Vietnam discovers new plant species

A new plant species in the Aristolochiaceae family was recently discovered in Xuan Lien Nature Reserve in Vietnam's central Thanh Hoa province.

The new species, named Aristolochia Xuanlienensis after the place where it was found, has not yet been found anywhere else in the world, reported Vietnam's state-run news agency VNA on Thursday.

Accordingly, after discovering the plant, Vietnamese scientists, in coordination with Chinese experts, analyzed and compared samples of leaves, flowers, fruits and seeds of the plant. Differences in morphological characteristics compared to previously described plants are found.

In addition, during research on biodiversity in Xuan Lien nature reserve, scientists also discovered the presence of three species of flora, which have so far not been recorded in Vietnam, including Lindera Megaphylla P.C, Kailarsenia LineatA R.Br, and Didymocarpus Pupureobracteatus Smith, reported VNA.

Also between 2012 and 2014, about 30 Roosevelt's muntjac deers, an animal believed to be extinct 84 years ago, were found alive in Xuan Lien Nature Reserve.

Scientists found DeoxyriboNucleic Acid (DNA) samples taken from skin and horns of the deer in local households are identical to the DNA of a Roosevelt's muntjac exhibited at the U.S. Museum of Natural History.