China is home to the most species of plants in the gesneria family, with more than 400 species of nearly 60 genera. Nearly 30 genera are endemic to the country.

Plants in the gesneria family mainly inhabit karst landforms in tropical and subtropical areas.

Covering one of the world's largest karst virgin forests, the Maolan National Nature Reserve in Libo County, southwest China's Guizhou Province offers favorable habitats for the gesneria family.

The first-class state protected metabriggsia is an endemic species to China.

It can be found on the forest floor at an elevation of 1,100 meters.

A large population of the metabriggsia has been found at an elevation of about 700 meters in the reserve, making it one of the most important places for researching the species.

Also native to Libo County, the Libo chirita is found in low-mountain areas at an elevation of about 400 meters.

From the wetlands along the coast to the dense rainforests hidden in the southwest of China, all boast an array of plant species. In this series, we will go on a tour to learn about some of the most representative flora in different provinces and see how they live in harmony with the local geography and climate.

China's Flora Tour: The curative powers of the 'seven leaves, one flower' plant

China's Flora Tour: Together, we weather hard times

China's Flora Tour: The harbinger of spring on Mount Fanjing

China's Flora Tour: Elegant orchids bloom in the deep valley

(Cover photo is the metabriggsia in the Maolan National Nature Reserve in southwest China's Guizhou Province, provided by CGTN Nature film crew, designed by CGTN's Li Wenyi.)

(If you want to contribute and have specific expertise, please contact us at nature@cgtn.com)