After 6 months of searching, scientists discovered sparsely flowered Begonia plants in Dakrong Nature Reserve.
The information was announced by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) on the afternoon of November 18. Plants of the Begonia family (Begoniaceae), called Sparse-flowered Begonia (Begonia laxiflora) discovered by scientists from the Institute of Ecology and Biological Resources (IEBR), Institute of Forest Investigation and Planning and Dakrong Nature Reserve, Quang Tri province. This is the result of an additional survey of the list of plants and endangered and rare species in Dakrong nature reserve carried out from December 2023 to June 2024 with the support of the Development Agency. United States International (USAID).
Begonias with sparse flowers discovered in Quang Tri. Image: Project team provided
Begonia flowers are sparse (Begonia laxiflora) found growing on granite slopes along streams. This species is distinguished from other Begonias by its long inflorescences and hairless capsules. This new plant species is believed to be endemic to Vietnam, making an important addition to the rich biodiversity of the Truong Son Mountains.
Mr. Truong Quang Trung, Director of Dakrong Nature Reserve, Quang Tri province, shared that the discovery of new plant species in the Reserve is a testament to the long-term commitment to preserving and developing biodiversity in the area. area. The reserve is determined to protect rare plant species and unique ecosystems of Vietnam, contributing to maintaining natural heritage for future generations.
Mr. Nick Cox, Director of the Biodiversity Conservation Component, implemented by WWF, expects to discover many new species of plants and animals in the Truong Son range in the coming years and continue to strengthen protection of these species. this forest area.
Dakrong Nature Reserve (Quang Tri) was established in 2002 with a total natural area of 37,640 hectares. There are 597 species of plants and 45 species of animals, including 4 species of mammals and 4 species of birds that are unique to Vietnam. This area is the place where plants from the North and South and the Indochina region meet. This is also the place where the presence of the white-crested pheasant was recorded (Lophura edwardsi), has high conservation value and is in danger of extinction. Many types of flora and fauna here are listed in the Vietnam Red Book such as Saola, Truong Son Mang, Red-shanked Douc, Langur, Green Lim… Dakrong Nature Reserve with broad-leaved, evergreen ecological characteristics on lowlands and is classified as an important bird area by the World Bird Conservation Organization.