Quercus rex: Distribution, Status, and Conservation

Qiansheng Li, Min Deng, and Mengmeng Gu

Published May 2021 in International Oaks No. 32: 89–96

Abstract

Quercus rex Hemsley is a gigantic tree up to 50 m tall in section Cyclobalanopsis. It grows in typical humid forests and co-occurs with other evergreen species in different genera of the family Fagaceae (Lithocarpus and Castanopsis). In SW Yunnan, only three isolated populations are known. The acorn is oblate and large with a diameter up to 5 cm and a thick fruit wall up to 4 mm, with an average fresh weight of 30 g. The acorns of Q. rex are typically recalcitrant, germinating quickly from the basal seed-scar after maturity. Exhibiting epicotyl dormancy, the young shoot emerges in the following spring. High humidity is essential for successful seedling establishment. Seedlings cannot survive at -10 °C. Quercus rex is critically endangered due to habitat disturbance and has a class 3 protection status in China. Nevertheless, it is listed as of Least Concern on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Artificial seedling establishment and reintroduction would be valuable for conservation.

Keywords

Quercus  rex,  seed  germination,  seedling  establishment,  reintroduction, conservation

References

Carrero, C. 2019. Quercus rex. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2019: e.T32396A2817544. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/ IUCN.UK.2019-1.RLTS.T32396A2817544.en. Downloaded on 28 April 2020.

Deng,  M., A.  Hipp, Y.-G.  Song,  Q.-S.  Li, A.  Coombes, and A.  Cotton. 2014.  Leaf epidermal features of  Quercus  subgenus Cyclobalanopsis (Fagaceae) and their systematic significance. Botanical journal of the Linnean Society 176: 224-259.

Deng, M., Z. Zhou, and Q. Li. 2013. Taxonomy and systematics of Quercus subgenus Cyclobalanopsis. International Oaks 24: 48-60.

Johnson, P.S., S.R. Shifley, R. Rogers, D.C. Dey, and J.M. Kabrick, 2019. The ecology and silviculture of oaks, 3rd edtion. Boston, MA: CABI.

Xu, J., Y.-G. Song, M. Deng, X.-L. Jiang, S.-S. Zheng, and Y. Li. 2020. Seed germination schedule and environmental context shaped the population genetic structure of subtropical evergreen oaks on the Yun-Gui Plateau, Southwest China. Heredity 124: 499-513.