A team of Chinese researchers has discovered a new plant species belonging to the Rubiaceae family in Yunnan Province, southwest China. The discovery was made during a botanical expedition to a local nature reserve, highlighting the province’s rich and diverse ecosystem.
The researchers, from the Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden (XTBG) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), collected the previously unknown species while exploring the region’s dense forests. After extensive examination and comparison with existing species, they confirmed that the plant was indeed a new addition to the Rubiaceae family.
The findings have been published in the journal Phytotaxa, providing detailed descriptions and classifications of the new species. The Rubiaceae family, commonly known as the coffee, madder, or bedstraw family, is one of the largest families of flowering plants, and the discovery adds to the understanding of its diversity.
Yunnan Province is renowned for its rich biodiversity, owing to its complex terrain and varied climate. The discovery underscores the importance of ongoing scientific exploration in the region, which continues to yield significant botanical findings.
The team from XTBG hopes that the discovery will draw attention to the need for conservation efforts in Yunnan’s ecosystems, which are home to numerous unique plant and animal species. Such efforts are crucial for preserving the natural heritage and potential resources that these ecosystems offer.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
