This is a deciduous tree and belongs to the Betulaceae family, which is endemic to China. In 1930, it was discovered by the renowned taxonomist Zhong Kuangguang. At present, there is only one known specimen of this species in the wild. Located on Putuo Island in Zhejiang province, it is estimated to be 250 years old. Due to its rarity, the plant, aka the Putuo Hornbeam, is known as the "Single Child of the Earth". It is listed as critically endangered by the IUCN. Its seeds were sent into space as part of a breeding experiment aboard Tiangong I, the Chinese space station launched in September 2011.