Discovered 2 new plant species of the Rubiaceae in Kon Chu Rang Nature Reserve, Gia Lai

31/03/2022

Scientists from Institute of Tropical Biology and Institute of Geography under Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, and Can Tho University have discovered, described and announced two new plant species for science (Lasianthus naikii V.S.Dang & Vuong and Lasianthus sonlangensis V.S.Dang, Vuong & Quan) of the Rubiaceae in Kon Chu Rang Nature Reserve, Gia Lai province.

Lasianthus naikii V.S.Dang & Vuong

Lasianthus naikii VSDang & Vuong was discovered at an altitude of 1000-1100m on the route from K50 waterfall to three-storey waterfall, under the type of evergreen closed forest in Kon Chu Rang Nature Reserve, Gia Lai province. The species name “naikii” is named after Assoc.Prof.Dr. Akyo Naiki, who is currently working at the University of the Ryukyus Japan. He has made many contributions to the research program of the Rubiaceae in Vietnam.

Characteristics of Lasianthus naikii V.S.Dang & Vuong

Lasianthus sonlangensis V.S.Dang, Vuong & Quan

Lasianthus sonlangensis VSDang, Vuong & Quan was discovered at an altitude of 900-1100 m on the route from the headquarters of the Nature Reserve to K50 waterfall, under the type of evergreen closed forest belonging to the Kon Chu Rang Nature Reserve, Gia Lai province. The species name “sonlangensis” is named after the commune of Son Lang, where the Nature Reserve is located and standard samples were collected to describe the new species.