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In the deserts of north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, only the toughest trees can survive. Most of them are small and short, but not the Euphrates poplar.
The Euphrates poplar can stand more than 20 meters tall, but it didn't earn its nickname, "king of the desert," just for its height.
The Euphrates poplar is also known as "king of the desert." /VCG Photo
The tree, which has been here almost as long as the desert itself, has adapted perfectly to the dry environment by spreading its roots as far as it needs to draw in much-needed water.
What's more remarkable, the leaves have learned to change their shape.
When the tree is young, the leaves are shaped like willow leaves in order to reduce evaporation, but when it grows taller and more energy is needed to sustain the magnificent tree, its leaves grow to be bigger, turning to a round shape. Meanwhile, the wax coat on the big leaves locks in moisture.
Euphrates poplars have adapted to the dry environment in the desert. /VCG Photo
Their vitality enables them to live 100-500 years.
The tree's toughness has made it a perfect choice in China's efforts against desertification. In 2018, China Green Foundation, a non-governmental organization dedicated to ecological conservation, launched a "Euphrates poplar project" in Inner Mongolia which aims at fighting desertification by planting the tree.
North China's Inner Mongolia has vast areas of Euphrates poplar forests. /VCG Photo
The vast Euphrates poplar forests in the region's Ejin Banner have become a popular tourist attraction, especially in autumn when the leaves turn gold.
The vitality of the Euphrates poplar has made it a perfect choice for combating desertification. /VCG Photo
China's Flora Tour
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, CGTN 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.
Read more:
China's Flora Tour: Little white birds on vines
China's Flora Tour: Orchids in the Qinling Mountains
China's Flora Tour: Lady's slipper orchids
China's Flora Tour: Haloxylon – a tough desert plant
China's Flora Tour: The Sweet city with sweet osmanthus
(Cover image provided via VCG, designed by CGTN's Du Chenxin)
(If you want to contribute and have specific expertise, please contact us at nature@cgtn.com)