Racemose mosquitomam, or Distylium racemosum, is an evergreen shrub that can be found at low elevations in the hilly areas.

Bitten by parasitic insects, the leaves grow galls on the surface. The insects then "hatch" from the galls, hence it was called "mosquito mum tree" by ancient Chinese, who thought the tree could produce bugs.

It blooms with little red flowers in spring. As a foliage plant, however, the flowers are cut off to ensure the growth of lush leaves.

The racemose mosquitomam usually grow to about two meters. Some of the trees, however, reach a height of 16 meters in the Jianfengling tropical rainforest in southern China's Hainan Province.

From the wetlands along the coast to the dense rain forests 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 iconic flora in different provinces and see how they live in harmony with the local climate and topography. 

China's Flora Tour: Guizhou-The orchid with beautiful tassels

China's Flora Tour: Guizhou-When tulip meets traditional jacket

China's Flora Tour: Guizhou-A glance at the gesneria in SW China karst forest

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

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

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

(Cover photo via VCG, designed by CGTN's Li Wenyi.)

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