Rejuvenation of regional endangered plant in Houhe Nature Reserve
2024-04-19 17:04:44
By Chen Si, Yichang International Communication Studio
The endangered bretschneidera sinensis, or Bole tree in Chinese, is undergoing a rejuvenation effort led by the local reserve institute in Yichang.
Due to its slow growth rate, the Houhe National Nature Reserve Institute has taken the initiative to collect seeds of this nationally second-level key protected wild plant since last year. They have achieved a remarkable survival rate of over 80 percent in their breeding base.
The Bole tree faces challenges in its early development. Its seeds take a year to germinate in the leafy undergrowth of forests, and as seedlings, they struggle to establish a robust root system. Consequently, the species is classified as near-threatened on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
According to Wang Yeqing, the director of the research institute, gathering seeds of the bretschneidera sinensis is a challenging task. The species is particularly vulnerable to winter frost during its early growth stage and struggles in the heat of summer, contributing to its rarity in the wild.
The Bole tree is characterized by its towering height, reaching up to 20 meters, and its distinctive tower-shaped crown. The tree features smooth brown bark with scattered grey flecks.
These seedlings have successfully weathered the winter and have now surpassed 25 centimeters in height. They will be gradually reintroduced into the wild.
The endangered bretschneidera sinensis, or Bole tree in Chinese, is undergoing a rejuvenation effort led by the local reserve institute in Yichang.
Due to its slow growth rate, the Houhe National Nature Reserve Institute has taken the initiative to collect seeds of this nationally second-level key protected wild plant since last year. They have achieved a remarkable survival rate of over 80 percent in their breeding base.
The Bole tree faces challenges in its early development. Its seeds take a year to germinate in the leafy undergrowth of forests, and as seedlings, they struggle to establish a robust root system. Consequently, the species is classified as near-threatened on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
According to Wang Yeqing, the director of the research institute, gathering seeds of the bretschneidera sinensis is a challenging task. The species is particularly vulnerable to winter frost during its early growth stage and struggles in the heat of summer, contributing to its rarity in the wild.
The Bole tree is characterized by its towering height, reaching up to 20 meters, and its distinctive tower-shaped crown. The tree features smooth brown bark with scattered grey flecks.
These seedlings have successfully weathered the winter and have now surpassed 25 centimeters in height. They will be gradually reintroduced into the wild.
