China's Flora Tour: An ancient tree that only grows 0.3mm each year
CGTN
01:07

Deep in Yanquan National Forest Park there is a big family of ancient Torreya grandis, among which more than 6,500 trees are over 100 years old. Each year, it only grows 0.3mm in height. The "Torreya grandis King" that stands out with a height of 24 meters is now over 1,500 years old. The luxuriant tree still bears fruit every year,  a miracle of life.

Torreya grandis is a valuable species under second-class state protection in China. It has a long growth period in the plant kingdom. The tree usually blooms in April in the first year and bears fruit in May the second year. It only fully matures in September in the third year. Thus, you can often see flowers and fruit on one tree at the same time.

China's Flora Tour

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. 

Read More:

China's Flora Tour: This precious medicinal plant can also be toxic

China's Flora Tour: Jiangxi-Four colors of Jiangxi Province 

China's Flora Tour: Jiangxi-What is in your mooncake? Part I

(Cover image and video provided by CGTN Nature film crew)

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