On the World Wildlife Day (March 3), an exhibition of medicinal and aromatic plants was held at Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden (XTBG). It’s part of the event themed “Herbal China - safeguarding health,heritage, and livelihoods” plant-themed exhibition, simultaneously inaugurated at 15 venues across the country. The main venue is located at the China National Botanical Garden.

The Xishuangbanna parallel venue features a curated selection of 24 medicinal and aromatic plant species. The exhibits showcase the scientific value, therapeutic properties, and cultural significance of tropical medicinal plants, offering the public a unique glimpse into their charm and fostering greater awareness of biodiversity conservation.

In his opening speech, Prof. Zhang Jiaolin, CPC Secretary and deputy director of XTBG, introduced the work in the systematic collection, conservation, and sustainable utilization of medicinal and aromatic plant resources over the past 67 years. "XTBG will continue to strengthen research and development in the collection and conservation of strategic plant resources, deepen innovative resource utilization, and actively expand international cooperation and exchange to support the development of the national botanical garden system," said Zhang.

Key species on display include Maytenus hookeri (known for its anticancer properties), Dracaena (valued for promoting blood circulation and resolving blood stasis), Rauvolfia (used in treating hypertension), rare medicinal plant Etlingera yunnanensis, etc.

Plants with strong ethnic characteristics are also on display, such as Arundina graminifolia, Machilus bombycina , Semnostachya menglaensis , and Cinnamomum tenuipilum.

Medicinal and aromatic plants on display.

Prof. Zhang Jiaolin speaks.