Move over, Pokémon—there’s a new discovery in the real world! Researchers in south China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region just identified a brand-new fern species named Cyrtomium adenotrichum, and it’s already turning heads in the science community. 🧪
The tiny plant, standing just 5–15 cm tall, was spotted clinging to a cliff in Nandan County—proof that adventure *does* pay off. With its rare glandular leaf axis (think: botanical glitter), this fern stands out from its relatives like a neon sign in a forest. 🌿✨
But here’s the twist: Cyrtomium adenotrichum is already labeled ‘critically endangered’ by global conservation standards. Only 10 wild plants were found, and their cliffside home is as fragile as a TikTok trend. Researchers at Guangxi Institute of Chinese Medicine and Pharmaceutical Science are now racing to study its ecological and medicinal secrets. 🔬
Published in the journal PhytoKeys, this discovery highlights China’s rich biodiversity—and why protecting these green gems matters. As one scientist put it: ‘Nature still has surprises up its sleeve.’ 🌏💚
