广西火桐是梧桐科落叶大乔木，原隶属于火桐属，现已归为梧桐属，因其模式标本产地在广西、花 朵呈火红色而得名，1977年正式命名时仅见于百色靖西。1997年首次全国调查时仅发现3株，被世界自 然保护联盟评估为极度濒危物种，并于1999年被列为国家二级重点保护野生植物。受生境破碎化和自身 更新能力差影响，其种群数量长期低位徘徊，成年植株不足800株，2021年升级为国家一级重点保护野 生植物，并纳入全国极小种群野生植物优先保护名录。（王艳群 吴练荣 彭定人） 物种保护的突破得益于人工繁育技术的成功。2012年启动的广西火桐野外回归项目，在靖西种植 100多株人工苗，2024年这些回归植株首次开花。目前南宁、百色、桂林等地已营建人工种群，为这一 极危物种的永续生存奠定了坚实基础。 新闻链接 日前，自治区林业局组织开展的广西火桐资源专项调查传来喜讯：作为中国特有极危物种、全国极 小种群野生植物及国家一级重点保护野生植物，广西火桐的分布范围与种群数量实现双增长。 调查数据显示，与第二次全国重点保护野生植物资源调查结果相比，广西火桐的已知分布范围拓展 至6个设区市的20个县级行政区域，新增12个县级行政区域；分布点由35个 ...

Core Viewpoint - The successful flowering of the critically endangered Guangxi Fire Paulownia in Nanning Tree Garden marks a significant achievement in conservation efforts for this rare species, highlighting its ecological importance and the need for ongoing protection [1][2] Group 1: Ecological Significance - Guangxi Fire Paulownia is a unique and critically endangered tree species endemic to China, characterized by its tall trunk and "flowers before leaves" growth habit, which offers high ornamental value [1] - Its extensive root system plays a crucial role in stabilizing poor limestone soils and maintaining regional ecological balance, making it an essential ecological guardian [1] Group 2: Conservation Status - The species has a very narrow natural distribution, primarily found in the limestone areas of central to southern Guangxi, with a sparse population and significant challenges in natural regeneration [1] - It is classified as critically endangered (CR) by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and is included in China's biodiversity red list, as well as being designated as a national key protected wild plant [1] Group 3: Research and Development - The flowering of Guangxi Fire Paulownia is part of a forestry research project funded by the Nanning Tree Garden, which began in 2020 and involved the collection and preservation of 35 germplasm samples [2] - The establishment of a 30-acre introduction and acclimatization trial forest aims to provide valuable samples for studying the species' adaptability to ex-situ conservation and for developing large-scale artificial propagation methods [2]

Core Viewpoint - The discovery of the critically endangered species, Guangxi Fire Tree, in the Xidaming Mountain Nature Reserve highlights the ecological value and biodiversity of the region, marking it as a new habitat for this rare plant [3][4]. Group 1: Discovery and Significance - A unique plant, Guangxi Fire Tree, was found in the Xidaming Mountain Nature Reserve, characterized by its bright orange-red flowers and absence of green leaves during its flowering period [3]. - The Guangxi Fire Tree (Firmiana kwangsiensis H.H.Hsue) is a deciduous tree native to southern China, which was upgraded from national second-level protection to first-level protection in 2021 and classified as "Critically Endangered" (CR) by the IUCN [3]. - The discovery increases the number of national first-level protected plant species in the reserve to five, enhancing the ecological value of the area [3]. Group 2: Conservation Efforts - The Xidaming Mountain Nature Reserve has seen significant improvements in its ecological environment due to increased investment and management efforts focused on ecological restoration, biodiversity monitoring, and combating environmental violations [4]. - The finding of the Guangxi Fire Tree serves as a testament to the successful outcomes of these ecological protection initiatives [4].