Zenbean, or Zenia insignis, is a typical karst plant found in southern China and northern Vietnam. It grows in the mountainous karst landforms at an altitude between 200 and 950 meters.

With "zen" in its common name, however, it was discovered by Chinese botanist Chun Woon-Young, who named it after Zen Hung-Chun, one of the founding members of the Science Society of China, a major science organization in the modern history of the country.

Being threatened by habitat loss and overharvesting, the species was put on the list of China's second-class nationally protected plants.

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: Guizhou-Mosquitomam is not mosquito's mum

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

(All photos are taken by CGTN Nature film crew in the Mount Fanjing, southwest China's Guizhou Province. Cover is designed by CGTN's Li Yueyun.)

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