During a recent field survey in the Fengqing area of the Lancang River Nature Reserve in Yunnan, researchers discovered a wild Himalayan yew tree, a nationally protected plant species, estimated to be over 1000 years old.

A nationally protected wild Himalayan yew tree was discovered in the Fengqing area of the Lancang River Nature Reserve in Yunnan. (File Photo)

"The growth rate of Himalayan yew in the wild is slow, and its regeneration ability is poor. I have never encountered such a large wild Himalayan yew tree with such diameter before," said Professor Shi Songlin from Chengdu University of Technology. This particular Himalayan yew tree was found at an altitude of approximately 2850 meters, around 12 meters high, and a diameter of 1.32 meters.

Researchers taking measurements of the Himalayan Yew. (File Photo)

According to preliminary surveys conducted by the Fengqing Forest Protection Bureau of the Lancang River Nature Reserve, over 1000 wild Himalayan yew trees have been recorded within the Fengqing area, covering an area of about 8000 mu. They are mainly distributed in a scattered and band-like pattern between altitudes of 2500 to 3000 meters.

Shi Songlin stated that the discovery of this wild Himalayan yew tree broke the record for the largest diameter and age of Himalayan yew within the Fengqing area. It holds significant importance for studying the species' origin and its ecological environment, as well as strengthening conservation efforts in the region.

The Himalayan yew, also known as Xumi yew or Tibetan yew, is a nationally protected wild plant species, classified as endangered in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

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(Editors: Ines, Amy)