Page 8 - 文化旅游2024-6

07 FOCUS | 焦点

Witnessing the blooming of China-Laos friendship

见证中老友谊花开

The Xishuangbanna Tropical Botan- joying the flowers in the Tropical Bo- tion officer from Laos, told our reporters, Garden has strengthened its collaboration
ical Garden, part of the Chinese Acade- tanical Garden. Following in Dr. Bee’s “Plumeria rubra is known as Champa in with Southeast Asian countries by estab-
my of Sciences, is one of China’s most footsteps, we visited a garden dedicated Laos, and its flower is the national flower of lishing the Southeast Asia Biodiversity Re-
diverse botanical gardens, featuring the to Plumeria rubra. Here, the Plumeria our country. The Champa flowers symbolize search Institute to facilitate cross-border co-
richest collection of species, the largest rubra displays white, red, and yellow purity and hope. We have a saying that no operation and joint scientific research. “We
number of specialized plant zones, and blooms amidst lush green branches, matter where you are, seeing Champa flow- have conducted four joint scientific expedi-
expansive grounds. In this vibrant set- releasing a delicate fragrance. Dr. Bee ers feels like returning home.” tions between China and Laos, assisting the
ting, exotic flowers thrive and compete said that the Tropical Botanical Garden The northern region of Laos shares simi- local community in creating a biodiversity
for attention. is one of the most significant centers lar climatic conditions with Xishuangbanna, map, discovering numerous new species,
Kittisack Phoutthavong, a Laotian for the collection and conservation of both boasting rich tropical rainforests. In the and training professionals,” said Yang Zhen,
PhD student and scientist specializing in Plumeria rubra in China. In addition to Tropical Botanical Gardens, many plants head of the Science Communication Team
ferns at the Key Laboratory of Tropical local varieties, a wide range of speci- native to Laos can be found, including at the Tropical Botanical Garden.
Forest Ecology at the Chinese Academy mens from around the world have also Spondias pinnata, whose fruits and leaves Dr. Bee, a beneficiary of the scientific
of Sciences, is committed to conserving been introduced and cultivated here. are commonly used to flavor dishes. Addi- research collaboration, said passionately,
tropical rainforest biodiversity. He has In the Tropical Botanical Garden, there tionally, there is teak, which is prevalent in “Laos is home to a wealth of plant species,
playfully adopted the nickname “Bee,” is a Plumeria rubra tree planted by the state Laos; it serves as an important construction many of which are yet to be discovered or
which has led colleagues to affection- leaders of China and Laos, symbolizing the material, and the reddish sap from its leaves cataloged. Improving taxonomy and estab-
ately refer to him as “Dr. Bee.” strong friendship between the two countries. can also be used as a natural dye. lishing plant genealogies is crucial, and that
This time of year is perfect for en- Chen Fang, an overseas communica- In recent years, the Tropical Botanical is exactly what we are working on.”