The Dove Tree In Emei Mountain

June 13, 2011 - PRLog -- The dove tree is also known as the Handkerchief tree or Pocket-handkerchief tree. It belongs to the relic plant in the Paleotropical Floristic Kingdom. During the Quaternary glaciation, most of the dove trees became extinct in the world, but many survived in Central and Southwest China. The Emei Mountain is included in these areas. Today, the tree is known as  "the live fossil of the plant kingdom" and enjoys the name of "the green panda." It is under the state's protection.

The Dove Tree is best known for its flowers. These form a tight cluster about 1–2 cm across, reddish in colour, each flower head with a pair of large (12–25 cm), pure white bracts at the base performing the function of petals. These hang in long rows beneath the level branches. The flowers are at their best in late May. On a breezy day, the bracts flutter in the wind like white doves or pinched handkerchiefs, hence the English names for this tree.

In Emei Mountain, there is a special reserve for dove trees. Tourists can see these living fossils at the Jiulao Cave.

Read  more facts about the Chinese Dove Trees at http://www.chinafacttours.com/sichuan/

# # #

Personal tours, customized tours, family vacations or multisport adventures, China Fact Tours has the first-hand know-how to take you well beyond ordinary travel!
Book China tour or dig interesting facts please log on http://www.chinafacttours.com