Researcher Gu Haiyan treats a contaminated seedling of holcoglossum omeiense at a laboratory in Leshan, southwest China's Sichuan Province, April 14, 2021. As an endemic species in Mount Emei area, holcoglossum omeiense is categorized as endangered and plant species with extremely small populations (PSESP). It is listed in China Species Red List, China Biodiversity Red List and Rare and Endangered Plants in China, and hence called "panda of the plant kingdom." Researchers such as Li Cehong and Gu Haiyan have been dedicated to the protection of the species for years. From the growth cycle to each individual's position, researchers conduct field study and scientific research in the mountainous area every year. With tears of experience, researcher Li Cehong has been experienced in identifying rare plants and recalling plants' locations. According to researchers, there are only about 300 wild holcoglossum omeiense in the area. In order to rescue the endangered species, researcher Gu Haiyan started from scratch, trying to achieve artificial breeding in laboratory. "We have to deal with some challenges such as the species' long growth cycle and contamination, and I regard each seedling as my child," Gu said. Currently, thousands of holcoglossum omeiense seedlings have been bred successfully via artificial breeding. Just like releasing captive breeding pandas to the wild, the seedlings will be transplanted out of laboratory one day. As researches wish, the once endangered species can be easily found on Mount Emei. (Xinhua/Tang Wenhao)
