Apterosperma oblata H. T. Chang, of the monotypic genus Apterosperma in the family Theaceae, is a Vulnerable plant endemic to China. Historically the species occurred in Guangdong and Guangxi Provinces in southern China. Our field surveys indicate that the only remaining, small population is in the Ehuangzhang Natural Reserve in Yangchun County, Guangdong Province. The species, which has been recorded as the second most threatened plant in China, is facing a high risk of extinction and is protected nationally. Supported by the National Science Foundation of China, the Plant Science Institute of Yunnan University has been studying the biology and ecology of the species, and its artificial propagation, since 2005.
Although the species is rare it has a high level of genetic diversity and variation, as determined by amplified fragment length polymorphism molecular markers. The breeding system of A. oblata is xenogamy and there is low natural regeneration in the wild because the seeds are recalcitrant and sensitive to dehydration.
In October 2010 we collected seeds from the natural population and propagated them in a greenhouse at Yunnan University. Approximately 700 seedlings of c. 8 cm height had grown successfully after 10 months. In July 2013 seedlings of 20–25 cm height were transplanted to the original collection site and to a site with similar characteristics in Jinghong in Yunnan Province. Our studies, especially of artificial propagation of seedlings, will provide a basis for the design of conservation and reintroduction strategies for A. oblata, and the Plant Science Institute of Yunnan University is now studying the physiological ecology and adaptation of the transplanted seedlings.
