A rare plant species known as Cladopus nymanii, or the "stone flower," has been observed thriving on streamside rocks at Liuxi River National Forest Park in Conghua District, Guangzhou. After being considered "lost" for more than 60 years, the species was rediscovered in 2019, and its stable growth today underscores the long-term improvement of the local ecological environment.
(Photo: Wen Shiliang)
About the size of a grain of rice, Cladopus nymanii produces tiny dark red flowers and has extremely strict requirements for water quality. It grows only in clear, fast-flowing streams and typically blooms in winter when water levels recede. The plant is listed as a national second-class key protected wild species in China.
(Photo: Wen Shiliang)
The return of the species is closely linked to ecological restoration efforts in the Liuxi River basin. In recent years, water quality in the area has consistently remained at Class II or above, while the high forest coverage rate has provided a solid foundation for biodiversity conservation.
(Photo: Nanfang Plus)
Cladopus nymanii, first recorded in Guangzhou in 1958 and rediscovered in 2019 in the upper reaches of the Liuxi River, is an important environmental indicator species. Its thriving return reflects Guangdong's green development efforts, with 94.6 percent of the province's surface water sections now rated excellent or good and air quality continuing to improve.
(Photo: Nanfang Plus)
Author | He Fengyu
Editor | Liu Lingzhi, James Campion, Shen He
