Xue Chuangen: protector of rare plants
2023-11-14 17:11:37
By Chen Si, Yichang International Communication Studio
Xue Chuangen is the 75-year-old head of the myricaria laxiflora (疏花水柏枝) care station on the alluvial island of Guanzhou on the Yangtze River.
This island on the upper reaches of the Yangtze River has a special environment. Myricaria laxiflora, a national class 2 protected plant unique to the Yangtze River Basin, grows abundantly there.
There are many varieties of myricaria in the world but myricaria laxiflora only grows in China.
Myricaria laxiflora growth area
Drone photo by Huang Xiang
After discovering a wild population of myricaria laxiflora on Guanzhou Island in 2008, Xue decided to devote himself to environmental protection work.
Shortly after he retired in 2016, Xue set up a care station for this flowering shrub on the banks of the Yangtze River. Myricaria laxiflora can grow to a height of 2 meters.
Xue cycles down the riverbank for an inspection
Photo by Fu Beibei
Over the past seven years, he has painstakingly done his rounds, making sure the plants are able to thrive, and has put a stop to more than 40 cases of grazing and fishing.
Xue in his boat at Guanzhou Island
Photo by Huang Xiang
Xue and a co-worker check conditions on Guanzhou Island
Photo by Fu Beibei
In the winter of 2022, concerned that this rare plant might disappear, he raised 100,000 yuan (US$13,700) to build greenhouses. He and his supporters did not have temperature and water control facilities or professional technical support to help them transplant and expand the species. Instead, they relied on local methods and experience, and the solid old adage of "starting over if you make a mistake.” One by one, they overcame difficulties related to relocation, seed maturation and reproduction.
More than 80,000 myricaria laxiflora have now been bred in Guanzhou, a successful example of the conservation of rare local plants.
Myricaria laxiflora at the base Xue and his supporters built on Guanzhou Island
Photo by Huang Xiang
From 128 hectares in 2016 to 150 hectares in 2023, Guanzhou Island is now the largest myricaria laxiflora area in the Yangtze River Basin.
As the Yangtze River environment improves, Guanzhou has seen an increasing number of rare plants and animals, such as porpoises, black storks, and dappled willow trees.
Xue’s enthusiasm has attracted villagers and volunteers to join the conservation team. "I will spend the rest of my life guarding Guanzhou Island,” Xue said. “I hope that more people will help protect myricaria laxiflora and allow it to thrive".
Xue speaks to a group of volunteers about myricaria laxiflora
Photo by Guanzhou Rare Animal and Plant Protection Station
Xue Chuangen is the 75-year-old head of the myricaria laxiflora (疏花水柏枝) care station on the alluvial island of Guanzhou on the Yangtze River.
myricaria laxiflora
Photo by Huang Xiang
Photo by Huang Xiang
This island on the upper reaches of the Yangtze River has a special environment. Myricaria laxiflora, a national class 2 protected plant unique to the Yangtze River Basin, grows abundantly there.
There are many varieties of myricaria in the world but myricaria laxiflora only grows in China.
Myricaria laxiflora growth areaDrone photo by Huang Xiang
After discovering a wild population of myricaria laxiflora on Guanzhou Island in 2008, Xue decided to devote himself to environmental protection work.
Xue checks the health of a myricaria laxiflora plant
Photo by Fu Beibei
Photo by Fu Beibei
Shortly after he retired in 2016, Xue set up a care station for this flowering shrub on the banks of the Yangtze River. Myricaria laxiflora can grow to a height of 2 meters.
Xue cycles down the riverbank for an inspectionPhoto by Fu Beibei
Over the past seven years, he has painstakingly done his rounds, making sure the plants are able to thrive, and has put a stop to more than 40 cases of grazing and fishing.
Xue in his boat at Guanzhou IslandPhoto by Huang Xiang
Xue and a co-worker check conditions on Guanzhou IslandPhoto by Fu Beibei
In the winter of 2022, concerned that this rare plant might disappear, he raised 100,000 yuan (US$13,700) to build greenhouses. He and his supporters did not have temperature and water control facilities or professional technical support to help them transplant and expand the species. Instead, they relied on local methods and experience, and the solid old adage of "starting over if you make a mistake.” One by one, they overcame difficulties related to relocation, seed maturation and reproduction.
More than 80,000 myricaria laxiflora have now been bred in Guanzhou, a successful example of the conservation of rare local plants.
Myricaria laxiflora at the base Xue and his supporters built on Guanzhou IslandPhoto by Huang Xiang
From 128 hectares in 2016 to 150 hectares in 2023, Guanzhou Island is now the largest myricaria laxiflora area in the Yangtze River Basin.
As the Yangtze River environment improves, Guanzhou has seen an increasing number of rare plants and animals, such as porpoises, black storks, and dappled willow trees.
Salix variegata is another rare plant on Guanzhou Island
Photo by Huang Xiang
Photo by Huang Xiang
Xue’s enthusiasm has attracted villagers and volunteers to join the conservation team. "I will spend the rest of my life guarding Guanzhou Island,” Xue said. “I hope that more people will help protect myricaria laxiflora and allow it to thrive".
Xue speaks to a group of volunteers about myricaria laxifloraPhoto by Guanzhou Rare Animal and Plant Protection Station
