Distribution, status and conservation of a Critically Endangered, extremely narrow endemic: Camellia changii Ye (Theaceae) in South China

Background/Question/Methods

The distribution of the rare and endangered plant Camellia changii Ye is restricted to a small area in southern China and little is known about its wild population status. In order to conserve it, we investigated its distribution, population size and structure, and habitat. In addition, we assessed its conservation status. We also initiated conservation measures during January 2009 – January 2013. Our aims of this study were: (1) to investigate the current status of the sole population and its habitat; (2) to explore the causes of its rarity and possible threats; and (3) to analyze the need for protection and recommned effective conservation measures for the species.

Results/Conclusions

We found that this species grew at the twosides of only a 4 km long segment along a stream in Ehuangzhang nature reserve, south China. It grew under the discontinuous canopy of secondary evergreen broad-leaved forest with well-drained acidic sandy loam. This species had characteristics of high blossoming rate but low seed setting rate. We found a total of 1039 wild individuals of this species during our thorough survey. The population structure was that of a declining population because no seedlings and few young plants were found. Our findings confirmed the Critically Endangered status of this species. The establishment of a nature reserve, commercial use of plants propagated by grafting, and reintroduction constituted effective conservation measures of this species. Finally, we established a nursery of plants generated by grafting of short cuttings (2-3 cm each) from all wild individuals to conserve the genetic diversity in the wild. The conservation model of this species can be used for other narrowly distributed rare and endangered plants.