Vietnamese Gold Cypress: A Botanical Treasure in the Majestic Mountains
Vietnam boasts an incredibly diverse flora, including a rare species of exceptional biological, economic, and ecological value – the Vietnamese Gold Cypress, or Bách Vàng. Discovered less than three decades ago, this tree has quickly captured the attention of scientists worldwide due to its unique characteristics and alarming conservation status, earning it a place among the rarest trees on the planet.
The first discovery of Bách Vàng in Vietnam occurred in 1999 in the limestone mountains of the Bát Đại Sơn range, Quản Bạ district, Hà Giang province. This breakthrough finding introduced not only a new species to science but also an entirely new genus within the cypress family (Cupressaceae), enhancing its scientific value and significance in studying global plant diversity.
Subsequently, additional Bách Vàng trees were found in the highland regions of Cao Bằng and Tuyên Quang provinces. Beyond Vietnam’s borders, only a single individual was discovered in Guangxi, China, in 2012, highlighting the extremely limited distribution of this species.
Bách Vàng is a small to medium-sized evergreen tree, growing to a height of approximately 10 to 15 meters. It has an upright trunk and reddish-brown or grayish-brown bark. This slow-growing tree thrives in harsh conditions on steep limestone mountains, where the soil is nutrient-poor and the climate is arid. Its ability to flourish in such environments makes it crucial for soil retention, erosion control, and maintaining sustainable ecosystems in limestone forests.
The wood of the Bách Vàng tree is of exceptionally high quality, characterized by its golden-brown color, fine grain, hardness, and natural aromatic fragrance. These attributes make it highly valued for crafting fine furniture, Feng Shui items, and other decorative objects.
Unfortunately, due to its significant economic value, the Bách Vàng tree faces a severe threat of extinction. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), it is listed as “Endangered” (EN). In Vietnam, it is included in Group IA of endangered and precious forest plants, which prohibits its exploitation, transportation, and trade.
The decline in Bách Vàng populations is mainly attributed to rampant deforestation, natural disasters, and wildfires, as well as illegal logging fueled by the high demand for its valuable wood. In response to this critical situation, Vietnamese authorities and conservation organizations have implemented various measures to protect this precious tree. Surveys, assessments, and the demarcation of protected areas are among the prioritized actions.
Additionally, scientists are conducting research and propagation programs, with initial successes in seed germination and cuttings, offering hope for future population recovery. The restoration and expansion of the Bách Vàng tree’s habitat hold significance not only for biodiversity conservation but also for Vietnam’s sustainable forest development strategies.
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