Articles
Current germplasm conservation of camellias in China
Article number
1185_8
Pages
47 – 54
Language
English
Abstract
This paper is a general introduction to the current germplasm conservation of ornamental camellias in China.
During the past three decades, great achievements have been made for the genetic germplasm conservation of camellias in China.
For in situ conservation, four yellow camellia species at the National Fangcheng Gold Camellia Natural Reserve in Guangxi Autonomous Region were officially conserved for the first time in 1986. Wild Camellia japonica resources are being well conserved in Changmenyan Island at Qingdao City and Zhoushan Islands in Zhejiang Province.
The only wild C. azalea (C. changii) population is being conserved at E’huangzhuang Provincial Natural Reserve in Guangdong Province.
Several wild C. reticulata and other camellia species in forests with large areas have been found in southwestern China in recent years.
Large numbers of ancient camellia trees are grown in temples, natural conserves, parks, gardens, yards, and sightseeing zones throughout southern China.
For ex situ conservation, numerous camellia species botanical gardens and camellia cultivar gardens have been built in China, of which eight have been recognized as international camellia gardens of excellence by the ICS since 2003. On the other hand, we are facing a big challenge in the conservation of newly found camellia resources.
In fact, most of the wild camellia species resources are endangered, although plentiful camellia habitat resources exist in China.
The major factors include the building of new roads, being replaced by other cash tree species, being harvested as fuel wood in mountainous areas, and being used as ornamental plants in urban areas.
China is taking a number of positive measures to establish new natural reserves or broaden existing natural reserves at the national and provincial levels.
Some new research projects have been launched by the central or local governments in an effort to enlarge wild population of camellias.
During the past three decades, great achievements have been made for the genetic germplasm conservation of camellias in China.
For in situ conservation, four yellow camellia species at the National Fangcheng Gold Camellia Natural Reserve in Guangxi Autonomous Region were officially conserved for the first time in 1986. Wild Camellia japonica resources are being well conserved in Changmenyan Island at Qingdao City and Zhoushan Islands in Zhejiang Province.
The only wild C. azalea (C. changii) population is being conserved at E’huangzhuang Provincial Natural Reserve in Guangdong Province.
Several wild C. reticulata and other camellia species in forests with large areas have been found in southwestern China in recent years.
Large numbers of ancient camellia trees are grown in temples, natural conserves, parks, gardens, yards, and sightseeing zones throughout southern China.
For ex situ conservation, numerous camellia species botanical gardens and camellia cultivar gardens have been built in China, of which eight have been recognized as international camellia gardens of excellence by the ICS since 2003. On the other hand, we are facing a big challenge in the conservation of newly found camellia resources.
In fact, most of the wild camellia species resources are endangered, although plentiful camellia habitat resources exist in China.
The major factors include the building of new roads, being replaced by other cash tree species, being harvested as fuel wood in mountainous areas, and being used as ornamental plants in urban areas.
China is taking a number of positive measures to establish new natural reserves or broaden existing natural reserves at the national and provincial levels.
Some new research projects have been launched by the central or local governments in an effort to enlarge wild population of camellias.
Authors
J.Y. Li, N. Sui, L.B. He
Keywords
Camellia, taxonomy, germplasm, conservation
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