Discovering Mysteries S4 - E4: A Tree That Stands Apart

In the difficult to access high elevation areas of the Hainan Tropical Rainforest National Park, cool white mists linger year round, giving the landscape the appearance of some ancient, mythical paradise. Steep rocky inclines dominate the mountaintops, with the scant soil poor in nutrients. There is one tree species, however, that can reach heights of up to 30 meters even in such inhospitable conditions, making it one of the most unusual trees in the Hainan tropical cloud forest.
This is the Hainan Red Pine, a national Class II protected wild plant species. Only a few scattered trees or small clusters can be seen on the highest reaches of Yajiada Ridge in the Bawangling Forest Area.
This majestic tree species stands like a mighty flagpole high on the rocky mountaintops, with branches waving banners of green that flutter in the wind. No matter how the stormy winds and rains rage, this sentinel still stands proud.