Successful Cultivation of the Endangered Qinling Primula filchnerae in Fuping County, Weinan, Shaanxi

Recently, inside a solar greenhouse at Jiezi Village, Qicun Town, Fuping County, Weinan City, Shaanxi Province, the rare and endangered plant Primula filchnerae has been blooming profusely. This achievement was the result of a collaboration between the village and the Qinling National Botanical Garden. "This marks the first successful artificial propagation of Primula filchnerae on the Wei North Loess Plateau," said Li Yali, Deputy Director of the Research Center at the Qinling National Botanical Garden.

Primula filchnerae, a wild endangered plant native to the Qinling Mountains, was "lost" for over a century but was rediscovered in recent years, although its natural population remains scarce. Known for its beautiful flowers and feathery leaves, the plant holds significant scientific and ornamental value.

While strengthening in-situ protection efforts, the Qinling National Botanical Garden has also initiated ex-situ conservation of Primula filchnerae in compliance with national standards for rare and endangered plants. Jiezi Village has been chosen as a demonstration base for this initiative. In May 2024, a new solar greenhouse was established, successfully cultivating over 7,000 plants of Primula filchnerae.

"To ensure the success of artificial propagation, we developed a scientific cultivation plan and provided guidance on soil improvement, water and fertilizer management, as well as pest control", Li Yali explained. "This success not only supports our research into cultivation and promotion but also strengthens our conservation efforts and helps expand the plant's population." (Written by Wu Mingling)

Primula filchnerae in Full Bloom in Shaanxi

Primula filchnerae in Full Bloom in Shaanxi

Primula filchnerae in Full Bloom in Shaanxi

Workers Busy Inside the Solar Greenhouse