Discovering Royle’s Spurge in Yunnan’s Red River Valley
Traveling down the Red River in Yuanjiang Hani, Yi and Dai Autonomous County in southwest China’s Yunnan Province offers a journey through breathtaking landscapes and unexpected botanical treasures. Perched on the cliffs of the river valley thrives Royle’s spurge, a plant more commonly associated with the African savanna.
A Plant with Historical Resonance
Royle’s spurge exhibits long, slender stems segmented into multiple sections radiating from a central trunk. This distinctive form resembles the horse-whip of the ancient Hegemon-King, earning it the Chinese name “Hegemon-King’s whip.” Its presence in Yunnan’s dry-hot valleys underscores the region’s unique ecological diversity.
Biodiversity of the Southern Yunling Mountains
The adaptation of a savanna plant like Royle’s spurge to the microclimates of Yunnan highlights the rich biodiversity found within the Southern Yunling Mountains. This area boasts an array of flora and fauna, from ancient tree species on high cliffs to diverse wildlife in its valleys, offering valuable insights for scholars, nature enthusiasts, and travelers alike.
Reference(s):
Southern Yunling Mountains Series Ep. 7: 'Hegemon-King's horse-whip'
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