Precious alsophila spinulosa group found in Yunnan

(ECNS) -- A large alsophila spinulosa group composed of four relatively small groups, with more than 200 ferns in total, has been found in Changning County, southwest China's Yunnan Province.

These ferns, distributed in the dense forests of two valleys and nearby hillsides, are about five to six meters high.

The largest is more than 14 meters high with a diameter at chest height of 41 centimeters and a root diameter of 60 centimeters, looking like a giant umbrella.

Alsophila spinulosa, also known as tree fern, is the only woody fern in existence.

It is reputed as a "living fossil" for studying the ancient extinct lives and the evolution of the earth.

Alsophila spinulosa is quite precious and all its species are under second-class protection in China.

It is usually found in an environment with high forest coverage and humidity, mild climate, short sunshine, no pollution and no man-made destruction.

Alsophila spinulosa groups are rare in the world, so the groups in Yunnan Province are very precious.