, and betel nuts.