Researchers have identified four new plant species in northern Thailand, highlighting the country’s rich biodiversity, according to the Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation.
Attapol Charoenchansa, the department’s chief, announced the findings on Wednesday. The discoveries were made by the department’s team, along with botanists from Kasetsart University and Trinity College Dublin in Ireland.
The research is part of the “Flora of Thailand” project, which unites local and international botanists to survey new plant species across the country. The focus is on the mountain evergreen forests in Chiang Mai, Lamphun, and Phitsanulok provinces.
Mr. Attapol described the discovery of the four new plant species in the Disporum genus as a significant achievement in botanical research for Thailand.
The first species, Disporum chiangdaoense Sarapan & Suwanph, was found in Chiang Dao Wildlife Sanctuary, Chiang Mai. This herbaceous plant reaches 94 centimeters in height and features a succulent trunk with purple flowers.
The second, Disporum dorsifixerum Sarapan & Suwanph, was located in Lamphun. This herbaceous plant stands at 160 centimeters and has a succulent trunk with pink flowers.
The third species, Disporum phuhinrongklaensis Sarapan & Chamch, was discovered in both Chiang Mai and Phitsanulok. It grows to 105 centimeters tall and produces white flowers. The name Phuhinrongklaensis comes from Phu Hin Rongkla National Park in Phitsanulok, where it was found.
Finally, Disporum scabridum Sarapan & Hodk was found at elevations of 800 to 1,000 meters in Phitsanulok. This herbaceous plant reaches 100 centimeters and has red flowers.
Mr. Attapol noted that the researchers have identified other new plants in Thailand. At least six out of 24 species from the Disporum genus have been published in the prestigious journal Bluemea.
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