Botanist builds 'bank' for desert plants

In 1976, the Turpan Eremophytes Botanic Garden was established to support further research in the introduction and breeding of sand-fixation plants.

To collect more desert plants, Pan and his colleagues often ventured into the wilderness, encountering all kinds of obstacles.

Once, Pan broke his cervical vertebra in an accident during an expedition to the desert. He convalesced in hospital for nine months, only recovering after two operations.

Pan said he could not remember how many times he encountered dangers on the journeys to collect plants.

The harsh weather conditions also posed a threat to research work. As sandstorms hit Turpan frequently in the spring, seedlings are often killed by heavy wind. Researchers had to collect new plants again and again.

This years-long endeavor has paid off. Now, the Turpan Eremophytes Botanic Garden is the largest of its kind in China. It is home to more than 700 desert plant species, among which nearly 100 are rare and critically endangered.

More than 100 types of desert plants have also been brought in from countries, including Russia, Kazakhstan, and Mongolia.

"The Turpan Eremophytes Botanic Garden is just like a 'bank' where we deposit abundant desert plants. We can take out the 'savings' when needed," Pan said.

"Many normal-looking plants which have been raised in extreme climates can play a big role in restoring ecological environment," he added.

With expertise cultivating sand-control plants, the researchers have offered seedlings for greening projects in other areas of Xinjiang and also arid areas in other provinces of northwest China.

Besides, the Turpan Eremophytes Botanic Garden has also become a tourist attraction for leisure and entertainment.