Scientists have unveiled a new plant species, Paraphlomis baiwanensis, discovered in the Baiwan Provincial Nature Reserve in Qingyuan City, Guangdong. This remarkable find, detailed in the international journal PhytoKeys, highlights the region's rich biodiversity.
The discovery was made during a comprehensive biodiversity survey across the karst mountains in 2023. The research team conducted a year-long field investigation, utilizing morphological studies, molecular phylogeny, and population genetics to confirm the uniqueness of the species.
Paraphlomis baiwanensis is currently known from a single population of fewer than 100 individuals, thriving at an altitude of approximately 300 meters on limestone mountains. According to Fan Qiang, an associate professor at the School of Life Sciences at Sun Yat-sen University and one of the study's authors, this finding underscores the importance of preserving natural habitats in the region.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
