Chinese botanists have uncovered a new species of Impatiens in the lush landscapes of southwest China’s Guizhou Province. Named Impatiens beipanjiangensis, the species was first discovered by a team of researchers during a field survey in October 2019 in the Beipanjiang River Basin in Panzhou City.
The delicate yellow flowers of Impatiens beipanjiangensis have now been officially described in the recent edition of the journal PhytoKeys. Xu Jian, a researcher with the Guizhou Botanical Garden and a member of the discovery team, expressed excitement over the find, noting its significance for the region’s biodiversity.
“Discovering a new species is always thrilling,” Xu said. “This adds to our understanding of the rich plant diversity in Guizhou Province and underscores the importance of conservation efforts in these ecosystems.”
Impatiens, commonly known as touch-me-not or snapweed, is a genus of more than 1,000 species, many of which are prized for their ornamental value. The discovery of Impatiens beipanjiangensis contributes to the botanical community’s knowledge of this diverse genus.
The Beipanjiang River Basin, characterized by its unique karst landscapes and rich biodiversity, has been a hotspot for botanical research. The region’s diverse habitats provide a haven for a variety of plant species, some of which are endemic to the area.
Researchers hope that the discovery of Impatiens beipanjiangensis will highlight the ecological value of the Beipanjiang River Basin and encourage continued efforts to study and protect its unique ecosystems.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
