Researchers from the Chinese Academy of Forestry and South China Agricultural University have discovered a rare new plant species in the national nature reserve of Tianfengling in Hainan, China.
Based on morphological studies and the cyclic relationship of the organism with the climate, this plant species has been confirmed as new and named “Jinzun Shuiyubei” (meaning golden cup with jade bowl). The findings have recently been published in the international plant classification journal “Phytotaxa.”
The newly discovered plant species “Jinzun Shuiyubei”. (Photo: Xinhua).
“Jinzun Shuiyubei” is a species of myco-heterotrophic plant. It features short and coarse roots, a straight and unbranched stem, yellow in color, with a translucent surface displaying a net-like pattern. According to researcher Xu Han from the Tropical Forestry Institute of the Chinese Academy of Forestry, plants belonging to the genus Shuiyubei have very strict environmental requirements; most of them are distributed in tropical regions, with a small number found in subtropical and temperate areas. The unique ecological environment of Hainan provides optimal living conditions for “Jinzun Shuiyubei” and is home to diverse plant species like this one in China.
Senior researcher Yang Haiqun from South China Agricultural University also mentioned that the name “Jinzun Shuiyubei” is derived from a famous poem “Invitation to Wine” by Li Bai, a poet from the Tang Dynasty. The plant’s yellow flowers and cup-like shape inspired this naming, aiming to use the plant as a medium to convey traditional culture, highlighting the beauty of nature intertwined with human culture. This could enhance public ecological awareness and promote cultural exchange.
Researcher Yang Haiqun emphasized that plants belonging to the genus Shuiyubei are very rare and highly sensitive to changes in the forest ecological environment. The discovery of this species indicates that the conservation efforts for tropical rainforests in Hainan are effective, enriching plant species diversity and expanding the gene pool of wild flora.
