Floral emblem for blossoming CityU
Our new floral emblem symbolises the success of City University of Hong Kong (CityU), according to Professor Way Kuo, CityU President.
“The Brazil bougainvillea is tough, highly resilient, and blossoms throughout the year,” said Professor Kuo, after revealing the selected flower at a ceremony on 7 November.
Professor Kuo; Professor Gary Feng Gang, Acting Provost; Professor Horace Ip Ho-shing, Vice-President (Student Affairs); Professor Matthew Lee Kwok-on, Vice-President (Development and External Relations); Mr Sunny Lee Wai-kwong, Vice-President (Administration); and Professor Paul Lam Kwan-sing, Chief-of-Staff; officiated at the ceremony.
The species was selected for its vibrant colour and popularity at CityU and around the world.
The flower’s character was highly adaptive to challenging environments and blossomed several times during the year, explained Mr Lee.
Professor Kuo and Mr Lee planted the Brazil bougainvillea near University Circle during the ceremony. CityU gardeners plan to plant more Brazil bougainvillea on campus, making the flower highly visible and adding more colour and life to CityU.
A University Flower Selection Steering Committee led by Mr Lee was formed to formulate the selection criteria. Under the Committee, a University Flower Selection Panel was set up. The panel consisted of representatives from staff, students, alumni; internal and external advisers; and a member of the Landscaping Team under the Campus Development and Facilities Office.
Other shortlisted flowers included camellia, Chinese hibiscus, Chinese ixora, crepe jasmine, false heather, red powder puff and sweet olive.