Scientists have uncovered a zesty surprise in southwest China’s Guizhou Province – Neocinnamomum citratum, a fragrant plant that smells like freshly peeled lemons! 🌿 The discovery, published in the journal PhytoKeys, adds a splash of citrusy intrigue to China’s biodiversity map.
Found in the rocky limestone forests of Xingyi Global Geopark, this plant was initially mistaken for lemon trees due to its vibrant aroma. Researchers from Guizhou’s agricultural academy confirmed it’s a brand-new species with unique leaf shapes and growth patterns. Talk about nature’s version of a plot twist! 🧪
Local communities have secretly been using its leaves as a cooking spice for years – imagine sprinkling ‘mountain lemon’ on your noodles! 🍜 With over 100 plants spotted across five locations, scientists now want to explore its potential in food flavoring and eco-tourism.
Bonus flex: Xingyi Geopark, where the plant thrives, earned UNESCO Global Geopark status in 2024 for its ancient fossils and jaw-dropping karst landscapes. Who knew rocks could be this cool? 💫
