Recognizing its precarious existence, the Hunan Botanical Garden initiated conservation efforts in 1990. For decades, researchers tackled various technical challenges and endured multiple failed attempts.

In 2018, with support from Botanic Gardens Conservation International — the world's largest plant conservation network — researchers introduced 50 wild plants from Badagong Mountain in Zhangjiajie, Hunan. Based on the introduced plants, a dedicated conservation community was established at the garden.

Last week, the rare trees finally reached full bloom.

"Scattered flowers had appeared before, and we had collected a few shriveled fruits that could not germinate," said Lyu Hao, a senior researcher at the garden's conservation institute. "Full flowering is the true sign that the species has adapted to its new environment and entered a stable reproductive stage."