In the Jianfengling National Forest Park in Hainan Province, South China, researchers have discovered a new plant species that they have named Thismia jinzun. This is reported by Xinhua News Agency, a partner of TV BRICS. The name of the plant is inspired by a poem by the famous poet Li Bai (701–762) and is related to the shape and colour of the flower, which resembles a golden glass.

This rare plant belongs to the genus Thismia, which is characterised by strict habitat requirements. Most representatives of the genus are found in tropical regions, while in subtropical and temperate-warm zones there are fewer of them. The unique ecosystem of Hainan Island has created ideal conditions for the new species, making it an important element of the biodiversity of the genus Thismia in China. There are 107 known species of the genus Thismia in the world, 9 of which have been found in China.

Researchers say the discovery of the new species confirms the effectiveness of rainforest conservation efforts in the mountainous area of Hainan. Thanks to these efforts, the local diversity of plant species has been enriched, and the genetic resources of wild plants have expanded.

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