Rare Leafless Beauty Orchid Bears Fruit in Liuxi River National Forest Park
By Southern Plus Reporter Fu Peng and Correspondents Wang Ruijun, Liu Fang, Zhang Yi
In a significant discovery for conservationists, the leafless beauty orchid (Apostasia shenzhenica), a rare and environmentally sensitive plant species, has successfully fruited in Liuxi River National Forest Park. The park’s staff, during routine patrols in the Wuzhi Mountain scenic area, have found the delicate orchids bearing fruit, marking a milestones in the park’s ongoing efforts to preserve biodiversity.
A Symbol of Environmental Purity
The leafless beauty orchid, a type of saprophytic orchid, lacks leaves and cannot perform photosynthesis. It relies on a symbiotic relationship with fungi for its nutrients, making it an extremely rare and endangered species. According to Li Shengqiang, a landscape engineer at Liuxi River National Forest Park, the plant is highly selective about its habitat. The leafless beauty orchid is quite ‘fussy’ about its environment. It requires high humidity, good air circulation, loose and fertile soil, and must coexist with fungi to grow and bloom. It can be considered a ‘barometer’ of the ecological quality of a region, he explained.
A Success Story
Staff at the park had previously observed the orchids flowering in the Liuxi Lake scenic area, Wuzhi Mountain, and the Xinqun Forest Station in June this year. However, only the plants in the Wuzhi Mountain area have managed to fruit successfully. The flowering season for the leafless beauty orchid typically runs from April to June. Now, several plants have developed straight stems adorned with 3-5 spindle-shaped fruits, each measuring about 2 to 3 centimeters in length and 1 centimeter in width.
The Role of an Uncommon Pollinator
The leafless beauty orchid cannot self-pollinate and depends on the green band bumblebee (Bombus simillimus), a relatively rare insect, for pollination. The presence of the leafless beauty orchid in Liuxi River National Forest Park is a significant achievement, and the fact that it has fruited is even more remarkable, Li Shengqiang noted. The discovery of these orchids indicates that the ecological environment in Conghua is continuously improving, with a growing diversity of species.
A Haven for Rare Species
As a key ecological core area in the northern part of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, Conghua District offers a rich ecological resource and unique topography that provide a vital habitat for rare and endangered species. The district is home to a variety of rare wildlife, including the crested lizard, Tang fish, and the flying water plant. The region boasts over 2,800 species of wild plants and nationally protected plants, accounting for about 80% of the total in the city.
Commitment to Green Development
In recent years, Conghua District has adhered to the goal of green development, focusing on leveraging its natural resources and promoting ecological conservation. The district has successfully established itself as a model for ecological civilization, with the leafless beauty orchid’s successful fruiting serving as a testament to its commitment.
The discovery of the leafless beauty orchid’s fruiting in Liuxi River National Forest Park is not just a victory for conservationists but also a clear sign of the positive impact of sustainable environmental practices. As the park continues to protect and nurture its diverse ecosystems, it sets an example for other regions striving to balance economic development with ecological preservation.
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