Endangered Tree Research Articles

Temporal Variation of Litterfall and Nutrient Return of Serianthes nelsonii Merr. in a Tropical Karst Forest.

Trees contribute to ecosystem nutrient cycling through the amount, timing, and composition of litterfall. Understanding the nature of this contribution from endangered tree species may aid in species and habitat recovery efforts. Serianthes nelsonii is an endangered tree species from the Mariana Islands, and little is known about litterfall dynamics. The timing of leaf, fruit, and stem litterfall was determined to more fully understand the return of nutrients via litter. The total annual litterfall was 272.8 g·m−2, with 45% represented by leaves, 48% represented by stems, and 7% represented by fruits. Stem litterfall weight contrasted more from month to month than the other organs, and leaf litterfall exhibited the most even distribution throughout the year. The timing of fruit and stem litterfall was influenced by the timing of extreme wind events. Leaf litter contributed nutrients in the following order: carbon > calcium > nitrogen > potassium > magnesium > iron > phosphorus > manganese > boron > zinc > copper. Fruit and stem litter contributed nutrients in the following order: carbon > calcium > nitrogen > magnesium > potassium > phosphorus > iron > manganese > boron > zinc > copper. Based on carbon/nitrogen, the stem litter exhibited the lowest quality and leaf litter exhibited the highest quality for speed of nutrient release via decomposition. Conservationists may use this knowledge to more fully integrate S. nelsonii trees into habitat management plans.

Complete plastid genome of Litsea honghoensis Liou 1933, an endangered evergreen species in China

Litsea honghoensis Liou is an endangered tree endemic to south China. In this study, the first complete plastid genome of L. honghoensis was presented, which had a length of 152,605 base pairs (bp) with a GC content of 39.20%. The genome consisted of a large single-copy (LSC) region of 93,560 bp, a small single-copy (SSC) region of 18,905 bp, and two inverted repeat regions (IRa and IRb) of 20,070 bp. There were 125 genes in the plastid genome, including 81 protein-coding genes, 36 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes, and eight ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes. Phylogenomic analysis based on 52 complete plastomes of Laureae in the family Lauraceae supports the close relationships among L. honghoensis, Lindera communis, Lindera nacusua, Lindera angustifolia, and Lindera glauca.

In vitro propagation of Elaeocarpus gaussenii Weibel: A critically endangered tree of Southern Western Ghats

Elaeocarpus gaussenii Weibel. is a critically endangered tree species in Megamalai Wildlife Sanctuary, Southern Western Ghats, Tamil Nadu, India. This tree has been reported as extinct and collected only by the type specimen due to poor seed germination, endosperm hardness and rigid seed coat. The present study has attempted to develop a micropropagation protocol for E.gaussenii with Woody Plant Medium (WPM) supplemented by different concentrations (0.1–2.0 mg−1) and combinations of BA (6-Benzyl Amino Purine), KIN (Kinetin), TDZ (Thidizuron), IAA (Indole-3-acetic acid), IBA(indole 3-butyric acid) and NAA (Naphthalene acetic acid) alone and various combinations with activated charcoal (1 g−1). The maximum cotyledon germination (97%) was observed on the medium containing KIN + IBA (2.0 + 0.5 mg-1). The best multiple shoot induction (7.6 numbers) with shoot length (8.3 cm) was recorded on IBA + KIN + AD (0.4 + 2.0 mg-1) and maximum root induction (67%) with roots length (3.6 cm) was obtained on WPM with IBA (0.5 mg-1). The rooted plantlets were transferred to pots containing autoclaved garden soil and sand (2:1). About the survival rate, of 80% was successfully recorded in field conditions.

Transcriptome Analysis and Intraspecific Variation in Spanish Fir (Abies pinsapo Boiss.).

Spanish fir (Abies pinsapo Boiss.) is an endemic, endangered tree that has been scarcely investigated at the molecular level. In this work, the transcriptome of Spanish fir was assembled, providing a large catalog of expressed genes (22,769), within which a high proportion were full-length transcripts (12,545). This resource is valuable for functional genomics studies and genome annotation in this relict conifer species. Two intraspecific variations of A. pinsapo can be found within its largest population at the Sierra de las Nieves National Park: one with standard green needles and another with bluish-green needles. To elucidate the causes of both phenotypes, we studied different physiological and molecular markers and transcriptome profiles in the needles. “Green” trees showed higher electron transport efficiency and enhanced levels of chlorophyll, protein, and total nitrogen in the needles. In contrast, needles from “bluish” trees exhibited higher contents of carotenoids and cellulose. These results agreed with the differential transcriptomic profiles, suggesting an imbalance in the nitrogen status of “bluish” trees. Additionally, gene expression analyses suggested that these differences could be associated with different epigenomic profiles. Taken together, the reported data provide new transcriptome resources and a better understanding of the natural variation in this tree species, which can help improve guidelines for its conservation and the implementation of adaptive management strategies under climatic change.

Identifying Suitable Restoration and Conservation Areas for Dracaena cinnabari Balf.f. in Socotra, Yemen

We examine the distribution of Dracaena cinnabari, the Socotran Dragon’s Blood Tree, an endangered species endemic to the island of Socotra (Yemen)—and we propose an accessibility approach to its conservation, taking the proximity of local communities and land users into account. Using the present occurrence of D. cinnabari, we applied a machine learning algorithm (random forest classifier) to estimate the potential distribution of the species across the island (overall validation accuracy of 0.91) based on available climatic and physiographic parameters. In parallel, we used an accessibility methodology to generate a map of the energy cost of accessing potential areas from the villages. This community-focused accessibility map, combined with the potential distribution map of Dracaena cinnabari, could contribute to decision-making processes related to long-term ecological restoration and reforestation activities. With our case study, we wish to emphasize that user-focused efforts and the implementation of sustainable land practices should play key roles in conserving endangered tree species.

The impact of climate change on the distribution of rare and endangered tree Firmiana kwangsiensis using the Maxent modeling.

The upsurge in anthropogenic climate change has accelerated the habitat loss and fragmentation of wild animals and plants. The rare and endangered plants are important biodiversity elements. However, the lack of comprehensive and reliable information on the spatial distribution of these organisms has hampered holistic and efficient conservation management measures. We explored the consequences of climate change on the geographical distribution of Firmiana kwangsiensis (Malvaceae), an endangered species, to provide a reference for conservation, introduction, and cultivation of this species in new ecological zones. Modeling of the potential distribution of F. kwangsiensis under the current and two future climate scenarios in maximum entropy was performed based on 30 occurrence records and 27 environmental variables of the plant. We found that precipitation‐associated and temperature‐associated variables limited the potentially suitable habitats for F. kwangsiensis. Our model predicted 259,504 km2 of F. kwangsiensis habitat based on 25 percentile thresholds. However, the high suitable habitat for F. kwangsiensis is only about 41,027 km2. F. kwangsiensis is most distributed in Guangxi's protected areas. However, the existing reserves are only 2.7% of the total suitable habitat and 4.2% of the high suitable habitat for the plant, lower than the average protection area in Guangxi (7.2%). This means the current protected areas network is insufficient, underlining the need for alternative conservation mechanisms to protect the plant habitat. Our findings will help identify additional F. kwangsiensis localities and potential habitats and inform the development and implementation of conservation, management, and cultivation practices of such rare tree species.

Performance comparison of RGB and multispectral vegetation indices based on machine learning for estimating Hopea hainanensis SPAD values under different shade conditions.

Reasonable cultivation is an important part of the protection work of endangered species. The timely and nondestructive monitoring of chlorophyll can provide a basis for the accurate management and intelligent development of cultivation. The image analysis method has been applied in the nutrient estimation of many economic crops, but information on endangered tree species is seldom reported. Moreover, shade control, as the common seedling management measure, has a significant impact on chlorophyll, but shade levels are rarely discussed in chlorophyll estimation and are used as variables to improve model accuracy. In this study, 2-year-old seedlings of tropical and endangered Hopea hainanensis were taken as the research object, and the SPAD value was used to represent the relative chlorophyll content. Based on the performance comparison of RGB and multispectral (MS) images using different algorithms, a low-cost SPAD estimation method combined with a machine learning algorithm that is adaptable to different shade conditions was proposed. The SPAD values changed significantly at different shade levels (p < 0.01), and 50% shade in the orthographic direction was conducive to chlorophyll accumulation in seedling leaves. The coefficient of determination (R2), root mean square error (RMSE), and average absolute percent error (MAPE) were used as indicators, and the models with dummy variables or random effects of shade greatly improved the goodness of fit, allowing better adaption to monitoring under different shade conditions. Most of the RGB and MS vegetation indices (VIs) were significantly correlated with the SPAD values, but some VIs exhibited multicollinearity (variance inflation factor (VIF) > 10). Among RGB VIs, RGRI had the strongest correlation, but multiple VIs filtered by the Lasso algorithm had a stronger ability to interpret the SPAD data, and there was no multicollinearity (VIF < 10). A comparison of the use of multiple VIs to estimate SPAD indicated that Random forest (RF) had the highest fitting ability, followed by Support vector regression (SVR), linear mixed effect model (LMM), and ordinary least squares regression (OLR). In addition, the performance of MS VIs was superior to that of RGB VIs. The R2 of the optimal model reached 0.9389 for the modeling samples and 0.8013 for the test samples. These findings reinforce the effectiveness of using VIs to estimate the SPAD value of H. hainanensis under different shade conditions based on machine learning and provide a reference for the selection of image data sources.

RAD-sequencing improves the genetic characterization of a threatened tree peony (Paeonia ludlowii) endemic to China: Implications for conservation

Compared with traditional genetic markers, genomic approaches have proved valuable to the conservation of endangered species. Paeonia ludlowii having rarely and pure yellow flowers, is one of the world's most famous tree peonies. However, only several wild populations remain in the Yarlung Zangbo Valley (Nyingchi and Shannan regions, Xizang) in China due to increasing anthropogenic impact on the natural habitats. We used genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphisms to elucidate the spatial pattern of genetic variation, population structure and demographic history of P. ludlowii from the fragmented region comprising the entire range of this species, aiming to provide a basis for conserving the genetic resources of this species. Unlike genetic uniformity among populations revealed in previous studies, we found low but varied levels of intra-population genetic diversity, in which lower genetic diversity was detected in the population in Shannan region compared to those in Nyingzhi region. These spatial patterns may be likely associated with different population sizes caused by micro-environment differences in these two regions. Additionally, low genetic differentiation among populations (Fst = 0.0037) were detected at the species level. This line of evidence, combined with the result of significant genetic differentiation between the two closest populations and lack of isolation by distance, suggested that shared ancestry among now remnant populations rather than contemporary genetic connectivity resulted in subtle population structure. Demographic inference suggested that P. ludlowii probably experienced a temporal history of sharp population decline during the period of Last Glacial Maximum, and a subsequent bottleneck event resulting from prehistoric human activities on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. All these events, together with current habitat fragment and excavation might contribute to the endangered status of P. ludlowii. Our study improved the genetic characterization of the endangered tree peony (P. ludlowii) in China, and these genetic inferences should be considered when making different in situ and ex situ conservation actions for P. ludlowii in this evolutionary hotspot region.

Complete mitochondrial genome sequence of Acer miaotaiense (Aceraceae)

Acer miaotaiense P. C. Tsoong is a rare and endangered tree endemic to the Qinling Mountains of China and is listed as a national third-class protected plant. In this study, we sequenced the complete mitochondrial genome of Acer miaotaiense using the Illumina Novaseq 6000 and Nanopore platforms. The total mitochondrial genome length is 819,227 bp and has 69 genes, including 41 protein-coding, 25 tRNA, and 3 rRNA genes. The genome nucleotide composition was asymmetric, with an overall G + C content of 45.7%. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that Acer miaotaiense is closely related to the congeneric Acer yangbiense.

Storytalk and complex constructions of nonhuman agency

Abstract Recent work in environmental philosophy has uncoupled the notion of agency from the human domain, arguing that the efficacy of nonhuman entities and processes can also be construed as a form of “agency.” In this paper, we study discursive constructions of nonhuman agency as they appear in a set of interviews revolving around fictional narratives. The participants were asked to read microfiction engaging with the nonhuman perspectives of entities such as a melting glacier or an endangered tree species. The analysis of the interviews centers on “complex” attributions of nonhuman agency – that is, attributions that involve a combination of agencies attributed to the nonhuman. We show that these complex attributions emerge more frequently in discussing the story (what we call the “storytalk”) than elsewhere in the interviews. We also explore the way in which such complex constructions of nonhuman agency challenge widespread assumptions about the natural world.

The First Ex-Situ Germination and Dispersal Mechanisms of the Rare, Critically Endangered Tree, Pleodendron costaricense

Background and Research aims The extinction of relict and rare tree species is accelerated by habitat loss and climate change. Pleodendron costaricense is a critically endangered tree, with only four mature individuals known in Southern Pacific Costa Rica. With the discovery of three additional trees, we set out to learn more about P. costaricense’s natural history and attempt the first successful germination. Methods We collected fruits from two trees and carried out preliminary germination trials in a nursery at the study site. We also used camera traps in one of the fruiting mother-trees to understand natural dispersal mechanisms of the species. Results Although plagued by excessive levels of invertebrate predation, we were able to germinate and produce 59 saplings ready for restoration planting. Five mammal species were detected on the camera traps feeding on the fruits, along with one primate potentially using the fruits as a topical medicine. Conclusion P. costaricense can be propagated ex-situ, potentially with greater success using stimulating hormones. To improve production rates, future efforts should focus on the protection of germinating seeds and saplings from seed predators. We also identified numerous potential natural mammalian seed dispersers, mostly in the family Procyonidae. Implications for Conservation Given the propagation knowledge we have developed, the active restoration efforts of the saplings by Osa Conservation to help increase population numbers, and the strict protection of the two fruiting mother trees, there is now the possibility to attain a positive conservation outcome for this critically endangered species.

A chromosome-level genome assembly of Artocarpus nanchuanensis (Moraceae), an extremely endangered fruit tree.

Artocarpus nanchuanensis (Moraceae), which is naturally distributed in China, is a representative and extremely endangered tree species. In this study, we obtained a high-quality chromosome-scale genome assembly and annotation information for A. nanchuanensis using integrated approaches, including Illumina, Nanopore sequencing platform, and Hi-C. A total of 128.71 Gb of raw Nanopore reads were generated from 20-kb libraries, and 123.38 Gb of clean reads were obtained after filtration with 160.34× coverage depth and a 17.48-kb average read length. The final assembled A. nanchuanensis genome was 769.44 Mb with a 2.09 Mb contig N50, and 99.62% (766.50 Mb) of the assembled data was assigned to 28 pseudochromosomes.In total, 39,596 genes (95.10%, 39,596/41,636) were successfully annotated, and 129 metabolic pathways were detected. Plants disease resistance/insect resistance genes, plant–pathogen interaction metabolic pathways, and abundant biosynthesis pathways of vitamins, flavonoid, and gingerol were detected. Unigene reveals the basis of species-specific functions, and gene family in contraction and expansion generally implies strong functional differences in the evolution. Compared with other related species, a total of 512 unigenes, 309 gene families in contraction, and 559 gene families in expansion were detected in A. nanchuanensis.This A. nanchuanensis genome information provides an important resource to expand our understanding of the unique biological processes, nutritional and medicinal benefits, and evolutionary relationship of this species. The study of gene function and metabolic pathway in A. nanchuanensis may reveal the theoretical basis of a special trait in A. nanchuanensis and promote the study and utilization of its rare medicinal value.

Linking species distribution and territorial planning to the management of the endangered Gonopterodendron sarmientoi in native forests of the Chaco region, Argentina

For management and conservation strategies in the long term is necessary to know the species distribution and main biophysical aspects that determine the structure and dynamics of the forest. The aim of this work was to determine the potential and current spatial distribution of Gonopterodendron sarmientoi, an emblematic and endangered tree species of the Dry Chaco. A further aim was to superimpose the distribution of G. sarmientoi, with the zonation in the current Territorial Planning of Native Forests (OTBN, its acronym in Spanish) to provide basic information for conservation and management of the species. For this, a Maxent model was developed to quantify the relationship between G. sarmientoi occurrence and key environmental variables (including water, topography, and climate as a variables). G. sarmientoi’s habitat was mainly influenced by precipitation variables, and secondarily by temperature variables. Considering the OTBN defined by the local forest authority, of the current area of G. sarmientoi (2,477,009 ha), the majority (57.9%) corresponded to the yellow category (forest areas with medium conservation value) and only 10.6% to the red category (high conservation value). It is important to note that around 600,686 ha (24.3%) of native forest with G. sarmientoi is in the green category (low conservation value) subject to change in land use, and 178,107 ha was uncategorized forest (7.2%). For effective management and conservation strategies, the current habitat distribution map of G. sarmientoi provides decision-makers an opportunity to review and adjust the native forests zoning at a provincial scale within the framework of the OTBN, mainly the green category (legal deforestation) with the occurrence of the endangered G. sarmientoi.

ASSESSMENT OF ENDANGERED ECONOMIC TREE SPECIES AND CONSERVATION TECHNIQUES IN JIGAWA STATE, NIGERIA

This study focused on assessment of endangered tree species and conservation strategies in Jigawa State, Nigeria. Multistage sample design was used, while four agricultural zones (Brinin-kudu , Gumel, Hadejia , Kazaure) were considered for the study. One hundred and sixty (320) questionnaires were administered and forty (80) structured questionnaires were distributed to each agricultural zone. Red list indicator was use as a guide to determine the conservation status. Tree species assessed include: Tamarindus indica, Adansonia digitata, Parkia biglobosa, Vitellaria paradoxa, Hyphaene thebaica, Faidherbia albida, Khaya senegalensis and Borassus aethiopica were the most commonly exploited and endangered economic tree species which were used either as fuel wood, timber, mortar and pestle, medicinal purpose, local house furniture, and thus, are considered to be a threat to sustainable environmental and ecosystem management in the study area. However, results show that deforestation had high rate, followed by overgrazing. low level of education, poverty, unemployment, bush clearing and bush burning are identified as the major factors that are responsible for the involvement of old and young people in the destruction of these endangered economic species tree in Dutse, Jigawa State, Nigeria. Environmental education was chosen the best conservation strategy followed by habitat protection. Law enforcement had least value on the protection of these endangered species. Therefore, it is recommended that forest science and environmental education should be taught at different levels of formal learning; also reliable and cheap sources of alternative energy must be provided, government should recruit forest guard officers, enforce the forest law and fine against the indiscriminate felling of trees and encourage tree planting campaign in the State.

Влияние изменения климата на растительность Апшеронского полуострова

Climate change is one of the global problems of modern times, and the increase in the average annual temperature in our country over the past 100 years to 0.4–1.3 °C has affected the structure and function of cultural ecosystems in the Absheron Peninsula. In order to study the impact of climate change on the peninsula, dendrochronological and dendroclimatological studies were conducted, forest assessments were analyzed. The study found that the increase in carbon dioxide in forests due to climate change in the Greater and Lesser Caucasus has affected the growth dynamics, phenology, growth, root system and productivity of plants. The increase in CO2 in the Greater Caucasus is due to the endemic, rare, endangered tree plants of Azerbaijan Quercus castaneifolia C. A. Mey., Parrotia persica (DC.) C. A. Mey., Carpinus betulus L., Pinus eldarica Medw., and others. manifests itself more in species. As a result of warming observed in forests in the northern regions of the Greater Caucasus, an increase in the annual ring remnants of young trees was observed in 2010–2020 compared to 1850. Rapid growth of plants was observed in the early stages of plant growth in areas where the concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere increased. At the same time, it should be noted that the excessive increase in CO2 in forests caused drought stress in July and August. Although climate change has affected the physiology and growth of trees in the study, increasing ozone in the area balances it by resisting the positive effects of CO2.

The complete chloroplast genome sequence of Magnolia coriacea (Magnoliaceae), a critically endangered endemic to China

Magnolia coriacea, Chang et B. L. (Magnoliaceae) is a critically endangered tree, endemic to Yunnan province, China. In this study, the complete chloroplast genome of M. coriacea was sequenced and analyzed. The total chloroplast genome size of M. coriacea is 160,113 bp, including a pair of inverted repeat regions (IRs, 26,576 bp) separated by a large single-copy (LSC, 88,175 bp) region and a small single-copy region (SSC, 18,786 bp). The complete chloroplast genome contains 86 protein-coding (PCGs), 37 transfer RNA (tRNAs), and 8 ribosomal RNA (rRNAs) genes. The phylogenetic analysis showed that M. coriacea is closely related to M. cathcartii. This study contributes to the bioinformatics on the evolution, genetic, conservation, and molecular biology for future studies of Magnoliaceae.

A phytosociological study of a lowland forest at the Tesso Nilo National Park, Riau.

A phytosociological study of a lowland forest was carried out at the Tesso Nilo National Park (TNNP), Riau. The objective of the study was to obtain quantitative data on the floristic composition and structure of the above-mentioned lowland forest. By establishing a plot of 1.0 ha, the quadrat method was used to collect the data. We recorded a total of 1,303 individuals of trees and saplings with diameters ≥ 2 cm, comprising 304 species, 153 genera, and 62 families. Using the dominance and density of two tree species, the forest community in the plot can be designated as Sloetia elongata-Pimelodendron griffithianum Association. The species sharing the dominance were Sloetia elongata (Importance Value, IV = 14.43), Pimelodendron griffithianum (IV = 6.17), Santiria laevigata (IV = 5.45) and Xylopia caudata (IV = 5.17). Diameter records showed that 80% of trees in the plot were dominated by small individuals with diameters between 10-30 cm. Trees with diameters 30 cm were Dracaena cf. porteri (diam. 75.6 cm), Artocarpus elasticus (63.3 cm), and Ctenolophon parviflorus (62.1 cm). Dipterocarp species was not important since they contributed only 4%, while non-dipterocarps shared 96% comprising 61 families. The highest basal area was shared by nine species, including one dipterocarp, Shorea leprosula. Several dipterocarp species occurring in TNNP have been listed in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, including Anisoptera megistocarpa, Hopea ferruginea, Hopea pachycarpa, Shorea atrinervosa, Shorea faguetiana, Shorea lepidota and Vatica gamosepala. The presence of a large number of small trees and a few large trees indicated that the forest in the plot was regenerating after heavy disturbances. Regenerating species were divided into five categories, in which 13 species were regenerating well with Sloetia elongata being the best regenerating species while dipterocarps were represented by Shorea acuminata. The occurrence of the majority of trees with a height of 20 m further confirmed the dynamic status of the forest. The importance of primary and secondary forests in TNNP was discussed. Restoration to the original forest was recommended by planting primary forest species, including endemic, rare, and endangered tree species.

Optimization of power transmission line location at tropical forest area in avoiding endangered tree species

Optimization of power transmission line location at tropical forest area in avoiding endangered tree species

Range shifts in butternut, a rare, endangered tree, in response to past climate and modern conditions

AbstractAimRange shifts are a key process that determine species distributions and genetic patterns. A previous investigation reported that Juglans cinerea (butternut) has lower genetic diversity at higher latitudes, hypothesized to be the result of range shifts following the last glacial period. However, genetic patterns can also be impacted by modern ecogeographical conditions. Therefore, we re‐investigate the genetic patterns of butternut with additional northern population sampling, hindcasted species distribution models and fossil pollen records to clarify the impact of glaciation on butternut.LocationEastern North America.TaxonJuglans cinerea (L., Juglandaceae) (butternut).MethodsUsing 11 microsatellites, we examined range‐wide spatial patterns of genetic diversity (allelic richness, heterozygosity, FST) for 1004 previously studied butternut individuals and an additional 757 samples. We constructed hindcast species distribution models and mapped fossil pollen records to evaluate habitat suitability and evidence of species' presence throughout space and time.ResultsContrary to previous work on butternut, we found that genetic diversity increased with distance to range edge, and previously observed latitudinal clines in diversity were likely due to a few outlier populations. Populations in New Brunswick, Canada were genetically distinct from other populations. At the Last Glacial Maximum, pollen records demonstrate butternut likely persisted near the glacial margin, and hindcast species distribution models identified suitable habitat in the southern United States and near Nova Scotia.Main conclusionsGenetic patterns in butternut may be shaped by both glaciation and modern environmental conditions. Pollen records and hindcast species distribution models combined with genetic distinctiveness in New Brunswick suggest that butternut may have persisted in cryptic northern refugia. We suggest that thorough sampling across a species range and evaluating multiple lines of evidence are essential to understanding past species movements.

Phosphorus fertilization of Phoebe zhennan seedlings under drought reduces nitrogen assimilation

Phosphorus (P) limitation and water stress can affect trees’ growth, yet differing levels of nutrition under drought may have negative or positive effects on their growth and metabolism. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of P nutrition upon growth and metabolism in drought-stressed Phoebe zhennan (an endangered forest tree species) seedlings, to provide a basis for strengthening its conservation in the face of future climate change. A complete randomized design was used to investigate the effects of four different levels of P fertilization (no P, low P, moderate P, and high P) under water stress on the growth, photosynthesis, and nitrogen metabolism of P. zhennan. Drought-stressed seedlings under high P (HP) application had enhanced growth, while moderate P (MP) application improved their root biomass and leaf area only, whereas low P (LP) did not significantly affect any growth trait. Moreover, HP fertilization had positive effects on leaf relative water contents (LRWCs), while HP and MP both significantly improved photosynthetic traits vis-à-vis non-fertilized seedlings. The concentration of soluble sugars was significantly higher in non-fertilized than fertilized seedlings as were nitrogenous compounds (NO3 − and NH4 +) and nitrogen metabolic enzymes (NR, GDH, GOGAT, and GS) activities. Both NO3 −and NH4 +concentrations were significantly decreased under HP application compared with the non-fertilized counterparts. The plant traits improved under HP application counteracted the adverse impact of low nitrate availability and promoted seedling growth. Low-dose fertilization produces depressive effects in P. zhennan, but a high P concentration can overcome those negative effects to improve growth.