The reason why the stones in "Hongshitan" turn red is still a controversial topic to this day. Some botanists say that this is because the climate here is suitable for the growth of red moss species and they attach to rocks; Some biologists say that it was formed by a lower organism growing on stones; Geologists also say that the high mineral content in the rocks here is due to the special terrain and climate conditions.

Dr. Liu Guoxiang named this algae "Qiaoli Orange Algae". It has the following differences compared to traditional green algae: a completely different color; Its main stem is root shaped, with only a unilateral branching structure; It can only grow on hard rocks above an altitude of 2100 meters and is highly sensitive to air, altitude, humidity, and temperature. This newly discovered algae belongs to aerial filamentous green algae, with a bright red outer layer rich in astaxanthin. This carotenoid can help orange algae resist strong ultraviolet radiation in high-altitude areas.

However, the information we currently have is limited to its structure and family. Its changing history, growth and reproduction laws are still a mystery, and there is no consensus in the scientific community. Where do these red stones come from? Are they varieties that have survived through natural selection in ancient times, or are they ordinary green algae that have undergone genetic mutations due to certain special natural events? We have no way of knowing, and we are waiting for you to further explore