A grouping of "ghost plants", a near-threatened species of vegetation, was recently discovered in a forest in northwest China's Shaanxi, demonstrating the success of the province's efforts to preserve pristine woodlands. In Chengguan Town, Zhenping County in Shaanxi, a villager recently discovered more than 20 completely white, almost transparent plants in a forest. The villager immediately contacted the county forestry department to identify the mysterious plant. "This plant is known as the 'ghost plant'. It was listed in the China’s Red List of Biodiversity: Higher Plants in 2013 for its exceptionally high ecological indicator value, and classified as 'national-level near threatened.' It is a herbaceous perennial saprophyte in the Ericaceae family, not an orchid," said Li Jianjun, staff member of Zhenping County Forestry Bureau. The "ghost plant" emerges above ground for only 40 days annually. This rare plant is found only in dense, dark forests characterized by high canopy density, high humidity, and a deep humus layer. SHOTLIST: Chengguan Town, Zhenping County, Ankang City, Shaanxi Province, northwest China - Recent 1. Aerial shot of forest, village; 2. Various of forest staff observing ghost plant; 3. Various of ghost plant; 4. SOUNDBITE (Chinese) Li Jianjun, staff member, Zhenping County Forestry Bureau (starting with shot 3/ending with shot 5): "This plant is known as the 'ghost plant'. It was listed in the China's Red List of Biodiversity: Higher Plants in 2013 for its exceptionally high ecological indicator value, and classified as 'national-level near threatened.' It is a herbaceous perennial saprophyte in the Ericaceae family, not an orchid."; 5. Various of ghost plant; 6. Aerial shot of forest, village. [Restrictions: No access Chinese mainland]