A remarkable discovery has been made in the verdant landscapes of south China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. Chinese researchers have identified a new fern species, named Cyrtomium adenotrichum, adding a significant entry to the botanical world.
Perched on the cliffs of Nandan County in Hechi City, approximately ten wild specimens of Cyrtomium adenotrichum were found by scientists from the Guangxi Institute of Chinese Medicine and Pharmaceutical Science. This remote and rugged habitat underscores the species’ elusive nature.
Recently published in the international journal PhytoKeys, the findings reveal that this species belongs to the family Dryopteridaceae and the genus Cyrtomium. Notably, the plant stands modestly at a height ranging from 5 to 15 centimeters, but what sets it apart is its sparsely glandular leaf axis—a unique structure distinguishing it from its relatives.
Due to its rarity, limited population, and the fragility of its cliffside environment, Cyrtomium adenotrichum has been classified as critically endangered, following the criteria of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species.
“The discovery of Cyrtomium adenotrichum not only enriches the biodiversity of the region but also highlights the importance of conserving these unique habitats,” the researchers noted. They plan to conduct further studies on the biological, ecological, and potential medicinal value of this rare species.
As exploration continues, such discoveries remind us of the rich and often hidden diversity within Asia’s vast landscapes, emphasizing the need for ongoing conservation efforts.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
