“Have just returned from Leigongping mountain where I enjoyed one of my finest days in China. On a crisp, clear day (following hard rain on the climb up the day before) we hiked through the best preserved deciduous forest I have ever witnessed in my 17 years in Asia. A remarkable assemblage of trees dominated by massive old beech (Fagus longipetiolata) up to 150 ft. high. Under these beautiful trees were imposing 30 ft. high specimens of the large-leaved Fortunea – Rhododendron glanduliferum.At the end of our 15 km hike, we exited the mountain through a beautifully maintained ethnic Miao village. A truly remarkable day.
Previously, we found a substantial population of the rare and virtually unknown R. breivicaudatum, a great find and a new one for all of us.
Next we attempt to locate the newly named Taliensia – R. dachengense on the rugged Dayao Shan of Guaungxi Province.”