INCENSE tree (Aquilaria sinensis), a national second-class key protected plant, was discovered at multiple locations in Shenzhen including Meilin Reservoir water resource protection zone and Bijia Hill during a recently conducted biodiversity investigation.

Most of the incense trees that have been found in Futian District are young, growing well and are in the fruiting stage, Shenzhen Evening News reported.

The incense tree is an important plant resource used in producing Chinese medicine agarwood and is mainly distributed in southern China. It is also known as a medicine that helps with sleep and the endocrine system, as well as decorative art.

Incense trees are naturally distributed in the cities of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. It is even related to the origins of the name Hong Kong.

In ancient times, many incense trees were planted in Hong Kong. The trees were then transported to the mainland and other trading ports in Southeast Asian and Arab countries. Gradually, the place where the trees were planted was named Hong Kong.

Due to the trees’ high economic value, they have been targeted by criminals and have been under serious threat.

The trees’ recent discovery suggests Futian’s richer biodiversity. These trees will make citizens feel the harmony coexisting with nature.

This was the first biodiversity investigation conducted this year by the Futian branch of the Shenzhen Municipal Ecology and Environment Bureau at several key regions. Staffers from the bureau said that the district will follow up on the case and ensure necessary protection measures are in place, according to the News report.

(Wang Jingli)