Phoebe zhennan, a rare tree species under second-grade protection in China, was introduced to a small village in Taicang in April.

Xinhai village in Huangjing town planted 100 Phoebe zhennan saplings, including Phoebe sheareri (Hemsl.) Gamble, in early 2015. So far, the plants are growing well.

Xinhai is the only village to cultivate Phoebe zhennan in Taicang. The trees are endemic in China's Guizhou, Hubei and Sichuan provinces. Zhennan is their Chinese name.

The trees can grow 30 meters with ramrod trunks and can be found in broad-leaved mountain forests under an elevation of 1,500 meters.

The wood has a pleasing scent and dense texture that makes it a quality material for architecture and furniture. In Chinese history the wood was used in the construction of royal palaces, temples and furniture.

Containing a high amount of crystals, the timbers have a golden color and a silky sheen under the sunlight.

A local resident surnamed Zhu checks a Phoebe zhennan plant in Xinhai village, Huangjing town.