Recently, researchers published a new plant species, Lysimachia danxiashanensis, discovered in Danxia Mountain in Shaoguan, Guangdong. At present, the number of new plant species discovered and documented in Danxia Mountain has increased to 22.
Lysimachia danxiashanensis is an endemic species in Danxia Mountain. It is currently only found in four small locations in Danxia Mountain, and the number of adult plants does not exceed 200 individuals. The conservation status of the new species was evaluated as Endangered (EN) according to IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria.
This new species has purplish-red plants, a petiole without wings, a calyx with orange glandular, and the upper half of the corolla margin serrated with orange-red glandular punctates. It belongs to Lysimachia subgen.
Lysimachia L. is a member of the tribe Lysimachieae (Primulaceae) and is composed of over 200 species. China is considered to be the origin and diversity center of Lysimachia, with 138 native species having been recorded in the Flora of China, of which nearly 80% are endemic species. In recent years, many new species of this genus have been described, highlighting more opportunities for discoveries in China. It is also an important medicinal resource and is widely used. Many types can be used for treating rheumatic pain, malaria, cholecystitis, gallstones, snake bites, and other diseases.
Danxia Mountain has diverse habitat types and ecosystems. In recent years, Sun Yat-sen University has carried out scientific research on biodiversity in Danxia Mountain. As of January 2024, 2,318 species of plants have been discovered, along with 282 species of birds, 29 species of amphibians, and reptiles. A total of 41 new species of animals and plants have been discovered and named.
Author: Alice
Editor: Nan, Abby, James
