Exploring the Fascinating Plant Life of Putaleng’s Ancient Forest

Putaleng is part of the Hoang Lien Son range, the massive mountain system in northern Vietnam. Putaleng Peak reaches 3,049m and is known as the “second roof of Indochina.” With the sharp summit and steep slopes typical of young mountains, the vegetation here changes clearly by elevation. Today, let’s explore Putaleng’s plant system with Tổ Ong.

Putaleng primary forest

1. Vegetation Layers at Putaleng

Putaleng has a cold, rainy climate, and the higher you go, the colder it becomes. Mist and clouds cover the area almost year-round. Overall, the plant system here is among the richest in Vietnam, with more than 2,000 species. Many rare species are listed in Vietnam’s Red Book. Researchers divide the flora here by elevation belts: below 700m, 700–1,700m, 1,700–2,200m, 2,200–2,800m, and above 2,800m. Below 700m, natural forest area is limited, mostly farmland and secondary forest. Above 2,800m, the vegetation is less differentiated because of harsh climate and terrain.

• Below 700mThis area is heavily affected by human activity, so very little primary forest remains. Common forest types at this elevation include low-mountain monsoon evergreen tropical forest, bamboo forest, shrubland, and tropical grassland. Woody plants average around 11m in height with up to two layers. You may still encounter trees up to 25m tall, remnants of the old primary forest.
  • Elevations of 700–1,700m, 1,700–2,200m, and 2,200–2,800m

  At these elevations, the terrain becomes much more rugged. The higher you climb, the more rocky slopes appear, and the area of primary forest increases accordingly. The common forest type here is closed evergreen broadleaf forest with a structure of two to three layers. Average tree height ranges from 15 to 20m. On the slopes, broadleaf forest also mixes with coniferous forest. Some species include pomu, white-striped dẻ tùng, and thông tre. Above 1,700m, you can also easily encounter trees over 30m tall. This elevation is also where dozens of rhododendron species and hundreds of orchid species thrive.

  Areas above 2,000m have low temperatures year-round and high humidity, creating ideal conditions for moss and lichen to grow. Old tree trunks are covered in an ancient-looking green layer. Ferns are also more common on the forest floor, showing that the vegetation in this area remains fairly intact.

  The 2,200–2,800m elevation belt is a transition zone from medium mountains to high mountains. Many primary forests are concentrated in mountain ravines here. Vối thuốc and sặt are common medicinal plants of Putaleng. Vối thuốc is used for burns, poor digestion, bleeding wounds, or bites from poisonous insects. Sặt, which looks quite similar to bamboo, is known for its strong ability to stop bleeding.

Ancient tree trunk at Putaleng

• Above 2,800m

Temperatures on the mountain are cold year-round, while rainfall decreases noticeably. Near the summit, dense forest gradually gives way, and the average tree height becomes lower. The vegetation shifts toward species that resemble temperate plants and represents some of the most pristine vegetation at Putaleng. Under the special conditions of soil, terrain, and climate, dwarf forest nearly dominates this area. Tree trunks average 4 to 6m in height, twisted and rough. Moss and lichen cover the canopy and hang down toward the ground. Bamboo thickets, shrublands, and drought-tolerant grasslands are common along the summit route.

Dwarf forest near the mountain summit

2. Rhododendron Blooming Season

Putaleng is considered a paradise for rhododendrons. From late February to early May, the forests of Putaleng seem to wear a brilliant floral coat. A gentle rhododendron fragrance lingers through the forest. Ancient rhododendron trees covered in moss have stood on this mountain for hundreds of years, through countless seasons of sun, wind, and time.

Rhododendron is a woody plant that grows among many other species at elevations above 1,700m. Its flowers bloom in elegant clusters, standing out against slender, rough branches. At Putaleng, you can find up to 30 rhododendron species distinguished by color. The dominant shade you will easily see is deep pink. Besides pink, rhododendrons also appear in charming red, pure white, youthful yellow, and contemplative purple in various tones.

Flowers near the summit bloom later than those on lower slopes. Specifically, rhododendrons near the summit begin to bloom in late March, while flowers at lower elevations are already fading. To trek Putaleng at the best time for flowers, you should check with local people beforehand.

Deep pink rhododendrons coloring the mountain forest

3. Protecting the Forest Ecology on Putaleng Peak

With its untouched natural beauty, Putaleng attracts more and more visitors. Because of this, protecting the forest ecosystem, especially primary forest, needs serious attention. Local authorities continuously encourage residents to protect forests and farm in a planned way. At the same time, green tourism is receiving more investment. Many local people who know the terrain well have become experienced porters supporting trekkers.

Each of us also needs to act responsibly when visiting this place. We should cherish every branch and blade of grass, and take nothing from the forest that does not belong to us. Let the forest remain green and peaceful, as it has been for so many years.

 

This land, with its precious plant genetic resources, is a gift from Mother Nature. Every branch and blade of grass, however small, is a masterpiece of creation. You have to go there to truly understand how wonderful it is. So take a trekking trip to explore Putaleng Peak with Tổ Ong today.

 

Suggested reading:

Explore the Putaleng Trekking Tour at Tổ Ong Adventure

Top 7 Ky Quan San Trekking Experiences You Should Try

A 3-Day, 4-Night Journey to Conquer Putaleng