For almost 1,400 years, a tree has been sitting at the foothills of Mount Fanjing in southwest China's Guizhou Province. Despite being named as the king of crape myrtle, the tree plays the role of a protector rather than a monarch for the residents. Its trunks and leaves can be used for making medicines, and locals also come to this "heaven" crape myrtle tree to pray for good health and fortune. 

Same as other Tertiary relict floras, this myrtle tree is also a survivor from plant communities that were distributed throughout most of the Northern Hemisphere around 65-15 million years ago.

CGTN Nature's documentary crew is currently filming at Mount Fanjing and has sent back footage giving us a glimpse of this amazing biodiversity hub.

Stay tuned for more stunning videos of the majestic mountain.

(Video and cover image by CGTN)

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