In mid-April, many orchids at Xishuangbanna Botanic Garden in southwest China's Yunnan Province are blooming ahead of time. 

Orchids, including the pinecone-like raceme dendrobium, bloomed 10 days earlier than previous years. Local scientists have attributed the phenomenon to the plant's stress response to the recent drought.

Moreover, talipot palms bloom once in a lifetime. They usually flower and bear fruit around 40-60 years of age and die shortly after. It's rare to see them blooming together. 

Gardeners are busy watering the plants. Frequent droughts and extreme weather conditions threaten the plants and the ecosystem.

(Cover image via VCG)

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