An indigenous flora protection base was unveiled in Sandui town, Lizhou district, Guangyuan, Southwest China's Sichuan province on March 11, in advance of Tree Planting Day on March 12. 

An indigenous flora protection base is unveiled in Sandui town, Lizhou district, Guangyuan, Southwest China's Sichuan province on March 11. [Photo/share.gyxww.cn/]

With a planned area of 13 hectares, the base boasts a complete population of Keteleeria davidiana trees, including a 1,900-year-old, four over 500 years old and more than 20 century-old plants.

The cold-resistant trees are a national second-class protected species, which live in 600-1,500 meters above sea level of Gansu, Shaanxi, Sichuan, Hubei, Hunan and Guizhou provinces.  

Last March, the Tiger Star Building Materials Co was accused of damaging ecological environment for the old trees. The fine, amounting to 603,122 yuan ($94,811), will be invested in restoring greenery in the town.

The local forestry authority has commissioned experts to formulate a plan to ensure the natural ecology through natural restoration and artificial measures.