Research on the distribution and breeding of Eleutharrhena macrocarpa in Mengyang Conservation Area of Xishuangbanna National Nature Reserve

This study conducted a distribution survey of Eleutharrhena macrocarpa along 47 sample transects within the Mengyang Conservation Area in Xishuangbanna through literature review, field investigations, and on-site surveys. The study also examined the physicochemical properties of the soil where the species grew and the conservation and breeding methods for Eleutharrhena macrocarpa. The results revealed that a total of 122 Eleutharrhena macrocarpa individuals from seven populations were found at seven sampling sites. The soil at these sites had relatively high organic matter content, with pH values falling within the weakly acidic range (4.89–6.44). Five of the seven sites had organic matter content exceeding 20 g/kg. Eleutharrhena macrocarpa was prefer to grow in soils with high organic matter content and weakly acidic conditions. Among the sites, the highest total nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium content was recorded at Dahuangbananmuhe (26.17 g/kg), while the lowest was found at Kunhanxiaozhai (7.0420 g/kg). However, no direct relationship was observed between the total nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium content in the soil and the distribution density of Eleutharrhena macrocarpa. In the cutting propagation using fresh sphagnum moss as the substrate, 5 viable plants were obtained, with a survival rate of 12%.