To assess the current distribution status, identify threats, and develop a conservation plan for rare plant species, the management board of Pù Luông Nature Reserve has launched the project “Survey and assess the current distribution status and develop a conservation plan for three rare plant species: Garcinia fagraeoides, Cephalotaxus mannii, and Camellia pleurocarpa in Pù Luông Nature Reserve, Thanh Hóa Province (2021 – 2024)”.
Leaves of Camellia pleurocarpa at Pù Luông Nature Reserve. (Photo: TTXVN)
The project management team discovered 130 Garcinia fagraeoides trees, 25 Cephalotaxus mannii trees, and 120 Camellia pleurocarpa trees in the Pù Luông forests, from which they developed a conservation and development plan for these rare plants.
According to Mr. Lê Đình Phương, Director of Pù Luông Nature Reserve, the unit conducted a distribution survey and assessed the threat level of these species along 47 survey lines, covering a total length of 217 km. Additionally, they thoroughly studied the biological and ecological characteristics of these three species, leading to the establishment of 12 monitoring lines and 30 standard plots for monitoring Garcinia fagraeoides, Cephalotaxus mannii, and Camellia pleurocarpa in the buffer and core zones of the reserve.
Fruit of Garcinia fagraeoides at Pù Luông Nature Reserve. (Photo: TTXVN).
Forest rangers distributed 1,500 informational leaflets to local residents and organized training sessions to raise awareness among teachers at secondary and elementary schools in the buffer zone about biodiversity conservation. They also conducted training for 20 reserve staff on identification, surveying, and monitoring skills for Garcinia fagraeoides, Cephalotaxus mannii, and Camellia pleurocarpa, as well as developing detailed conservation plans for these rare species.
Currently, the management board of Pù Luông Nature Reserve has identified the ecological characteristics of the three species:
- Garcinia fagraeoides is found at altitudes ranging from 465 to 1,041 meters above sea level, with 130 mature trees.
- Cephalotaxus mannii was discovered in rocky mountain areas at elevations of 741 to 1,234 meters above sea level, with 25 mature individuals.
- Camellia pleurocarpa has been identified with 120 mature trees, distributed at elevations from 184 to 1,009 meters.
Camellia pleurocarpa tree. (Photo: TTXVN).
Following the survey results, forest rangers successfully propagated and planted 200 Garcinia fagraeoides trees, 150 Cephalotaxus mannii trees, and 200 Camellia pleurocarpa trees in the special-use forest of the reserve, covering an area of 0.83 hectares. This project aids the management board in protecting forest resources, restoring vegetation cover, enhancing forest density, and improving soil quality and environmental conditions. Additionally, the project helps the management board devise conservation solutions and develop populations of these rare species within the Pù Luông forests.
According to the management board of Pù Luông Nature Reserve, Garcinia fagraeoides is a tree that can reach heights of 35 meters, with a relatively straight trunk, and leaves that are 17 cm long. Its oval-shaped fruit measures 2 to 3.5 cm in length, changing from green to light yellow when ripe. This is a valuable timber species, commonly used in boat building and carving, and due to its beautiful flowers, it can also be planted in parks, streets, or as ornamental trees in villas. Globally, this tree typically grows in China.
In Vietnam, it can be found in the provinces of Cao Bằng, Lạng Sơn, Nghệ An, and Thanh Hóa.
Cephalotaxus mannii at Pù Luông Nature Reserve, Thanh Hóa Province. (Photo: TTXVN).
Cephalotaxus mannii reaches heights of 2 to 20 meters, with a cylindrical trunk, and its seeds are enclosed in a fleshy covering. The cone-bearing season occurs from January to March, with seeds maturing from September to December of the following year. This is a timber species that is used in construction, particularly for high-end wood furniture. It grows in countries including India, China, Myanmar, and Thailand.
In Vietnam, it is commonly found in the provinces of Thanh Hóa, Sơn La, Hà Giang, and Cao Bằng.
Camellia pleurocarpa at Pù Luông Nature Reserve, Thanh Hóa Province. (Photo: TTXVN).
Camellia pleurocarpa is a small tree with an irregular trunk, featuring alternate simple leaves and pale yellow capsules. It flowers almost year-round, with the peak blooming in December and January, and fruits ripen predominantly in July and August, turning light yellow when mature. This species is a source of rare medicinal plants, with branches and leaves utilized in treatments for rheumatism and often given to women for recovery after childbirth. Globally, this tree has been found in Thailand.
In Vietnam, it has been discovered in Thanh Hóa and Gia Lai provinces.
