An appraisal meeting for the project named “Long-term phenological characteristics of tropical introduced plants and their contribution to ex situ conservation” was held in Kunming on April 8.

The appraisal committee was composed of Prof. Wang Qingli of CAS Kunming Branch, Prof. Ou Xiaokun and Prof. Cao Jie of Yunnnan University, Prof. Cao Min of XTBG, and four other experts.

After listening to work report by Prof. Zhang Yiping, the experts put questions. Prof. Zhang defended their academic ideas. The appraisal committee regraded the project meet the expectation and pass acceptance check.

Ex situ conservation is considered to be one of the most important ways for biodiversity conservation. Probe into introduced plant species that are to be conserved can provide some essential references for ex situ conservation.

In Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden (XTBG), the phenology and growth of plant species were recorded by the gardening staff. Some of the species have long-term phenological and growth records,which permit the researchers to evaluate the responses of plants to climate change in tropical region.

By studying the long-term phenological and growth records of introduced plants in XTBG, the researchers compared introduced and native plant species in terms of the patterns of 4 phenophases – leaf flushing, leaf shedding, flowering and fruit ripening. They also analyzed the influence of climatic factors to illustrate the adaptability of these plants.

Moreover, the researchers studied the relationship between phenological shift and temporal growth pattern and climate change.