Imagine stumbling upon a plant that looks like a golden goblet straight out of a legendary poem! 🌟 That's exactly what happened in the lush rainforests of Hainan Province, south China's Hainan Province.
Chinese researchers have unveiled a rare and fascinating plant species named Thismia jinzun, inspired by a golden goblet mentioned in a masterpiece by the renowned poet Li Bai (701-762). The plant's unique shape and shimmering appearance make it a true natural treasure! 🏺✨
Discovered in the Jianfengling section of the Hainan Tropical Rainforest National Park, this plant belongs to the elusive Thismia genus. These plants are super picky about their environment, thriving mainly in tropical regions and rarely found elsewhere. Talk about being high-maintenance! 😎🌿
Hainan's unique ecological vibes make it the perfect home for Thismia jinzun, turning the island into a hotspot for biodiversity. Out of 107 known Thismia species worldwide, nine have been recorded in China, with Hainan leading the way in discoveries!
According to Xu Han from the Research Institute of Tropical Forestry, the discovery highlights the importance of conserving Hainan's tropical montane rainforests. 🌳 The ongoing efforts are not just preserving nature but also enriching the diversity of local plant species and expanding our wild plant genetic resources.
As Yang Haijun from South China Agricultural University puts it, finding Thismia jinzun is like discovering a golden goblet in nature's treasure chest! 🏆💚
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
