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]

广西火桐因自然繁殖力弱、生境破碎化及历史人为干扰，野生个体一度仅存个位数。此次在西大明山保护区的发现，不仅刷新了该物种在广西的分布纪 录，更为区域生物多样性保护注入了新活力，也为破解濒危机制、开展人工繁育提供了新希望。 近年来，崇左市高度重视生态环境保护，不断加大对保护区的投入和管理力度。通过持续开展生态修复工程、加强生物多样性监测以及大力打击破坏生 态环境违法行为等一系列举措，西大明山保护区生态环境得到显著改善，为众多野生动植物提供了良好的栖息繁衍之所。此次广西火桐的发现，正是生态保 护成果的有力见证。（刘琴 韦录） 国家一级保护植物广西火桐。 黄院、李伟发 摄 近日，广西西大明山自治区级自然保护区巡护员在开展例行巡护时，发现一株通体橙红色、未见绿叶的奇特植物。时值盛花期，其密集的橙红色花序 如"鞭炮"挂满枝头，在青山绿海中显得格外醒目。为精准观察，保护区启用无人机抵近拍摄，并采集样本，经专家鉴定，最终确认为极度濒危物种——广西 火桐，标志着西大明山保护区成为广西火桐的新栖息地。至此，该保护区国家一级保护植物种类增至5种，生态价值进一步提升。据了解，广西火桐 （Firmiana kwangsiensisH. ...