An unexpected hailstorm fell at Menglun in the afternoon on December 26, which brought severe damages to landscape plants in Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden (XTBG).

Hail injury to the tropical rainforest is really an uncommon occurrence. “I have never seen such a heavy hail storm in Xishuangbanna”, a local Dai girl said. The hailstone ripped and shreded leaves, defoliated branches on the trees, tore barks on young, thin barked trees. Many aquatic plants such as giant water lilies, lotus, etc, and herbal plants, and succulent plants were severely damaged.

Upon the hail stopped, XTBG organized the staff to check the damage and try to reduce loss.

The restoration work is still ongoing. 

Hailstone at XTBG

Succulent plants after a hail storm

Poor little ants lost home and life in hail storm