Written by the Editorial Department of MOOK Travel Life Network
Having endured the trials of winter and bathed in the abundance of spring light, the Neishuangxi Nature Center, located at No. 150, Lane 3, Zhishan Road Section 3, Shilin District, Taipei City (along the Bixi Industrial Road), is quietly adorned with various flower buds that bloom and bear fruit. The Taiwan blue magpies, dressed in sapphire blue, fly about in groups throughout the park. Visitors can head to the newly renovated wooden boardwalk in the medicinal herb garden and, around 3:00 PM daily, have the chance to observe these uniquely beautiful birds native to Taiwan.
The blackwood tree blooms with richly fragrant flowers. (Image source / Taipei City Government Public Works Bureau Earth Engineering Office)
Public Works Bureau Chief Engineer Chen Sheng-yi said that the Neishuangxi Nature Center is currently in full bloom with plants such as shell ginger, fragrant marigold, saxifrage, and blackwood trees. Shell ginger can be found throughout Taiwan’s low-altitude mountainous regions from south to north. Its leaves can be used to wrap zongzi, its seeds can be made into “rendan” lozenges, and its stems can be turned into ropes—this all-purpose plant is a prime example of making the most of every part. The fragrant marigold, with its sweet scent, leaves a deep impression on those who pass by. In addition to its distinctive aroma, it also has mosquito-repellent properties and can be used for tea or food, making it a versatile aromatic herb.
The saxifrage flower is delicate and refined. (Image source / Taipei City Government Public Works Bureau Earth Engineering Office)
He Ming-yu, head of the Forest Recreation Section, pointed out that saxifrage leaves are round and kidney-shaped. Because of the white spots on the leaves that resemble tiger stripes and their shape that looks like tiger ears, they are called “saxifrage.” Currently in full bloom, the saxifrage’s flower stems emerge from the leaf clusters, with numerous small white flowers densely hanging from them and swaying in the wind. These uniquely delicate and dainty flowers attract many insects to gather nectar. The blackwood tree, whose wood and bark can be used to extract a black-blue dye for making ink, is thus named the blackwood tree. The blackwood tree covered in bright yellow flowers emits a rich fragrance that compels people to stop and admire it.
Taiwan blue magpies are active right nearby. (Image source / Taipei City Government Public Works Bureau Earth Engineering Office)
The blooming shell ginger is a common plant in low-altitude mountain areas. (Image source / Taipei City Government Public Works Bureau Earth Engineering Office)
Spring blossoms bring an abundance of food sources, attracting birds to stay and prompting behaviors such as the Taiwanese barbet digging holes for nests, and nesting activities by the Chinese bulbul, Taiwan hwamei, and Taiwan blue magpie. As a bird species unique to Taiwan, the Taiwan blue magpie inhabits low-altitude broadleaf forests. When flying, its magnificent long tail feathers trail behind, earning it the nickname “long-tailed mountain maiden.” At the medicinal herb garden, groups of Taiwan blue magpies are often seen flying and hopping around the park. To allow visitors to witness their graceful figures soaring by at any time, the Earth Engineering Office has even painted a family of four blue magpies on the wall of the medicinal herb garden, ensuring visitors can always enjoy their elegant silhouettes. The medicinal herb garden is open every Saturday, Sunday, and national holiday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
● Spring Red Leaf Secret Spot »»
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