Waxy Leaf 黑面神

Breynia fruticosa

Euphorbiaceae

Interesting Fact: How did the Waxy Leaf Get Its Chinese Name?

The waxy leaf has a very cool Chinese name - 黑面神! It got this name because of an interesting characteristic: Its leaves turn into a dark, almost black colour when dried.

Besides 黑面神, Waxy Leaf is also called 鬼畫符 as leaf miners eat the leaves and make white patterns all over the leaves.

Tree Label Design Showcase

References

Hong Kong Herbarium (2022). HK Plant Database: Breynia fruticosa. Retrieved from 29 April 2022, from https://herbarium.gov.hk/en/hk-plant-database/plant-detail/index.html?pType=species&oID=8150

Lau, L. (n.d.). Interesting Tree Names - Infernal Affairs* IV: “Black-faced God”. http://www.hktree.com/diary/10w17d.htm