In the northern Qinling Mountains, deep ravines crisscross the landscape. They're called "the 72 Valleys of Qinling." On the formidable terrain only accessible by tortuous mountain paths lives a very special grass of exceptional significance. The plant has a long stem with a reddish-brown base and flat, slightly curved leaves. Endemic to China, it is distributed in several valleys of the Huashan Mountains, part of Qinling. Rock crevices on the slopes and residual soil on the cliffs are where it takes root. Its name is Psathyrostachys huashanica.

About Journeys in Nature: Cloudy Qinling Series

Qinling Mountain range is among the regions with the richest biodiversity in the world, specifically hailed as the northernmost treasure trove of subtropical wildlife. Sitting between northern and southern China, the majestic mountain range is regarded by some as the country's "central park" and an important symbol of Chinese culture. Keep an eye out for the giant panda, golden snub-nosed monkey, takin and other rich wildlife in the cloudy Qinling Mountains. 

For more:

Cloudy Qinling Series Ep. 7: Food menu for baby crested ibises

(Cover image a video screenshot; video by CGTN Nature film crew)

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