For the first time, scientists have created a catalog of 337 species belonging to 142 genera across 63 families of plants in the caves of Northern Vietnam.
During the investigation of the botanical diversity in cave ecosystems in Northern Vietnam, Associate Professor Dr. Do Van Truong and his team at the Vietnam National Museum of Nature, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, discovered and described 3 new plant species for science (Bredia bullata, Microchiriata minor, Primulina crassifolia) and added 6 species to the flora of Vietnam (including: Aristolochia austroyunnanensis, Brandisia kwangsiensis, Euchresta tubulosa, Henckelia nanxiensis, Primulina jingxiensis, Spiradiclis baishaiensis).
Some new and added species for the cave flora of Vietnam. (Photo: Research Team).
The scientists collected plant specimens from 33 caves across 8 provinces in Northern Vietnam: Ha Giang, Tuyen Quang, Cao Bang, Lang Son, Hoa Binh, Son La, Ninh Binh, and Thanh Hoa.
The research team identified 337 species belonging to 142 genera from 63 families of cave plants in Northern Vietnam. Among them, the ferns (Pteridophytes) accounted for 53 species (15.73%), while the angiosperms (Angiospermae) comprised 284 species (84.27%).
The study also highlighted 221 species with utilitarian value, used for ornamental purposes, medicinal applications, firewood, food, and notably, 40 species with rare genetic resources. Following their discovery, the research team established a morphological and ecological database for the 337 plant species and created molecular data for 25 endemic cave plant species or newly discovered and described species in Vietnam.
According to Professor Truong, 25 cave plant species in Northern Vietnam have been listed in the Red List, and 4 species are included in the Vietnam Red Data Book. The scientists have initially assessed the endangered status and conservation situation for the newly discovered plant species in Vietnam’s caves.
Associate Professor Dr. Do Van Truong (left) and his colleagues conducting field surveys in Northern caves. (Photo: Research Team).
The cave systems in Vietnam contain many unique biological values. Assessing the plant diversity in caves provides a scientific basis for developing conservation programs and sustainable development of rare, endemic, and valuable plant genetic resources, contributing to socio-economic development and restoring forest ecosystems on limestone mountains in Vietnam.
Professor Truong and his research team will continue to investigate and supplement the species composition of cave plants in the limestone mountain areas of Central Vietnam. He noted that the study of screening and conservation of endemic, rare plant species in limestone and cave regions is significant for utilizing unique genetic resources as a basis for restoring cave landscapes to support conservation efforts and tourism development.
