Ganjiahu Haloxylon ammodendron Forest Nature Reserve

Ganjiahu Haloxylon ammodendron Forest Nature Reserve

Ganjiahu Haloxylon ammodendron Forest Nature Reserve

Ganjiahu Nature Reserve (83°54′16″E, 44

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39′57″N) sits at an elevation of 320 meters in the Gultu Pasture of Usu City, approximately 65 kilometers in a straight line to the southeast of Usu City.

The Haloxylon forest is a drought-resistant thicket situated on an alluvial depression on the northern slope of the Tianshan Mountains. Species such as Haloxylon ammodendron, Tamarix ramosissima, and Populus euphratica grow together in great abundance. The total area spans 2.57 million mu (approximately 171,333 hectares), with Populus euphratica becoming increasingly dominant from north to south. There are also large patches of white Haloxylon, with some individual trees reaching heights of 5–6 meters, crown diameters of 3 meters, and coverage of 70–85%. In certain areas, trees even exceed 10 meters in height.

The Haloxylon and white Haloxylon forest reserve is located at the heart of the Aimiti Primitive Forest Park. Here, national third-class protected plants—Haloxylon ammodendron and white Haloxylon—cover over 30% of the area, with some zones achieving 52%–60%. This is the world’s largest and best-preserved white Haloxylon forest, and the tallest Haloxylon tree in the world grows here. In recent years, many scientific researchers have made significant pioneering progress in the cultivation of artificial Haloxylon forests. To adapt to market economic development, medicinal plants such as Cistanche and licorice have been appropriately developed. As such, the area holds great potential for developing science-focused tourism, inviting well-known domestic and international botanists, zoologists, and ecologists to conduct research. The vegetation distribution in the reserve is mainly zonal, with tall, well-aligned plant growth. Due to varying soil conditions throughout the scenic area, the morphology of Haloxylon also differs: in some parts, it grows densely, tall, and lush, forming a verdant and thick forest; in others, the trees are shorter, medium-height, or densely packed and healthy. When the sun sets, the afterglow filtering through the woods creates an atmosphere full of tranquility and serenity.

The nature reserve is also home to ancient Populus euphratica forests, which vary greatly in shape. Locally, these forests are also called “phoenix tree forests.” Legend has it that they can live for 3,000 years—1,000 years growing without dying, 1,000 years standing after death, and 1,000 years remaining unrotted after falling. The primeval forest contains many ancient, unrotted thousand-year-old trees. The Populus euphratica is extremely hardy against cold, drought, and acidic or alkaline conditions, possessing remarkable vitality, hence its reputation as the “thousand-year tree.” Each autumn, its leaves turn a golden yellow, offering a spectacular view.

Located in the eastern part of the Aimiti Forest Park, the area is dominated by black saxaul (Karakbasta), covering approximately 41,100 mu (around 2,740 hectares), with an average annual production of 3.5–5 tons of willow catkins. According to the “Usu County Annals” compiled by Deng Zuoxian: “Willow catkins are a local specialty, formed from the flowers of old willow thickets. In summer, they appear emerald green, small and layered like closed chrysanthemums. They taste bitter, can be brewed like tea, are very cooling in nature, and help relieve summer heat and hangovers—thus people call it willow catkin tea.” During the Qing Dynasty, willow catkin tea became a tribute item, presented by the Old Torghut Mongol princes living in various parts of Usu.