Amentotaxus argotaenia

Amentotaxus argotaenia

　　Amentotaxus argotaenia, known as the "glacial elder," is a rare and precious plant in the world. It is on the verge of extinction on Earth, yet more than ten specimens have been discovered in Nankun Mountain. The stoutest one stands over ten meters tall with a breast height diameter of over twenty centimeters.

　　Amentotaxus argotaenia belongs to the beech family and is a tree species. Its leaves are similar to those of Phyllanthus emblica but are more than twice as long. The upper surface of the leaves is smooth and glossy, while the lower surface features two white stomatal bands. The bark is thin and reddish-brown. Amentotaxus argotaenia remains evergreen throughout the seasons, and its wood has a fine grain, making it high-quality timber.