Science Foundation in China

The plant genus Metasequoia Miki, 1941 and its sole living relict species Metasequoia glyptostroboides Hu et Cheng, 1948 have been of special interest for both the public and scientists since 1941 when the genus was established. Due to its unique discovery history (fossils discovered earlier than the living species) and incomparable scientific value in the research of plant evolution and its relationship with environmental and climatic changes, Metasequoia becomes arguably the most comprehensively studied higher plant in both fossil and living forms. This paper summarized recent advance in Metasequoia research by reviewing the research history of Metasequoia and the scientific value of this genus, while paid special attention to the application of new methods and techniques in the research field of Metasequoia in the recent decades. The application of biogeochemical (organic geochemistry and stable isotope) analysis as well as the new and innovated methods of preparing large-sized cuticular membrane from leaves with originally thin and fragile cuticles further secure Metasequoia's super star status for the research of palaeoclimatic reconstruction.