Hong Kong's 'hero trees' lose their glory as climate warms

Hong Kong's beloved kapok trees were not blooming the way they used to as climate changes. They also drew concern from conservationists who saw it as a sign that nature is falling out of sync. The kapok, locally known as hero tree, is native to tropical and subtropical Asia, including southern China.

The shift in their springtime appearance had become increasingly common over the past decade due to warming winters caused by climate change. The disruption could have knock-on effects on wildlife, as flowers provide nectar for birds and pollen for bees.