Previously Undocumented Plant Species Discovered in Colombia, a Biological Treasure
Researchers found a shrub species in the tropical mountain rainforest of Cueva de los Guacharos National Natural Park (PNNGC), located in the southern Colombian Andes, in the departments of Huila and Caqueta, which they have not hesitated to describe as “a new biological treasure for the world.” It is Trichostigma guacharense, a previously undocumented plant […]
A new plant species, Trichostigma guacharense, has been discovered in Colombia’s Cueva de los Guacharos National Natural Park. Researchers from the Universidad Militar Nueva Granada and Universidad de los Andes found the shrub in the southern Colombian Andes, in the departments of Huila and Caqueta. The plant, which can grow up to three meters tall, belongs to the Petiveriaceae family and is unique to this protected reserve.
Trichostigma guacharense is easily distinguishable from other members of its genus due to its distinctive leaves, grooved petioles, unique stamen arrangement, and reddish-magenta-colored inflorescences. Despite being widespread throughout Colombia, the species remains under-studied, and this discovery represents a significant addition to botanical science.
Named in honor of the PNNGC and the oilbird, Trichostigma guacharense highlights the importance of well-preserved Andean and sub-Andean forests, as well as the value of collaborative research efforts among academia, government agencies, and local communities in safeguarding Colombia’s ecological heritage.
Written by urgent.news from Colombia One's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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