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This study mapped potential areas for planting golden camellias in Cao Bang province, North Vietnam. Natural conditions (elevation above sea level, annual precipitation, and annual air temperature), where 6 golden camellia species (Camellia impressinervis, C. kirinoi, C. megasepala, C. tuyenquangensis, C. hamyenensis, and C. tienii) naturally distribute, were used for mapping. Three map layers (topography, precipitation, and air temperature) were used. Each main condition was classified into 3 levels for planting, “not suitable”, “suitable”, and “very suitable”. The results indicated that 1,970 ha, accounting for 0.3 % of the total land area of Cao Bang province, was classified as “very suitable” for planting golden camellias. “Suitable” areas counted for 62.7 %, and “not suitable” areas accounted for 37 % of the total land area, respectively. Mapping suitable planting areas is the 1st step for the successful planting of any species. It is recommended that golden camellias should be first planted in very suitable areas, after which planting may be extended to some suitable areas.

Plus tree selection is the first step to improve production and quality in forestry. An individual-based method is widely used to select plus trees for timber production, timber form, freedom from diseases and insects. In this study, a method to select plus trees for flower production is described and named as a crown-area-based method. Both individual-based and crown-area-based methods were used to select plus trees for Camellia impressinervis, a golden camellia; its yellow flowers have been used to treat sore throat and diarrhea, and to prevent cancers in China and Vietnam. Flower production of 21 concerned individuals was compared to the population mean and it was generated as a percentage. The population mean of the individual-based method is the mean of production of 21 trees as mean production/tree. While population mean of the crown-area-based method is mean production/m2 crown area (first production/m2 crown area for each tree was generated, then mean for population). The results indicated that both methods show seven individual trees with flower production >100% population mean. However, individual trees are different. Only five of 7 trees are the same in both methods. The tree rankings by flower production percentage in both methods are totally different. The highest ranking by individual-based method (310% mean) is 4th ranking by crown-area-based method (181% mean). While the highest ranking by crown-area-based method (270% mean) is third ranking by individual-based method (260% mean). It is concluded that crown-area-based method is better in selecting plus trees for flower purpose, as it considers the crown area which is known as a productive part of a tree to form flowers.

Net primary production (NPP) is an important index for understanding carbon cycling in forest ecosystems. In this study, aboveground NPP at Acacia mangium plantation was estimated basing on allometry for aboveground biomass increment (ΔM) and litter trap technique for litterfall (Lf). The experiment was conducted in two plots of 300 m2 each (15 × 20 m), established at a 21-month old plantation. Data were collected five times of 3-month intervals in a total duration of 357 days. The results indicated that Lf and ΔM were seasonal-dependent. Litterfall was highest (4.06 g m-1 day-1) during Sep-Jan (late rainy season, early winter) and lowest (1.10 g m-1 day-1) during Mar-Jun (early rainy season, early summer). While, ΔM was highest (13.51 g m-1 day-1) during Jun-Sep (rainy season, summer) and lowest (3.10 g m-1 day-1) during Jan-Mar (dry season, winter). Total Lf in a duration of 357 days was 9.69 tons ha-1 and ΔM was 27.71 tons ha-1, leading to total aboveground NPP of the present study plantation of 37.40 tons ha-1. It is concluded that aboveground NPP of acacia plantation was much higher than other forests of different types and ages around the world. Such difference indicates the importance of acacia plantation in soil nutrient cycling through litterfall decomposition and carbon sequestration through aboveground biomass increment.

Golden camellias or yellow camellias are species belonging to genus Camellia L., family Theaceae. Fifty two species were described in southern China and Vietnam. Active ingredients such as polysaccharides, polyphenols, saponins, and flavonoids are well known characteristics of golden camellias. Its leaves and flowers have been long traditionally used for health improvement. It was found to be able to inhibit transplanted cancer, lower blood pressure, lower blood lipid, lower cholesterol, and prevent atherosclerosis. Currently, it costs 320–700US$ per one kg of dry flowers. Such price attracts many local ethnic people to plant golden camellias for poverty reduction. This work reviews (1) species and natural distribution, (2) uses and healthcare values, (3) techniques for seedling production, planting and tending, and (4) opportunities and challenges for future development of golden camellias.