In a fascinating blend of nature and poetry, Chinese researchers have introduced a new plant species named Thismia jinzun, inspired by the golden goblet described in the masterpieces of renowned poet Li Bai (701-762).
The rare discovery was made in the Jianfengling section of Hainan Tropical Rainforest National Park, located in the heart of Hainan Province, south China. This newly identified species belongs to the Thismia genus, known for its stringent environmental needs and predominance in tropical regions.
Xu Han, a researcher from the Research Institute of Tropical Forestry at the Chinese Academy of Forestry, highlights that the Thismia genus thrives primarily in tropical climates, with only a few species found in subtropical and warm temperate zones. Hainan's unique ecological landscape offers the perfect habitat for this plant, solidifying the island's status as a biodiversity hotspot for the genus within China.
Globally, there are 107 recognized species of Thismia, with nine previously recorded in China. The discovery of Thismia jinzun not only adds to this number but also underscores the significant strides made in conserving Hainan's tropical montane rainforests. Yang Haijun, a researcher from South China Agricultural University and the lead author of the study published in the international journal Phytotaxa, emphasizes that these conservation efforts have greatly enhanced local plant diversity and expanded the genetic resources of wild plants in the region.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
