Two new plant species discovered in Quang Tri.

DNVN - Vietnamese and international scientists have officially announced the discovery of two new plant species in the Dong Chau - Khe Nuoc Trong Nature Reserve, located in Kim Ngan commune, Quang Tri province. This event further affirms the biodiversity value of this reserve.

Two new plant species were recorded during the biodiversity survey: Dong Chau Stone Gooseberry and Black Stone Garlic.

The scientific name for the Dong Chau rock tamarind is Perilimnastes dongchauensis.

This species belongs to the Melastomataceae family and is named after the location where the first type specimen was discovered. Dong Chau Stone Ox is a small shrub, usually growing on rocks in lowland evergreen forests, distributed along humid valley slopes and streams at altitudes from 100 to 750m. Morphologically, the trunk and leaf stalks are covered with a thick layer of hairs, and the leaves are opposite and nearly equal in size. The most attractive feature of this species is its large, purplish-pink flowers with four distinctive petals, noticeably larger than those of its close relatives.

Tam Đá Động Châu. Photo: Động Châu - Khe Nước Trong Nature Reserve.

Currently, the Dong Chau Stonecrop has only been found in two locations: the Dong Chau - Khe Nuoc Trong Nature Reserve and the Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park. Thanks to its relatively stable population and location within a strictly protected area, this species is classified as Least Concern according to the criteria of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

Black rock garlic has the scientific name Aspidistra nigrescens.

Unlike the common asparagus fern, the black asparagus fern belongs to the Asparagaceae family and is a perennial herbaceous plant that grows on the ground in evergreen limestone mountain forests at an altitude of 800-900m. This plant belongs to the Aspidistra zinaidae group and is extremely distinctive with its small, bell-shaped flowers with dark purple, almost completely black, petals.

Black rock garlic. Photo: Dong Chau - Khe Nuoc Trong Nature Reserve.

Compared to its closest relative, A. heterocarpa, Black Rock Garlic possesses several distinct characteristics: leaves clustered at the apex of the rhizome, a longer bell-shaped perianth, separate stamens, and a smooth, wrinkled fruit surface. This species is endemic to the limestone mountainous region of Dong Chau - Khe Nuoc Trong and is also classified as Least Concern by the IUCN.

The discovery of the Dong Chau rock tamarind and black rock garlic not only enriches the scientific data on Vietnam's flora but also provides a solid foundation for research, management, and sustainable conservation of natural forest ecosystems in this important area.

Hien Thao

Source: https://doanhnghiepvn.vn/cong-nghe/phat-hien-2-loai-thuc-vat-moi-tai-quang-tri/20260422025152916