500 seedlings of Etlingera yunnanensis, a national key protected plant and one of plant species with extremely small populations (PSESP), were reintroduced to the wild by Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden (XTBG)on May 23. 

Etlingera, a genus in Zingiberaceae, has only two species, Etlingera littoralis and Etlingera yunnanensis, distributed in China. E. yunnanensis is a perennial herb, and it has an attractive inflorescence-like chrysanthemum. When it is frayed, it releases an anis-like odor. It is commonly used in Dai medicine and is called “Maniangbu” in a different clinical usage, i.e., for diarrhea and sunstroke. 

According to statistics, the wild populations of Etlingera yunnanensis are extremely small, with only about 3-4 populations and fewer than 100 individuals. To save this endangered plant, XTBG researchers conducted thorough field investigation in Xishuangbanna, collected seeds, and germinated them. Up to now, about 10,000 seedlings have been bred. Researchers will pay continuous attention to the reintroduced seedlings to see the sustainable growth of the populations in the wild. 

Etlingera yunnanensis. 

Reintroducing Etlingera yunnanensis to the wild. 

Participants pose a photo.