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The Katsura Tree: When Sex Fails, Clones Prevail
Early spring still carries a chill in Guitou Bay, but under the warming sun, the valley breeze begins its gentle ascent up the slopes. On the hillsides flanking the stream, trees stir to life—some already unfurling tender red buds, others poised to awaken. After enduring the dry winter winds, the valley’s soft, moist air now lifts delicate stuff, carrying them from the ravine to the ridges. Sensing this call, the Katsura tree (Cercidiphyllum japonicum) blooms with inconspicuous flowers nestled among its young leaves, hoping the wind will deliver pollen to a destined match.2025-11-13
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Uncaria rhynchophylla: Lateral Branches Simplified for Climbing
In nature, Uncaria rhynchophylla typically grows in sparse woods or shrubs on the banks of mountain valley streams. Its lateral branches emerge from the axils of its opposite leaves, simplify and bend downward into hooks, resembling a pair of goat horns, and allow the plant to climb on other vegetation.2025-11-13
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Manglietia patungensis: Lotus-like Flowers; Relatively Primitive Taxon
Wandering beneath the forest canopy in May, you might be fortunate enough to a catch a sweet fragrance permeating the moist air. You look around for the source of this delicate, refreshing scent but find nothing, and frustration as well as disappointment begins to creep in. Don’t worry—if you simply follow the fragrance and lift your gaze, you will find that high upon the towering trees, lotus-like flowers are hidden among the green leaves. The trees stand so tall that the snowy blooms are hard to spot, yet their alluring scent makes them impossible to miss. This beautiful and aromatic plant is the Manglietia patungensis.2025-11-13
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Hubei Crabapple: A Tea of the People Witnessing the Historical Changes of Shennongjia
Crabapple (Hai Tang) is the common name and folk name for various plants in the Malus genus of the Rosaceae family. As a famous ornamental tree species in China, it is widely cultivated across the country. With its graceful posture and blossoms like brocade, the crabapple has been a celebrated flower appreciated by both the refined and the popular since ancient times, renowned as the “Fairy among Flowers”, “Imperial Concubine of Flowers”, and “Noble Flower.”2025-11-13
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Dendrobium nobile: The Golden Hairpin Blooming on Rocks
On the cliffs of Shennongjia’s Houzibao area grows a unique plant. Local herb gatherers call it the unreachable “hanging orchid,” while botanists know it as Dendrobium nobile. Its slender yellow stems resemble the golden hairpins once worn by women in ancient China, hence the name “Golden Hairpin Dendrobium”. This delicate and charming orchid thrives on moss-covered cliffs, too high to reach or even to observe closely. Yet, during its blooming season in May and June, the once-green cliffs become dotted with vibrant red and soft white flowers. The blossoms, as enchanting as water lilies, are a sight to behold from afar but not to be disturbed.2025-11-12
Copyright Shennongjia National Park
Address：36 Chulin Road, Muyu Town, Shennongjia Forestry District, Hubei Province 鄂ICP备18005077号-3
Address：36 Chulin Road, Muyu Town, Shennongjia Forestry District, Hubei Province 鄂ICP备18005077号-3
Email：2673990569@qq.com
Phone：0719-3453368
Phone：0719-3453368
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