Tree Genetics and Molecular Breeding 2025, Vol.15, No.5, 211-219 http://genbreedpublisher.com/index.php/tgmb 212 trunk is tall and straight, and its bark is reddish-brown. The leaves are opposite and linear, and turn orange-yellow in autumn. Metasequoia glyptostroboides grows very fast and can reach over 30 meters within 50 years, with the highest reaching more than 50 meters. Seeds of different sources grow at very different rates in the same environment, and this difference can persist for many years. Its form is also highly malleable, capable of growing in water as well as surviving on land. Fine roots exhibit significant anatomical and physiological changes in different environments, which endows them with excellent environmental adaptability (Williams, 2005; Yang et al., 2019). 2.2 Natural distribution and ecological functions Metasequoia glyptostroboides is native to central China. Currently, its wild distribution is very narrow, mainly concentrated in a small area at the junction of Lichuan, Hubei Province, Longshan, Hunan Province and Shizhu, Chongqing City, covering an area of approximately 800 to 1 000 square kilometers, with an altitude ranging from 800 to 1 500 meters. It prefers subtropical monsoon climate and humid river valley areas. Although its natural distribution is limited, Metasequoia glyptostroboides has now been widely cultivated in temperate regions around the world through artificial introduction. It plays a very important role in ecology and is commonly found in riverbank areas and urban greening. Metasequoia glyptostroboides can improve the physical and chemical properties of soil, promote the diversity of soil microorganisms, and accelerate the cycling of soil nutrients. In mixed forests, it can significantly increase the available phosphorus content and fungal diversity in the soil. In addition, Metasequoia glyptostroboides releases a relatively large amount of volatile organic compounds, such as α -pinene, which can affect urban air quality and ecosystem functions (Juvik et al., 2015; Zhang et al., 2020; Zhang et al., 2021; Ahn et al., 2022; Li et al., 2025b). 2.3 Genetic diversity and conservation status Metasequoia glyptostroboides is currently regarded as critically endangered species. The wild population is very small, with less than 6 000 mother trees. Natural renewal is very difficult. The reasons include the self-toxic effect of fallen leaves and the interference of human activities. Genetic research shows that there are certain genetic differences between wild populations and introduced populations, but the overall genetic diversity is still relatively high. Intra-group variation accounts for the majority, but in some groups, inbreeding exists. Climate change and habitat fragmentation have intensified its survival pressure, and the suitable distribution area is constantly shrinking. Now, Metasequoia glyptostroboides has been listed as a critically endangered species by IUCN and a first-class protected plant in China. Protective measures include establishing nature reserves, artificial breeding and global introduction and cultivation (Figure 1). However, there are still significant challenges in native conservation and genetic resource preservation (Zhang et al., 2020; Zhao et al., 2020; Xu et al., 2022; Li et al., 2025a; Li et al., 2025b). Figure 1 Identification of the priority protected areas and the key protected areas of M. glyptostroboides, which are mainly in Europe (a) and in East Asia (b) (Adopted from Zhang et al., 2020)
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjQ4ODYzNA==