A team of researchers from Chiang Mai University (Thailand) has recently announced the discovery of a new flowering plant species.
This new plant species belongs to the Annonaceae family and was identified from samples collected in Narathiwat Province, located in the southern part of this Southeast Asian nation.
New plant species from Thailand with simple leaves and flowers. (Source: Species New to Science)
Members of the Annonaceae family are primarily found in tropical regions such as Central and South America, as well as Asia and Africa, with only a few species residing in temperate zones.
The main characteristic of this plant is its simple leaves, which grow alternately in two rows along the branches.
The researchers have named this new plant species Friesodielsia lalisaeDamth, Baka, and Chaowasku in honor of Thai K-pop singer Lalisa “Lisa” Manoban, who is a member of the South Korean girl group Blackpink.
According to the Chiang Mai University research team, one of the team members was inspired by Lisa to pursue a Ph.D.
Currently, the team is conducting a research project on the taxonomy and evolution of rare and unknown plant species within the Annonaceae family in Thailand for conservation purposes, with support from the Office of Innovation and Thai Science Research and the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation.
