Rare plants take root in Yichang
2024-04-09 18:04:00
By Yan Wanqin, Yichang International Communication Studio
Myricaria laxiflora, a plant protected at the national class 2 level and found exclusively in the Yangtze River Basin, is flourishing with the assistance of local specialists.
In Zhijiang's seedling greenhouse, Xue Chuangen carefully nurtures seedlings of Myricaria laxiflora. "By planting two cuttings in each pot this year, we have significantly increased the survival rate. Compared to last year's 60-70 percent, this year we can achieve a 100 percent survival rate," he stated.
Myricaria laxiflora, a plant protected at the national class 2 level and found exclusively in the Yangtze River Basin, is flourishing with the assistance of local specialists.
In Zhijiang's seedling greenhouse, Xue Chuangen carefully nurtures seedlings of Myricaria laxiflora. "By planting two cuttings in each pot this year, we have significantly increased the survival rate. Compared to last year's 60-70 percent, this year we can achieve a 100 percent survival rate," he stated.
Xue Chuangen, the head of the Myricaria laxiflora care station, tends to Myricaria laxiflora seedlings at the base built on Guanzhou Island.
Xue, the head of the Myricaria laxiflora care station on Guanzhou Island, an alluvial island on the upper reaches of the Yangtze River, has created an ideal environment for the growth of Myricaria laxiflora.
In the winter of 2022, Xue raised 100,000 yuan (US$13,700) to build greenhouses, concerned about the potential disappearance of this rare plant. Despite lacking temperature and water control facilities, as well as professional technical support for transplanting and expanding the species, Xue and his supporters relied on local methods and experience, following the old adage of "starting over if you make a mistake." They overcame difficulties related to relocation, seed maturation, and reproduction.
This year, Xue plans to provide 100,000 seedlings, a significant increase from the 30,000 provided last year.
Myricaria laxiflora at the base Xue and his supporters built on Guanzhou Island.Guanzhou Island has grown from 128 hectares in 2016 to 150 hectares today, making it the largest area of Myricaria laxiflora in the Yangtze River Basin. The total number of plants now exceeds 1 million.
Myricaria laxiflora is crucial for sand fixation, flood control, and greening efforts.
Teachers and students from the College of Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences of China Three Gorges University check the health of Myricaria laxiflora with Xue (in blue shirt).
