Scientists Unearth Botanical Treasure in Guangdong
Move over, Pokémon—researchers just found a real-life nature rarity! A team from Sun Yat-sen University has identified Paraphlomis baiwanensis, a mint-family newcomer thriving in Qingyuan City's limestone landscapes. 🏞️
During 2023 biodiversity surveys, scientists spotted the mystery plant in Baiwan Provincial Nature Reserve, launching a year-long CSI-style investigation using DNA analysis and field observations. 🔍🧪
Why This 🌱 Matters
With fewer than 100 individual plants found at 300m elevation, this species is already conservation priority. 'It's like finding a needle in a limestone haystack,' said co-discoverer Prof. Fan Qiang.
Published in PhytoKeys, the discovery highlights south China's role as a biodiversity hotspot—perfect timing as young travelers rediscover eco-tourism post-pandemic. 🌏✈️
