Zhou, a dedicated photographer and researcher, has embarked on a remarkable journey to capture the essence of China’s botanical diversity. His ambition? To photograph more plant species than anyone else in the country. This pursuit has taken him across China’s vast and varied landscapes, from remote provinces to bustling special administrative regions.
In a recent post on his public WeChat account, Zhou outlined the strategies behind his success. He attributes his achievement to three pivotal factors.
Firstly, Zhou emphasizes the importance of extensive travel. “Plants exhibit distinct regional characteristics,” he notes, “which is why visiting diverse locations is crucial.” His relentless exploration has seen him traverse every provincial-level region and special administrative area in China. Last year alone, he drove over 80,000 kilometers in search of new subjects.
Secondly, Zhou photographs every plant species he encounters on his journeys. “I appreciate the uniqueness of each plant,” he explains, “believing that every species, regardless of its appearance, possesses special qualities.” This approach has not only led to unexpected discoveries but has also resulted in meticulous organizational challenges. Zhou often finds himself working late into the night, sorting through the multitude of photographs taken during his expeditions.
Thirdly, Zhou sets clear and measurable goals for himself. His collaboration with researchers has contributed to the discovery and publication of a dozen new plant species, with him taking the lead on two research papers. “Setting these goals has not only expanded my photographic portfolio,” Zhou reflects, “but has also deepened my understanding of floral regions and plant taxonomy.” His ambitions are lofty; having already viewed nearly all families of China’s vascular plants by 2021, he aims to photograph over 95 percent of the nation’s genera by 2027.
Professor Liu Bing from the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) corroborates Zhou’s pursuit, citing China’s botanical diversity: 359 families, 3,664 genera, and 35,443 species of vascular plants, excluding mosses.
Zhou’s dedication to botanical photography serves as a testament to the passion and perseverance required to capture the natural world’s intricate beauty. As he continues on his quest, his work not only enriches his own understanding but also contributes significantly to botanical research and conservation efforts nationwide.
