From May 13 through May 29, Montgomery Botanical Center (MBC) cycad biologist, Michael Calonje, traveled extensively in China during a cycad conservation conference and study tour organized by Willie and Limei Tang. Michael visited and studied native populations of Cycas sexseminifera, C. ferruginea, C. segmentifida, and C. debaoensis.
Because of his GIS expertise, Michael was called upon to assist in a GPS and data-collecting survey of Cycas debaoensis plants at the type locality. Using the data collected, an accurate base map will be prepared — as part of a cycad conservation project — to aid the forestry department in managing the population.
Michael presented Ex situ Cycad Conservation at Montgomery Botanical Center at The International Symposium on Cycad Conservation at Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou, detailing the critical role MBC’s ex situ conservation program plays in preserving cycads. Zhongkai University, the IUCN Cycad Specialist Group, the Cycad Society of China, Wutonshan Scenic Spot Administrative Office, and Shenzhen Fairy Lake Botanical Garden sponsored the symposium. Michael also gave the presentation at Shenzhen Fairy Lake Botanical Garden.
While in China, Michael visited the South China Botanical Garden, Dighushan Arboretum, the cycad garden at Qing Xiu Shan Park, and Shenzhen Fairy Lake Botanical Garden.
During this comprehensive trip, Michael met many Chinese cycad researchers and students, building future collaborative opportunities.