Researchers from the Academy of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences of Qianxinan recently identified Neocinnamomum citratum, a new plant species with a distinctive lemon fragrance, in the limestone mountains of Xingyi Global Geopark in Guizhou Province in the Chinese mainland.
Published this month in the international plant taxonomy journal PhytoKeys, the study details how the research team initially mistook the plant for lemon trees due to its strong citrus scent. Morphological analysis confirmed that its unique aroma and leaf and flower structures set it apart from known species.
Neocinnamomum citratum thrives in evergreen forests at altitudes of 1,000 to 1,300 meters. The team recorded over 100 individuals across five sites, highlighting the plant’s rarity and the ecological richness of the region.
Local villagers have long used its leaves and branches as a spice, pointing to potential applications in food flavoring and the broader spice market. “This discovery not only expands our botanical records but also opens doors for sustainable use of native resources,” said a lead researcher.
Since March 2024, Xingyi Global Geopark has been part of UNESCO’s Global Geoparks Network, renowned for its Triassic fossil sites and dramatic karst landscapes. The discovery of Neocinnamomum citratum underscores the park’s role as a living laboratory for biodiversity and sustainable tourism.
As we look to the future, this lemon-scented newcomer could inspire new eco-friendly products and support local economies, while reminding global citizens of the untapped wonders in the world’s wild places.
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New plant species with lemon fragrance discovered in China's Guizhou
cgtn.com
