News
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2026-08-20Cinnamomum fasciculatum (Lauraceae), a new species from Guangdong, ChinaA new species, Cinnamomum fasciculatum S.W.Deng & R.J.Wang, was discovered in Jiangmen, Guangdong Province, China and described based on morphological and molecular evidence. The most distinctive feature of C. fasciculatum is its inflorescence structure: several thyrsoid corymbiformly arranged in the axils of cataphylls below the terminal vegeta... The genus Cinnamomum Schaeff. (Lauraceae) comprises approximately 250 species widely distributed from tropical and subtropical Asia to the western Pacific. Traditionally, Cinnamomum s.l. is divided into sect. Camphora Meisn. (ca. 20 species) and sect. Cinnamomum (ca. 230 species). Sect. Camphora is distinguished by its alternate, pinnately veine...Read More -
2026-08-10Population History, Not Age, Determines the Genomic Importance of Ancient TreesA genomic study of 147 ancient, wild and cultivated Chinese swamp cypress (Glyptostrobus pensilis) trees shows that the evolutionary importance of ancient trees depends more on population history than on age alone. Ancient trees—those that are remarkably old for their species—are declining worldwide, raising concerns about the loss of the ecological and evolutionary history they represent. Their exceptional longevity has long encouraged the idea that they act as genetic reservoirs, preserving variation that may have been lost from younger populations. Bu...Read More -
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2026-07-22A novel mechanism by which mixed-species afforestation enhances the multifunctionality of degraded tropical soilsAfforestation greatly improves soil multifunctionality likely by more diverse and functionally active soil microbial communities. The diversity of SOC molecules plays a key role in linking microbial attributes with soil multifunctionality under tropical afforestation. Afforestation is a key strategy for restoring degraded ecosystems and mitigating climate change. However, previous assessments have focused on vegetation recovery or individual soil functions, leaving a gap in understanding how different afforestation models jointly influence nutrient supply, enzyme activity, and microbial metabolism—collective...Read More -
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2026-07-15New findings on adaptive strategies of sympatric oaks along climate gradients in ChinaThis study unravels divergent and convergent responses of two sympatric oaks via traits integration and adaptive strategies to climate change. Their distinct trait plasticity and phenotypic integration under unfavorable climate might lead to niche differentiation and complex community assembly. Exploring the coexistence mechanisms of sympatric closely related species along climate gradients is crucial to predicting shifts in species distribution and community assembly. Previous studies mainly focus on the differentiation of specific functional traits, but scarcely explore the trait variability and their coordination with plant trait ne...Read More -
2026-07-10Haven or Trap? Study Finds Sinkholes Protect Endangered Tree at Evolutionary CostKarst tiankengs in southwest China act as microrefugia that help the endangered tree Magnolia aromatica persist by providing cool, humid, and deeply shaded habitats. However, their enclosed geography also restricts gene flow, promotes genetic drift and deleterious mutation accumulation, and may reduce the species’ long-term capacity to adapt to... Are giant sinkholes in China’s karst mountains havens or traps for the rare plants that inhabit them? A new study finds they are both—offering refuge from heat and drought while gradually eroding the evolutionary potential of an endangered tree.In a study published in Current Biology on July 14, researchers from the South China Botanical Garde...Read More -
2026-07-06The 27th Conference of the China Biosphere Reserve Network (CBRN) Members and 70th Anniversary Conference of the Establishment of Dinghushan National Reserve Held in Zhaoqingthe 27th Conference of the China Biosphere Reserve Network (CBRN) Members and the 70th Anniversary Conference of the Establishment of Dinghushan National Nature Reserve were grandly held in Zhaoqing City, Guangdong Province. The conferences were hosted by the Chinese National Committee for Man and the Biosphere Programme (Chinese MAB) and co-org... From June 30 to July 2, 2026, the 27th Conference of the China Biosphere Reserve Network (CBRN) Members and the 70th Anniversary Conference of the Establishment of Dinghushan National Nature Reserve were grandly held in Zhaoqing City, Guangdong Province. The conferences were hosted by the Chinese National Committee for Man and the Biosphere Prog...Read More